Had the springs installed this past weekend. The drop is perfect! Also the ride is pretty good, just a little stiffer then stock. I have to drive 70 miles for work every day, so I didn't want anything too harsh. Camber doenst really look like an issue. The front is just a tiny bit higher then the rear....Overall Im very happy with the springs! :biggrin:

Hopefully these pics will help out anybody looking at getting these springs. I tried to lighten the contrast so you could see exactly where the top of the tire was in all shots.

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_01.jpg

Front -
http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_02.jpg
http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_05.jpg

Rear-
http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_03.jpg
http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_04.jpg

Now i just need some tires !
http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/rota_06.jpg

Looking good, I need to work on my suspension also, just don't have the time. Speaking of tires, I believe the oem tires at least the yokohamas, are suppose to be good for 45,000 miles, not sure about the toyo's which probably are the same. BTW, what size are the gold rims?

thanks man, the new wheels are 18x9.5 ET44. I hope they fit

Yea, it might fit. Here is what mine looks like.. I used the OEM key so you can get an idea how high it sits...

"1stOne (http://www.scionlife.com/forums/member.php?u=198299)" is running 18x9.5" Limited Edition Black Enkei RPF1 wheels, 255/40R18 Advan AD08, but thats with trd springs...


http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/3148/fullz.jpg


Front

http://imageshack.us/m/810/4965/frontsu.jpg


Rear(holy wheel gap!!)

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3975/backpsc.jpg

Get tires for those Rotas...now!

^yea haha. I'm sticking with the oem rims, just getting some Kuhmo Ecsta XS tires for my track days... They don't have them in your size. Are you looking for just daily driving tires, or a blend of performance and daily driving tires. I see that you drive 70 miles to work but you might want to hit the twisties every now and then..

As for tires im looking at:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&tireModel=ExtremeContact+DW&partnum=44YR8ECDW&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

or

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=G-MAX+AS-03&partnum=44WR8GMAS03&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes


Lug nuts should be here today, so im going to bolt on one of the rotas and lower it down on to some 2x4's and see what kinda clearance I have. Prolly order the tires tonight! 8)

Nice! I like them! When you grabbin tires?

Well, I just did a test fit. Bolted up the wheel and lowered it on to some 2x4's stacked the same height as a sidewall on a 245/40/18 (98mm). The lip of the wheel is about 1mm in from the fender. I think the 245/40/18 will fit. Im really a new to all this so...im not really sure :nails: Lookin at tires as we speak

thoughts...suggestions are always welcomed


Last weekend I had nightmares of tire fitment issues! lol

You'll be the first to experiment with that width and that drop. I think a 245 will work for you though just from referencing off mine.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/3148/fullz.jpg


Is that seriously sitting normally on stock springs? Wow, I don't know if it's the angle or just that I'm getting used to seeing lowered tCs, but that seems crazy high...

It was slightly downhill. But still need a drop lol.

For an 18 X 9.5 wheel, this is the tire that you need while keeping the diameter the same...
http://www.michelinman.com/tire-selector/size/emetric/275/35/18/(Y)/pilot-sport-ps2/tire-details (http://www.michelinman.com/tire-selector/size/emetric/275/35/18/(Y)/pilot-sport-ps2/tire-details)

Actually, a 255/40R18 is the perfect size and closest to stock while still retaining the best fitment characteristics for a 9.5" wide wheel.

However, the 245/40R18 is a hair smaller at 1% less than stock, which will improve the off the line "snap" and provide a little more clearance to the fender, which is what Tanked is concerned with.

The 275/35R18 is 1.55% smaller than stock, meaning its the furthest out of all tire sizes recommended here. The added width means that he wont be able to fit this size into the wheel well.

http://www.1010tires.com/tiresizecalculator.asp

Use this to compare.

Again, stick with the 245/40R18. Crawford Racing ran this before switching tire brands/compounds.

:yawn: Late night

Here are the pics from the test fit last night. It looks awful close to me.

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_06.jpg

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_07.jpg

245 might have just enough stretch to do it...maybe?!?

