I have read the FAQ's I don't know how many times and the problem is I don't really understand the charts and other information provided so I'm hoping someone can help me answer a few questions so I can avoid screwing anything up when I go to buy wheels.. so here's my questions along with the basic car information
Car: 2002 Cavalier Coupe (Non-ECOtec), Stock suspension, 2200 SFI engine, Full Drift Body Kit
my questions are this:
1. Although i know they will fit size wise, I'm wondering is it possible to fit either 18x7.5" or 18x8" wheels on the car with proper sized tires WITHOUT RUBBING when turning or when the suspension compresses (bumps etc.)
2. From what I've read in the FAQ's the proper tire size for an 18" wheel is 225/40/R18, is that correct or is there a better alternative?
3. With the body kit I have will it be possible to lower the car at all and not have any rubbing if I decide to go with 18" wheels? And also will that answer depend on the width of the rim (7.5" vs. 8")?
4. Assuming I did go with 18" wheels, is it true that regardless or lowering or not I will have to roll my fenders to accomodate the larger wheel/tire size?
5. (Kind of an opinion question) Would it just be more practical or, for lack of a better word, "easier" to just get 17" wheels w/ proper tires if I plan on lowering?
Any help in this matter would be appreciated greatly.
Thanks in advance
www.driftnamiperformance.com
1) yes you can fit a 18x7.5 or a 18x8 but make sure if you get an 8" wide wheel to get a low offset (something like a 38 or 40). if your concerned about rubbing, i would get the 7.5" wide.
2) yes 225/40/18 is the proper size. there are other sizes that will work but the majority of people use the 225/40/18
3) this has to deal with question 4 too. you can still lower your car but you will more than likely have to roll the fenders
4) if you lower it, yes you will probably have to roll your fenders. at stock height, no you do not have to roll the fenders. unless your struts are blown, the fenders shouldnt come in contact with the tire at stock height.
5) no 18s are fine. there is no big difference between 17s or 18s. i have been lowered on both and prefer the 18s.
4) You shouldn't have to roll your fenders when you lower it on 18"s. It of course depends on how low you want to go but for about a 2" drop you should be fine. I'm lowered about 2" on 225/40/ZR18's and I have no problems.
With 18X8, you definitely increase the odds of something rubbing, which would possibly require fender rolling. The 18X7.5 would give a slight bit more clearance especially if you lower.
depending on the tires, I know the 225/40zr18 bfg G-Force sport tires look really good on them, nice and lined up, does not look like the tire is too wide or too narrow
