Which First: Springs or Wheels?

[50313]

I have an '03 Protege 5 and am going to get some 17x7 wheels for it. I am also going to get either the Racing Beat or Eibach Pro springs.

Should I do the wheels, then the springs? The springs, then the wheels? Should they both be done together? Does it matter?

Sorry if this has been posted before. I was unable to find it if it has.

Thanks,

-peel

 

[NOTSPCY]

wheels ( then springs ) Just my opinion

 

[shane02pro5]

Make sure you get the right wheel offset or they will rub when you drop it!
48-50mm offset

 

[50313]

wheels ( then springs ) Just my opinion

Yeah that's my major concern, which is why I'm leaning towards the racing beat springs.

Like I said, the wheels I want are 17x7s. They have a 45mm offset, which, based on Rishie's guide, should be okay. I am going to get 215/40 17 tires.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get much response as to whether or not this wheel/tire/offset combo is okay as I don't want any rubbing at all. I'm okay with rolling my fenders, but other than that...

Thanks,

-peel

 

[Dimitrios]

45 is cutting it close to be sure.

It sounds like you have an idea where you want head with your suspension. If your heart is dead set on those wheels and you cant' get them in a larger offset, you may also look at wheel spacers (or as you suggested, rolling the fenders).

 

[Reitrof]

45 offset with 215's will rub. I had 45 with 205's and had to roll the driver rear fender. The tire would rub under heavy load or large bumps.

If you want to go 215's you will need to stay with the stock offset which is 50.

You didn't say if you were going to replace the struts.

Do struts and springs 1st. The handling will better than stock and the stock rims will look better once lowered. You can then go to rims later.

I would choose the RB over eibach. Drop isn't as much and the ride will be better.

 

[Nomad]

wheels with stock height looks dumb IMO, especially if you upsize.
Drop looks great with stock rims and then later on you'll put the wheels on and look that much better, and you'll know that the wheels fit.
Springs also improve handling so you'll be loving life.

 

[shane02pro5]

I've never been a fan of fender rolling... weakens it and then you get a flat= body shop especiially pushin it with a 45 offset. I had 205/40/17 7.5 width 45mm offset and machined off 5mm or they rubbed with my old prokit. Tucked in there perfectly and now the same with 215/35/18's with coilovers much lower. Also keep in mind that some tires have a more square profile like my bfg g-force kdw's in the same size wont fit in the rear. Sawsall and bondo with 17x9 I'm gonna sqeeze in next with a little more rubber to the ground !

 

[50313]

So it looks like I'm gonna find some wheels with a 48mm offset now. No biggie. I've since decided I may go with black rims with a machined lip, which is something I had never considered before.

I'll definitely lower first or, at this point, I may be able to do it at the same time. I'm going to get some Tokico blues as well.

This leads me to a new question. I know a lot of people recommend the racing beat springs or the eibach prokit. Are the msp racing beat springs the same as the ones you'd pick up at protege garage? I also read somewhere that the racing beat springs actually lower the rear more than the front. Is this true as well?

I'm looking into that group buy on the tein springs, I won't get the S-Techs but would consider the H-Techs. Does anyone have an opinion on them? Also, does anyone have any experience with the B+G lowering springs sold at protege garage? Call me weird but I am letting color affect my decision on springs. It's not the #1 factor but it's probably tied with price for second

Thanks again for all your responses.

-peel