Huge fender gaps
 

hey guys,

Just bought a set of eibach pro kit springs for my 03 GT. I`ve also just purchased a set of 18x9 and 18x10 rims. I`m now looking to buy tires over here (I`m in Scotland) to put on the wheels when they arrive from the US along with the spring kit.
I`ve pencilled in for the minute 295/35/18s for the rear and 255/40/18s for the front.
This keeps the $hit the same size and a midgets ball hair up on stock (245/45/17).

My question is this. The gaps in the fenders are frickin huge on a new edge. Even when its been lowered by the 1.5 inch (apparently) a family of Ethiopians could still live in there. Would it be wise to up size the tires a tiny bit for cosmetic purposes or would it be better left as is?

275/40/18 on the back for example?

Leave it that way it is for now. I think you'll be happy with the way the car sits with the new springs. If you want it lower than that you might as well get coilovers. A new set of well mathched shochs and struts will help with ride quality. I have 295 sized tires on my 18x10 rims and I'm happy with them, wouldn't want to go more narrow.

Ok, :)

I was on the phone this morning to the local tyre fitters. He can get me 295/35/18 Michelins for £229 ($355) a tyre. Thats a spectacular deal so i think I`ll take them for the back at that price.

btw, how much has your car been dropped mate?

and 265's or 275's up front for your 9" fronts is what you should be looking at as well. 245's are skinny, for 8" rims. You may get some rubbing on the control arm at extreme turning angles. If you want to close the fender gap more you'll need coil over conversion and some other suspension parts so you can adjust it to that point. I would NOT do that. There's almost no clearance for suspension travel after the fender lip. You'd need some nasty spring rates.

My car is too low. I've got coilovers in the front and adjustable control arms with conventional springs in the rear. The rear has five inches of space between the lip of the rim (not the tire) and the fender edge. On the front you can fit about two fingers between the tire and fender edge. I need to raise my car up a bit. The problem is that handling and performamce is severly dampened by lowering the car that much and the loss of proper suspension geometry. The point is, it may look good to be that low but the car is going to ride and drive poorly.

Thanks guys. Advice taken onboard. ;)