Safe Drop Distance?

[advocate]

Hey guys i'm hoping to get some quick advice for lowering springs before this Saturday's meet so that Garm can hopefully drive the springs down rather than have to wait for them to ship.

I'm using Khumo Ecsta ASTs size 205/50/16 on a full stock setup.

I'm looking to get the maximum drop possible without having to worry about permanently damaging a tire on California roads.

Here are some nice high-res photos for you guys to take a look at to see if there's enough room.
http://img198.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=0828090957a.jpg


So I'm looking to get either the Tanabe NF210s or DF210s. The DF210s are a 1.6F/1.8B drop and the NF210s are a 1.1F/1.3B drop.

From the pictures and my measurements there's roughly 2.3 inches in the front before the tire is impacting the top of the wheel well.

On the Official Wheel and Tire Guide this setup is recommended for lowering:
205/45/16 = 23.2* (Most lowered applications)
Problem is i'm 205/50/16.

So my question is are the DF210s stiff enough to not compress and crush my tire under most conditions or do I have to opt for the NF210s and the higher ride height?

[contraband831]

I have DF's and I use to run a 18x7.5 on 215 35 18 and i had minimal issues. so I would go with the DF's with your set up. I am running currently a 15x7 on 205 50 15 with no issues what so ever.

so with that said, DF's FTW!

[advocate]

Originally Posted by contraband831

I have DF's and I use to run a 18x7.5 on 215 35 18 and i had minimal issues. so I would go with the DF's with your set up. I am running currently a 15x7 on 205 50 15 with no issues what so ever.

so with that said, DF's FTW!

What were the minimal issues, if you could be specific? Would be nice to know what to look out for. Lately I've been trying to memorize really bad sections of the highways I drive on to get ready for the drop my car is going to receive soon.

[WeeYari]

Let's not forget an all important factor, offset.

What are you running? High offset number, wheels are tucked into the wells more. Low offset number, and your wheels are pushed out, increasing the chances of a rub the lower you go.

[yarisugi]

Like what WeeYari said - What size is your rim and what offset?
Depending on that and tire size, some members did experience some rubbing with DF210 but mostly on big bumps while others didn't.
Depends on your driving habits, too. But if you're so worried about it then NF210 would be the safe bet- you just won't get that much of a dropped looked you may want.

[toad]

i hear a lot of people who went conservative on their drop and then say 'it could be a bit lower'. i figure if you're going to spend the time and/or money doing it then lower it the most you can(i have df's and REALLY like them!) - just be careful with how you drive it. IMHO, it's worth the extra attention you have to pay to the road for the looks alone! also, the df's aren't that much stiffer than stock so it's not too harsh.

[advocate]

Offset: 40mm Backspacing: 5.31" Bolt Pattern: 4-100
Rec. Tire Size: 185/60-15
Weight: 16.5lbs.

Copy and pasted off the tirerack Website. They aren't my exact wheel but they're the same brand and design just chrome instead of gun-metal so I'm assuming the measurements are the same as mine.

[contraband831]

Originally Posted by advocate

What were the minimal issues, if you could be specific? Would be nice to know what to look out for. Lately I've been trying to memorize really bad sections of the highways I drive on to get ready for the drop my car is going to receive soon.

The 18's would rub the front fender liner going down hill on Pacheco Pass, the offset was 42mm. You should be fine on df's

[advocate]

sweet can't wait. they arrive in the mail today.

[blacksandiegovitz]

Originally Posted by advocate

sweet can't wait. they arrive in the mail today.

You get that wing on yet ??? Pics

[PHXDEMON]

From experience with df210s and cali freeways. Don't do it you will bottom out all the time.

[thebarber]

i had 205-55-15's w/ a 35 offset and would rub w/ megan coilovers on hard bumps

now running 205-55-15's w/ a 45 offset rim and i only have a rub when i hit a big bump when cornering hard (damn king street onramp to the 85 south)

[advocate]

Originally Posted by blacksandiegovitz

You get that wing on yet ??? Pics

I'm looking for local help to get the springs / my new badges / your old wing installed all in one go.

As far as skill with cars goes I'm in the negatives but absolutely dying to learn and get some experience so I'm trying to find some NorCal YW Members who can teach me a few things and help me out.

edit: is it bad contra if i didn't realize we had met at the Marin Valley Storage Meet until a couple days ago?

If so, my bad

I really gotta get an avatar / signature on here so I don't just look like some random joe-schmo every time I post.