215/40/17 w/ 42mm offset. will it work?

[jonlong]

I'm looking at getting a 17x7 w/ a 42mm offset (Enkei Evo6) for my P5. I also plan on lowering with the Tein S-Tech springs (1.8"F 1.5"R). What is the biggest tire size I can go with? I don't want to get a super-thin tire because the roads around here suck, and it will make my car rattle more over bumps.

I'd like to go w/ a 215/40/17 if that would work, but according to Rishie's guide, I'll have to go with a 205/40/17. I'd be fine w/ a 205/40/17, but I'm not sure if it'll work when my car is lowered.

Thanks in advance.

Edit: Would I most likely rub in the front or back? If I choose to roll the fenders, would I have to remove any part of the inside of the wheel well?

 

[RaiderMS3]

According to the tire fitment guide, 205's barely fit. But I just did an advanced search for 215 in the protege5 section, as I thought this was discussed recently.

http://protege5.com/vbb230/showthread.php?t=123628521&highlight=215Check it out.

 

[NJP5Guy]

it'll work

 

[jonlong]

it'll work

the 215 or the 205?

 

[NJP5Guy]

both. my only advice is try to find a higher offset(stock is 50mm, 45 or higher is preferable). don't lower the car too much or the 215 will more than likely rub. i think im gunna get enkei rpf1 which has a 48mm offset in a 17x7.5 and am gunna run 215/40/17

i like the look of my car now wth the RB springs(you can definately see that its lowered if you know a stock p5). it was a moderate lowering but with a big impact on handling....much more fun.

 

[toucci]

heck, with a full load I rub in the rear with 215/40/17 and 17x7 +45 offset. my tires run kind of wide though. 42 will rub but you can roll your fenders to make it work.

 

[NJP5Guy]

heck, with a full load I rub in the rear with 215/40/17 and 17x7 +45 offset. my tires run kind of wide though. 42 will rub but you can roll your fenders to make it work.

that is true, some tires are wider than others even though they are the same size...go figure.

 

[jonlong]

Thanks for all the info so far. I think I'm gonna go with the 205/40/17, to be on the safe side. Changing the offset isn't really an option because I am pretty set on a specific wheel. The only thing I can think of is if the wheel can be machined a few more millimeters, but I don't want to compromise the structural integrity of the wheel.

I looked at my fenders today to see how much they can be rolled, and the rear fender looks pretty easy to do and I can gain about 3/4 - 1 inch of clearance. I don't see any room for improvement on the front fenders, though. Any guidance here would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RaiderMS3]

Well, there are several ways to roll the fenders. Find someone who knows how to with a baseball bat, and do it that way. I know Street Unit does have a fender roller availble for rent too. Call Cullen up, and he can give you the low down on renting it. 321-251-6124.

 

[protegeFive]

NICE..

post some pics when you get the wheels. .i was thinking of getting the EVO9's .. what color are you getting them in?

I went with 205/40/17 with the 42 offset... on 5zigen wheels

 

[jonlong]

I won't be getting the wheels for at least another month or so, but here is what they look like.

Enkei Evo 6, 17x7, Hyper Black (Actually a gunmetal color, not black).

 

[jonlong]

Also, for those of you that have rolled your fenders, did you remove anything from the wheel well? Or did you just roll the sheet metal up?