*275/35/18 would be too beefy!

Appreciate all the help!

1stOne, did you even read my post before spouting off? Your information is a bunch of generalized rules of thumb, only good for getting you started looking in the right direction. You need to go to tire manufacturer’s website (not a sales site) to get engineering data. Data are facts, sales information is bunch of BS…that will get you into trouble.

The tire that I recommended is specifically designed for an 18 X 9.5 wheel. A Michelin 245/40R18 tire has 803 revolutions per mile; the tire that I recommended has 815 revolutions per mile. [815 – 803] / 803 = 1.5% lower. The tire that I recommended will only show you 1.5% higher speeds on you speedometer… This is well within the 2% rule of thumb.

Don’t look at a sales site’s general rules…do your homework and look and the tire specifications that you are considering on the manufacturer’s website and then make your decision.

245 might have just enough stretch to do it...maybe?!?

*275/35/18 would be too beefy!

Appreciate all the help!

You've got a nice car and nice wheels...you could have awesome performance too, with the right tire choice. I’m sorry to hear that you are going to screw up a good thing by stretching tires… good luck.

You've got a nice car and nice wheels...you could have awesome performance too, with the right tire choice. I’m sorry to hear that you are going to screw up a good thing by stretching tires… good luck.

245/40/18 are recommended for that specific wheel size on the manufacturer website. I just want a tiny slope in the sidewall to clear the fender. Its not like im one of those vw guys trying to stretch a 195 on there

Section width on a 275/35/18 is 11 inches. That would have a 1/4 inch over hang on each side. Also the contact patch would be 10.8 inches. It just wouldnt fit with the setup I am running

The Continental Extreme Contact DW tire 245/40ZR18 is designed for an 8.5” wheel. It will fit onto as much as a 9.5” wheel…maximum. These tires will perform better on an 8.5” wheel. If that is the tire you want, why didn’t you buy 8.5” wheels? I used to have Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 on my Honda…then Michelin quit making them in that size, so I was forced to change the tire brand. I went with the DW tires you are considering. As a direct comparison, the DWs are not as precise as the PE2. Still a good tire, but I would change them out to Michelins if given the opportunity.

1stOne, did you even read my post before spouting off? Your information is a bunch of generalized rules of thumb, only good for getting you started looking in the right direction. You need to go to tire manufacturer’s website (not a sales site) to get engineering data. Data are facts, sales information is bunch of BS…that will get you into trouble.

The tire that I recommended is specifically designed for an 18 X 9.5 wheel. A Michelin 245/40R18 tire has 803 revolutions per mile; the tire that I recommended has 815 revolutions per mile. [815 – 803] / 803 = 1.5% lower. The tire that I recommended will only show you 1.5% higher speeds on you speedometer… This is well within the 2% rule of thumb.

Don’t look at a sales site’s general rules…do your homework and look and the tire specifications that you are considering on the manufacturer’s website and then make your decision.

Ok, your clearly going to argue with me regardless, so let it be known that this is the last time I'm doing this.

Do you honestly think I just make up statistics to post here in the attempt to allude members? You must because you post up everytime stating "engineering" this and that like I seriously give a damn about your supposed mathematical theory.

What I posted was a link to a tire calculator. What I referenced was the tire manufacturer's web site. Your recommended tire size is 25.6", the tire size I recommended is 25.7". The tire size I run is 26". The tire size factory is 26". Are you going to continue to argue with me that what I am suggesting for tire size is wrong? The difference is, mine will actually fit on the car in discussion, yours wont.

Additionally, if you want to continue spouting off about Michelin tires, that's fine, but the Exalto PE is a junk tire in comparison to the DW. But your clearly a Michelin fanboy, which is totally fine, just make it clear that your recommendations are based on personal experience and not "FACT" as you call it.

