[Honkeytonk Monkey]

05blackzx5,May 28 2006, 08:47 AM Wrote:18s r too big for that car
unless u like the sound of rubbing every time u turn
good way to eat your tires
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18x7.5" wheels with a 205 will not rub at all. I rub because I have 215s stretched onto an 8" wide wheel. I rubbed with my 17s too when I ran a 225. You just have to keep tire width in check. Rolling the fenders is quick and easy and then 215s will no longer rub. As it stands I'm catching the raised part on the rear fender liner, which I just dremeled off in my old car. In the front I'm fine.

Most of the rubbing occurs on the highway on the rediculous dips in the road you can find between Edmonton and Saskatoon. I don't rub in the corners unless I hit a big bump or dip while cornering hard which is rare. A larger set of sway bars will all but eliminate the rubbing in the corners, expecially after I dremel off the rear clip from the inner liner.

The big problem with 18s and 19s is really just the roads here, but simply paying attention solves most of that, not all, but most. Bent wheels are part of the territory with larger wheels which makes them a bit impracticle, so you have to weigh that against how much you want the look of the 18s. On my car, I think the Redlines look better than the Monzas. I wish the Redlines were an 18" but I don't think the Monzas look as good in a 17" size. The difference in ride isn't that big either. 215/35R18s will transmit more bridge expansion joint blips, but potholes and expansion cracks from winter are harsh either way.