i just got some used 16s with 205/55/16 from a member. problem is that my ek is on stock shocks and springs but when i go over dips in the road (not bumps but dips) the tires are rubbing on the fender even at really low speeds like <40km/h. i know its hitting the fender cuz it makes a tiny little marks on the rubber. i was planning on dropping about an 1-1.5" cuz my civic looks like an suv but now i don't know if i should. is it better for me to get new tires and go low pro with 205/40-45/16 so i can drop it or do i have any other options so i can keep my current tires, drop a little and get rid of the fender rubbing?

 

you should have 205 40 16's
my 4th gen has them and only rubs when the coils are all the way down(sitting on bumpstops)

 

your tires are too big.

not only are you rubbing, but your tach, speedo and odo are going to be off because you are running such a ridculously large tire for a civic.

you're also hurting your performance as well.

 

whats the offset of the rim? thats whats causing the problem.

 

Exactly!!! Tires are way too big on those 16's for a Civic. You should be running 205/45/16 period.

 

^^^Yup, 205/45/R16 is the size you need...oh man no wonder she rubs...

 

i kno the odo, and speedo would be wrong but the tach gets its signal form the dizzy does it not?

 

ya, thats what i thought that the tires are too big... i guess i gotta go drop another couple hundred on different tires.

 

so just to make sure, if i want to lower my car about 1.5" should i get 205/45/16 or 205/40/16 or 195/--/16?

 

I don't think 195 is the right size for 16"?

 

hehe.. you're right.. tacho won't be affected by your tire size

 

i have 205 on my 16's and i rub sometimes

but my car is also dropped 2.25"

 

it depends on the rim width. 16 x 7 rim = 205/45/16 tires for your car.

you must have the craziest civic 4x4 on the road with that 55 series rubber

 

I have 205/40/17 tires and have experienced no rubbing at all, but I'm not dropped though.

 

what is your offset? you might waste more money on tires if your rims are causing the problem!

 

i'm not sure of the offset. i bought them used off a member and i looked for an offset but all i could find on the rim was the bolt pattern written on a sticker inside the rim. is there a way to find out the offset? when i bought them i made sure there was enough clearance around all the wheels and turned lock to lock with only slight rubbing when i turn the wheel as far as it can possibly go...and ya my civic does look like a 4x4 thats why i'm trying to get new tires asap but i wanna get the right ones this time.

 

Standard offset for a 16 x 7 is usually between 38 to 42 mm. It should not cause a problem.

mugencivic, with a 1.5 drop you should still run 205/45/16, just watch your rear camber (get an alignment after drop)

 

i'm probably going to go with tein s-tech springs...and i will get an alignment cuz i need it anyways. hopefully next year i'll be able to afford some better shocks too, thanks all

 

get a louisville slugger (wooden baseball bat)
and use your tire as a pivet point to roll your fender
its a far better option than spending 5 bills on new tires

if you don't understand what i'm saying
give me a pm
its a tried and true method that a lot of people have done when lowered and afraid of getting tire rub

 

the car is too high