The Continental Extreme Contact DW tire 245/40ZR18 is designed for an 8.5” wheel. It will fit onto as much as a 9.5” wheel…maximum. These tires will perform better on an 8.5” wheel. If that is the tire you want, why didn’t you buy 8.5” wheels? I used to have Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 on my Honda…then Michelin quit making them in that size, so I was forced to change the tire brand. I went with the DW tires you are considering. As a direct comparison, the DWs are not as precise as the PE2. Still a good tire, but I would change them out to Michelins if given the opportunity.

Why would a tire manufacturer state that their tire will fit on a wheel width range when in fact, your saying that that is false and wont perform properly if you use said range!!?!? OMG, the world IS FLAT!

The fact is, they give a range because that IS the range. Also note that every manufacturer designs tires a little differently. One manufacturer may have more of a "stretch" to the tread while others use a squared shoulder. Dunlop is well known for using a square shoulder approach and Falken is known for stretching a little, hence why VW guys like Falken for tire stretching.

Also, a little tire stretch is good as it adds cornering stability by removing a lot of side wall sway. Putting the max tire on the minimum wheel wont provide you that light stretch and therefore you'll feel it more when you corner hard.

But what do I know, I only know from practice...we all know that everything works better in theory...right...? :bow:



Tanked, PM is always open bud, as you know! Love the wheels and can't wait to see it with some tires!

You've got a nice car and nice wheels...you could have awesome performance too, with the right tire choice. I’m sorry to hear that you are going to screw up a good thing by stretching tires… good luck.Because stretching tires and having style is scary...

a 245 on a 9.5" would barely stretch, a 275 is just dumb, no need to go that wide, nor would it probably even fit or look good. And I'm sure price is a consideration as well.

I see that 1stOne does not know or can’t grasp the concept of ideal (best choice) and acceptable. Now trdscion is chiming in with “probably”, “dumb” and “looks”… It is not dumb when the manufacturer (Michelin in this case) tells you so and they know a bit more about tire design than any one of here…including you trdscion…and me.

Look, you guys are staring with a clean sheet of paper…you can select anything! Why not select the best? This is the time to do it. If you think stretching a tire looks good and you are willing to sacrifice performance for that look…say so up front! I don’t like that…I go for performance and when it performs well, it looks good to me. Being an engineer, I’m not like the rest…I’m a minority. I just assume that given to a chance to do something right; you would choose performance over anything else. Just me I guess. Sorry…don’t mind me, I know nothing about looks.

You don't need me to go f-it up yourself...

"probably" and "looks" as in the recommended tire size on that 9.5" being a 275, that doesn't make sense, dare - dumb. If you're talking about performance, a 275 on our cars is the opposite. Check tyrestretch.com (http://tyrestretch.com), if you want to see examples. With the look that the OP is going for and what he feels is needed to have a somewhat rub-free fit, a slight stretch might be in order.

Form>function

I'm not 100% on board with the lifestyle, wish I could be, but I'd rather "sacrifice" a bit of performance that one wouldn't even notice or need for some style.

245/40/18 Continental Extreme Contact DW.....ordered and have shipped!

We shall see how this turns out soon.

245/40/18 Continental Extreme Contact DW.....ordered and have shipped!

We shall see how this turns out soon.

Wicked! Glad to hear you made the big leap! Very interested in seeing how these turn out!

Let us know how you like them too!

I see that 1stOne does not know or can’t grasp the concept of ideal (best choice) and acceptable. Now trdscion is chiming in with “probably”, “dumb” and “looks”… It is not dumb when the manufacturer (Michelin in this case) tells you so and they know a bit more about tire design than any one of here…including you trdscion…and me.

Look, you guys are staring with a clean sheet of paper…you can select anything! Why not select the best? This is the time to do it. If you think stretching a tire looks good and you are willing to sacrifice performance for that look…say so up front! I don’t like that…I go for performance and when it performs well, it looks good to me. Being an engineer, I’m not like the rest…I’m a minority. I just assume that given to a chance to do something right; you would choose performance over anything else. Just me I guess. Sorry…don’t mind me, I know nothing about looks.

You don't need me to go f-it up yourself...

Being an engineer doesn't mean you're always right ;)

Btw stop writing in bold italic. It's annoying to see/read.

