New wheels arrived today!
 

I have only owned my Crossfire for a couple of weeks and while the car looked almost brand new the original wheels where really beat up which helped me get a good deal. I was trying to get a plausible OEM look. I think these wheels are a little like SRT6 wheels. Tell me what you think. The wheels are Mercedes 18x8 and 18x9 with 32 ET. If I have done my math right I will need 10mm spacers on the rear. for tires I will be running 255/40/18 and 235/40/18. This set up should be pretty close to OEM (just slightly wider and taller in the front and exactly the same in the rear). By going with 18's I have a much wider selection of tires to choose from. I am also trying to soften the ride just enough that the wife won't notice a harsher ride when i install the lowering springs.

Re: New wheels arrived today!
 

Nice choice... AND you do have a larger choice with 18s all around.

I expect to see pictures of the finished install... :D

Re: New wheels arrived today!
 

Thanks, I will post pictures as I go. I am trying to decide on tires and brake pads. I see you guys here like the Rotex Gold. I have had similar success in the past with EBC pads. These stock pads are the dirtiest things I have ever seen. I also need a set of spacers and lug bolts and lowering springs.

I was amazed at all the choices that come into play with 18's. I can pick between H, V, and on up the speed ratings. One thing i am looking for is a decent ride. I don't like rock hard tires that feel like I am riding on bare rims.

Re: New wheels arrived today!
 

Here they are mounted.

I also lowered the car myself yesterday by cutting exactly one coil off each spring. I have lowered a few cars this way with excellent results. I did use some after market springs on a Mini Cooper S and after reading everything to try to find springs that would preserve the ride I ended up disappointed. It seems that everyone that makes springs wants to "improve the handling". I liked the handling I all ready had, I just wanted it a little lower. Using the OEM spring on the Crossfire I ended up with a ride that was OEM, just a little lower.

For tire I ended up using 265x40x18 in the rear on 18x9's. The tires are 10mm wider and slightly larger around. The fronts are 225x40x18 on 18x8's. Not a bit of rubbing any where. The 265 40's on the rear give a business like meaty look and also give me pretty much unlimited choices when buying tires. The ride is also better than the stock 19's but not at all less responsive. Feels like there is a lot less unsprung weight back there!

Re: New wheels arrived today!
 

Trying to post pictures again...but won't let me since I already posted them in the Coupe section. Please view them there in the "busy with cost effective mods" thread.