HELP:17inch BBS RS Reps..How low can I go?

ANDREW_MP5

Member
:
2002 Mazda Protege5
Hey Guys, I NEED HELP!
I just picked up 17" BBS RS Reps for my Mp5, Tires on them are 215/45/17 (will check off set and add to this post). The side wall of the tire is approx 2" from the lip of the rim(to put in perspective). Now my question is Would a 2" drop on springs be too low and cause rubbing? I tried to measure all the dimensions my self but its pretty complicated lol. I really need help on this, Im strictly going for looks tbh, although any handling gains would be an added bonus.

im going back and forth on these:

- MEGAN RACING MR-LS-MP501
fnt:280lbs/(1.9inch drop)
bck:230lbs/(2.0inch drop)

http://www.meganracing.com/product.asp?prodid=484&catid=44

-TEIN SKM46-AUB00 - S-TECH
fnt:179 lbs/ (1.7inch drop)
bck:146 lbs/(1.5inch drop)

http://www.tdotperformance.ca/tein-skm46-aub00-s-tech-spring-kit.html

I would like to get the best bang for my buck and go the full 2inch drop for a cheaper price but if its going to cause problems like rubbing I would rather not roll my fenders and just get the tein's.
Thanks Again you Beauts!!!
 
How bouncy do you want your car to be? Those Megans have pretty crazy spring rates for a Protege. The teins might not drop you as much, but at least your fillings won't fall out of your teeth from the bouncing. Eibachs will drop you as much as the Megans but they wont be so punishing. Maybe a set of Tokico blue struts would be a good call too.

Whats the offset of the wheels? There should be a sticker on the inside of the barrel.

EDIT: scroll down to MAZDA. ;)
http://eibach.com/america/en/performance-suspension/closeout
 
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215/45/17 is a huge tire. I ran that size of tire with the eibach pro-kit, and it worked out okay. that was on 17x7.5 +40 offset wheels. Probably 2 degrees camber in the back though.
 
Would they rub on a 2inch drop? I know the spring rate is crazy but I figure it would have to be so less of a chance of bottoming out?
 
With those tires they might rub, but it isn't a big deal to roll the fender lips in. If you really want to do it on the cheap you can use a heat gun and a rubber mallet. It shouldn't be too difficult to find someone local with a fender roller though
 
Thats what I thought aha, Dumb of me to think I could get away with no rubbing LOL, Ill look around at the shops up in Toronto and see what they would charge. But now that I think about it... I feel like a 2 inch drop is a bit unnecessary considering I would end up with a 2 degree negative camber and run my tires out faster. I think Ill do some more homework and look into the Pro Kit.
 
A good pairing with lowering springs are Koni Sport shocks (yellow). They maintain their firmness/softness setting (adjustable for rebound), no matter how low the spring drop is. OEM shocks will get really firm and if you drop more then 1.5", there's a greater chance of crashing into the bump stops. My Eibach Pro-kit springs came with shorter bump stops (forgot whether they are fronts or rears).
 

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