Thanks...you're the best.

Btw stop writing in bold italic. It's annoying to see/read.

kinda gotta second that one

:yawn: Late night

Here are the pics from the test fit last night. It looks awful close to me.

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_06.jpg

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_07.jpg

245 might have just enough stretch to do it...maybe?!?

*275/35/18 would be too beefy!

Appreciate all the help!


Oh man I might have to rethink my rota grids because the offset is +38. If 44s are that tight I might have messed up. Although they might fit if I roll the finders right?

No meaning to thread jack.

Oh man I might have to rethink my rota grids because the offset is +38. If 44s are that tight I might have messed up. Although they might fit if I roll the finders right?

No meaning to thread jack.

Depends on the width of the rim. If its a 9.5 like mine, then you will have the lip sticking out 5mm past the fender. Also, there is hardly anything to roll on the front fenders.

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_08.jpg

Threw 2 rims and 2 tires in the car this morning and had them mounted. Bolting them up tonight, looks like its gonna work. The tires have a lil stretch, but nothing crazy!

New wheel and tire weigh in at 42lbs.
*Saving 9.5 lbs per corner. 38 lbs total :money:

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_09.jpg

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_10.jpg

Will 5mm be that big of a difference?

Will 5mm be that big of a difference?

If you don't have 5mm to work with, yes...

Can't wait to see these installed!

One of my co-workers with a WRX just saw this as I was reading it and he almost fell over. It should look sick!

damn that's gonna look bad-___.. i wnat to go lower though! LOWER LOWER! rub them like youre watching porn!

ALL SYSTEMS GO!! :silly:

Bolted up all four and went cruising for a while, drives awesome. The tires are amazing, grip beyond my belief...just keeps hangin on! The acceleration seems to be much better. I might have been able to squeeze a 255, but it more then likey would have hit the splash/fender liner. It looks great to me and drives GREAT. There is a very tight 2 finger gap all the way around. Doesnt feel like the tires are gonna roll off the rim like the stockers. Descendant exhaust arrives Tuesday, and after that I might pick up some sway bars.

I hope the info and photos in this thread help somebody out with their mods! Thanks again for the input and help from all!

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_003.jpg

Front Gap:
http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_001.jpg

Rear Gap:
http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_002.jpg

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_004.jpg

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_005.jpg

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_006.jpg

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_007.jpg

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_008.jpg

I wanna say it but I don't want to at the same time...oh, screw it...

I told you!

Hahaha.

They look awesome bud! I'm glad your loving the tires. The Conti's are wicked rubber!

Welcome to the 9.5" wide club!

That looks awesome!! Nice tires. Nice rims. Nice job.

gold wheels on magnetic gray=COOL! :D

@1stOne

Yeah Yeah Yeah :icon_mrgreen:
Thanks man! I may try some 5 mm spacers all the way around since I have the room. I think your Yoko Advan's are freakishly large for 255/40/18 after seeing my tires.

@colHolm

Thanks man! appreciate it

@johndeo11

Gold wheels look good on everything...ask any suby owner!

Those are some very nice looking wheels…how much weight was needed to balance your tires? Count the inside and the outside for each wheel…I’m just looking for data points.

When I mounted my 19X9 wheels, it looked like the rears had the least room and my guess was that 9.5 would work and I doubt that 10s would. But my guess was based on a +40 offset and yours are at +44…inset more than mine.

With 255/35ZR19 tires, I feel a little rub when the searing wheel is at full lock only. On a hard bump, I hear a momentary rub, probably on the inner plastic fender splash guard.

Dang, the 9.5's don't even look like 9.5's on the tC2, unlike the tC1. Looks good. I would say go lower but the s-techs are a great start. Does Rota not include caps?

Dang, the 9.5's don't even look like 9.5's on the tC2, unlike the tC1. Looks good. I would say go lower but the s-techs are a great start. Does Rota not include caps?

Thanks man! They have caps, but the castle nut for the cv axles sticks out to far in the front to pop them on. Im looking at the volk style cap as we speak :)

^I had the same problem with the Enkei's. The front axle sticks out far more than it needs to!

