Hiboost

iTrader: (9)

I just got some 19x9.5 Kosei K3 wheels in a +35mm offset that were too inexpensive to pass up. I had 275/30-19 Pirelli PZero Nero tires mounted on them and test fitted last night to see how close to the suspension I am on the fronts. Looks like stock I had 12-15mm clearance or so where as now it's down to 4-5mm. I think 10mm spacers would bring me into the +25mm offset range and give that more aggressive look but I'm not sure about how much fender work that would require if I do. Clearance to the brakes was not an issue at all due to the outward 5 spoke design of the wheel.

I was thinking about going with 5mm hubcentric spacers up front without replacing the studs (I know that is on the edge) and no spacer on the rear just to get a little more room between the suspension and the tires. I was considering the bolt on Kics 10mm wheel adapters but there are no recessed pockets in the new wheels so likely 10mm spacers and installing longer studs is the path I'll take for a permanent solution. I'm assuming that the 10mm spacers are going to force me to do some fender rolling to avoid contact on large bumps or if the car is loaded. I don't want the tires sticking out past the fenders but the sunken battleship look isn't exactly the in thing either.

I may try and do some pics if the weather gets a bit better outside.

goofygrin

iTrader: (5)

A 5mm will be the safest thing... but you're going to be stressing those studs. 5mm clearance to the strut should be OK unless the wheels are soft (which those might be).

Hatemy7

5mm

Hiboost

iTrader: (9)

I've never heard the term "soft wheels" before, being that the wheels are metal did you mean soft tires? If I go with the 5mm Spacers they will be the hubcentric kind that keeps the stress on the hub and the studs are just there to clamp the wheel to the hub.

I think I still want to go with 10mm Hubcentric spacers and install longer wheel studs but a quick fix would be to test out if the 5mm hubcentric spacers will be good enough for now.

beetle_orange

iTrader: (58)

this gives me hope that 275/30 tires will clear without any rubbing issues. we just have different rim width.

goofygrin

iTrader: (5)

I literally meant "soft" wheels. Wheels that flex and/or deflect when under load. Happens to good wheels and bad.

Hiboost

iTrader: (9)

Yikes, although I guess that beats cracking. Between the tire and/or wheel flexing plus suspension potentially getting closer under compression I think getting a slight extra margin of space with the 5mm spacer will get me back to a decent 9-10mm range. Thanks guys.

Guru

iTrader: (6)

How is clearance with fender in the back? are yuo on stock suspension?

Hiboost

iTrader: (9)

I just have Eibach Pro lowering springs for now with -2 front camber and around -1 rear, eventually I'll consider coilovers if I keep the car long term. It seems that bumping out the rear wheels 10mm would place them flush with the rear fender so right now there is about 10mm clearance which should clear even at full compression. If I get 10mm spacers for that more aggressive look then I'll have to roll the fenders I'm sure.

kitw

iTrader: (3)

Heh, I have the same wheels. Couldn't pass up the deal at Tire Rack eh?

I went with 245/35r19, which are, as you can probably imagine, stretched on those wheels. I'm gonna put my coilovers on today, so keep me posted on what you find out with regards to spacers.

beetle_orange

iTrader: (58)

wow 245 on a 9.5" width rim? is that safe?

kitw

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, it's fine. the tires I got are for use on 8-9.5" wheels. They are a little stretched, but not badly. I was worried I wouldn't have much clearance if I used spacers but next time I'm going wider.

Hiboost

iTrader: (9)

Yeah when I ordered them they basically called me up all worried it wouldn't fit with the tires I specced out. They suggested 255 or 265 wide tires but the diameter was closest to stock on the 275mm wide and I figured worst case I would use some spacers.

While the inner clearance is close on the fronts it does work, although a narrower tire would only buy so much room, maybe another 5mm tops since the wheel is still the same width and where the tire meets the wheel it can't get any narrower. Your sidewall is actually slightly taller (3mm) with a 35 series tire despite the narrower tire width so 5-10mm spacers may still be needed.