i did my first modification today, i put on my new wheels...

continental extreme contact
front 18x8.5 shod in 235/40/18
back 18x9.5 shod in 275/40/18

my goal was to:

1. increase traction, hence 275 rear.
2. change gear ratio, widen the gearing, hence the rear tires are taller than stock.
3. make my car pothole safe, look on a map of the US, the pothole is where i live, hence the larger sidewall and 18s in the back.
4. give myself snow traction, so the tires are the best all seasons with snow capability money can buy, the width isn't going to help my snow traction however, thinner is better for snow...

what went wrong:

1. front suspension tires rubbed on upper arm bolt, luckily it was just a section of the bolt that was exposed and not needed, die grinder took care of that.
2. rear, the wheel bolts went into the parking brake, ordering new spring that go mangled monday.
3. rear needs a 20 - 25mm spacer to make it look as i would like.
4. i really need a drop now !

what went super right:

HOLY CRAP it is so much faster now since the traction control does not try to engage at the top of 1st and 2nd... i think this is just what the car needed as i drive it pegging the redline when i really drive it and lose nearly no RPM between shifts so the traction of the stock tires did not suffice when i would shift from 1st to 2nd and the traction control or ASM would kick in ending all the fun... now even with the traction control on, it rips through 1st and 2nd without a problem..


i'll post pictures in the wheels section AFTER i get the spacers as it does not look good at all right now...

 

Careful on how low you wanna go. With the negative camber in my H&R Cup Kit you'll need a camber kit or change the upper arm control to remove the rubbing and fast wearing of the inner sidewall of your front tires.

 

thanks Cyril, something to consider... i'll be sure to bust out the ruler and take some careful measurements before i go for the drop...

 

If you know a camber kit that will correct the negative camber problem, please keep me informed.
Thanks!