^ 1stOne are you still thinking about getting some spacers? Do you think it will work with the extra 5mm of poke?

Fearz - i think the 38 offset will work with the right tire

Fearz - i think the 38 offset will work with the right tire

That's what I need help with. Call me a noob but I know nothing about tires except how to find the size. I know it would be a stretch but my tc will stay at stock height for a while if that helps.

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_006.jpg

damn looking nice.. i wonder how much poke will it look like on a +38

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_006.jpg

damn looking nice.. i wonder how much poke will it look like on a +38

The lip would be 5mm out from the fender in the front, it would look good. The back would be flush. Im gonna put some 5 mm spacers on one day...I like the way it is sitting now. The springs settled a little and its about a 1 finger gap on all corners.

around how much did you all pay for your s-techs?

h-techs? trd?

i got my s techs on ebay for like 220 shipped. As for the other springs, im sure they are around the same money

http://www.trialexhibitsinc.com/Client/aaron/tc_006.jpg

damn looking nice.. i wonder how much poke will it look like on a +38

I might be awhile because I was just e-mailed my grids are now on backorder.

i was thinking id get 18x8 this time coz i had a 18x9.5 +38 rota grids on my 1st gen tc and it rubs hella! and i dont wana be the same spot i was before so im tryin to go for sumthin flush this time.. 18x9.5 +44 might be a good idea..

lose so much concavity from the 9.5 to the 8 though, the et45 would be a better bet

on a 9.5?

thread jack here lol

Yeah sorry to threadjack. Look at the concavity difference in the face from an 8" to a 9.5" - way different. Good to see that they make an et45 now, space out to liking. I just know that the et38's were aggressive, but looked so so good.

BACK ON TOPIC...

^^ agreed

I'm running some 18x9.5 et 35 DPT's with a 255 tire :). And yes, they are purple like my intake lol

Cool. What are lowered on?

I'm dropped on tein s-techs right now but want to step up to some coilovers when more become available

Don't forget about WelleslyScion's ride on 18x9.5" +35 offset XXR's with S-Tech's also. His looks sweet, not too aggressive imo.

Where you like a week and a half ago! I saw how beefy 1stOne's 255 advans were and didn't think they would fit on my car. I need some spacers and it will be fine.

If you wanna run the flush look do it right and get an 18x9.5 with a 38 or 30 offset and stretch a 225/40/18 tire on it and drop the car to where it has no gap! Wheel gap kills. I have a 1st Gen running an 18x9.5 +38 with a 225/40/18 tire and I'm dropped as far as my coilovers can go in the front and I barely ever rub. You got to pay to play.

Nah Tanked. yours is perfect. I personally would not change a thing. I was planning on a +35 or a +30. until I saw how clean yours' came out.

Tanked, the +35 fits, but you need more camber than the Tein's provide in the front to flush the tire with the fender. Otherwise it would hang out. Its this reason that I recommended the +40-45. I just put 3mm custom spacers on mine and they are very flush in the front but could still go more in the rear. Just the design of the car.

In short, I think your's looks awesome. Wouldn't change a thing!

If you wanna run the flush look do it right and get an 18x9.5 with a 38 or 30 offset and stretch a 225/40/18 tire on it and drop the car to where it has no gap! Wheel gap kills. I have a 1st Gen running an 18x9.5 +38 with a 225/40/18 tire and I'm dropped as far as my coilovers can go in the front and I barely ever rub. You got to pay to play.


225/40/18 wouldnt look good to me...at all. My old civic was setup like that and I grew tired of it after 4 years. I like that I can go over a speed bump now and not have to worry about hitting parking blocks if i pull a lil too far. I have payed & played :doh:

I basically wanted an offset that looked clean and didnt look "sunk". Mission accomplished.

There is a 1 finger gap after the springs settled. And for the spacers, I keep looking at them but I really rather spend the cash on some other things!

Thanks for all the love and help from all, its good to be a part of such a good group of peeps.