Any Rubbing When Lowered With 16's ?

[StormB]

Hey all,

 

I'm looking at some 7x16 wheels, with 195/40/16 tyres. Eventually I'll want to get the car lowered as well.

 

Can I do both without any rubbing (including people sitting in the back)?

 

I've obviously seen pictures on various websites with setups like this (eg, http://my107.blogspot.com/2007/09/nice-red...geot-107.html), but there's never any mention whether rubbing is an issue or not.

 

Perhaps someone here has got this setup and can comment?

 

Cheers,

 

Will

[TurboSlag]

How much you thinking of lowering it, and whats the spring rate of the new coils compared to the old?

 

The questions a bit too open without some more background info.

 

7inchers might cause you problems even before lowering. I got 6.5" 15s and they kiss the inner arch ever so slightly on one side on full lock, and I can't see a phatter rim being anything but worse.

[StormB]

I'll lower whatever I can to make her handle better and fill the arches a bit! I have no idea of spring rates - I've not decided on any particular brand at the mo.

 

I'm really just trying to gather info at the mo. Your post has quite surprised me, as many have said that "16s will go on a C1 no problem", but they haven't mentioned anything about rubbing (front or back).

 

If you're getting those problems with 15's then I may need to look at getting some 6x15's instead!

 

What profile tyres do you have on TurboSlag?

 

Is your car lowered, if so by how much?

 

Cheers,

 

Will

[TurboSlag]

I got 195/50 15s. The biggest handling problem (not a major issue, cos with some proper rubber they behave very well indeed) once the wheels are on is an under damped and under sprung front end, and lowering doesn't cure that. Remember, these cars have only around 2/3 the suspension stroke of a more conventionally sized car, such as a Focus, and using up 30-35mm of that is a very big deal. The other problem you'll encounter is that if you drop below 30mm the driveshafts will be bent in the negative plane and it's going to cause CV/driveshaft wear and failure.

 

There is a Citroen Sport spring kit available which maintains standard ride height and is firmer, but it's ultra rare and(I think) is only officially available on the continent.

 

By brother in law runs his own firm, working as a suspension engineer modifying tuned Jags, and he's liaising with one of his suppliers to get a set of fronts custom wound for me. It's gonna have to wait til I can live without the car for 3 or 4 days while they take the front struts off and do their measuring. When it' done though, they'll be able to make more for anyone that wants them.

 

I'd do your wheels first, and see how you like it cos they'll bring a big improvement on their own. The biggest handling limitationon the standard car is those skinny 155s that deform and tuck under when you're trying to have fun. Some people claim it's 'body roll' but trust me, it ain't, its the crappy tyre size.

[Martin_1973_uk]

The ride is hard and bumpy enough without lowering the car. I had this done on an MR2 of mine and it made it very uncomfortable. Be warned.......