Hi All,

New to the forums, in fact, this is my first post. I have actually been lurking for a while and absorbing as much info as possible, although there is a ton of it here. It seems like a really tight community, so I'm sure someone can help me out.

Here's the story:

My Fit is on the boat right now and should be here in 3 or 4 weeks. The car is a SSM base with MT. I know that it has 14" steelies on it and I pretty much gather most folks on this forum favor swapping to bigger alloys and better rubber. So here's my predicament . . .

I'm 38 years old with a wife and little boy. I'm buying this car to be an everyday driver. Ride comfort and noise level are really important to me and them. I will be using the cargo capabilities of the Fit to carry camping stuff and family outing stuff. Now that we've covered the practical family guy stuff, let's get to the guy stuff I would like to add some agressive wheels to the car. I hadn't really considered dropping the car (money I don't have and a wife that wouldn't understand), so I'm wondering --What would you do?

I'm thinking 15" or 16", don't want to look ricer or overly "racy/tuner." I'm thinking it would be nice to take up some wheel well, without dropping or rubbing. Like to have a nice ride without the road noise. Anyone else got some suggestions or pix? Alos looking for a quality solution without dumping a ton of money. (wife, kid and mortgage thing again).

Any help appreciated

Tbird

 

Well as far as noise, the Fit really does seem to let all the road noise get inside. Stock and with my wheel/tire setup now, was just as loud both ways. Read the section here about what rubs and all. I have 16x7 with 40mm offset, and over medium size bumps I get some rubbing in back. Usually thats with my self and 2 small kids in back. Add another adult and it rubs even more often. I too didnt want anything crazy looking wheel wise, thats why I went with the simple 5 spoke in silver. Most of the 16' wheels seem to have 40m offset, so getting to at least 42, which most seem to say wont rub, is really limiting my wheel choices. Take a look at tirerack and discounttiredirect.com, probably the 2 most popular wheel sites.

 

So,

Am I understanding that 45mm in a 15" would have no chance of rubbin? Any real benefit to 16" over 15" other than personal choice? I think 16"'s are for me as long as I can get it so that it won't rub etc. I dont really plan on droppin the car at all-- is that bad? Completely new to this kind of stuff-- sorry for all of the questions.

 

I'm totally new to Honda, and imports for that matter as well. I think there is generally a younger crowd on here, and they seem to like to lower their vehicles. I am in the same boat as you (37 years old and 2 kids) so I have no plan to drop the car at all. And no downside to NOT lowering the car, other than saving money on new springs ha! As far as 15 or 16", total preference. Benefit to keeping 15's is you can save on new tires. As for the rubbing, can only comment on my personal situation, and mine rubs. I am going to exchange the wheels for a 42mm offset wheel, and hope that clears it up.

 

Ok . . .good to know-- either way I'm going to have to get new rubber. The base model uses 14" steel wheels with hubcaps. So, maybe we'll see some other replies in here. Thanks for your info.

Tbird

 

IM running 16's with a 42mm offset tires are 205/45/16 and im lowered on progressive springs. I have not had any problem with rubbing but then again im the only one that every rides in my car and I dont realy cairy anything in it. as for ride quality My setup is I think pretty close to stock ride quality, stock is already a little rough because of the short wheel base but I think if you got 15's with a a good sidewall like 50 or 55 you would be fine.

 

Since you mostly want to get rid of the steelies...which would be my goal as well...consider buying a set of OEM sport wheels with good rubber from someone that upgrades. Could probably pick those up cheaper than just the tires.

I have a set of 16's waiting to go on when I buy tires, but will keep the stockers.

 

I have 17's with I think a 42mm offset on a 205/45/17 tire not lowered ride is a little stiffer than stock because of small profile tires but only rub when I have full car of large people and I hit a bump hard. Road noise is increased as well.

 

Thanks for the good info-- So just tossing some ideas. What about refinishing the steelies and "rolling on fourteens?"- attempt to be hip

I even considered keepiing hte 14" steelies for MPG , not dealing with the TPS etc. Anyone got any cool ideas about keeping the 14" 'ers and either painting them or adding some type of trim ring/garnish etc. to make them look kind of cool?

 

Even refinishing the steelies probably isnt going to look all that great. Even if you went to 15s, you would probably get ones that are lighter than steel. And you can swap over the TPMS to new wheels, providing you get ones that can accept them.

 

Here's my recommendation:
1. if you can, trade up to a Fit Sport. The added accessories are almost necessary.
2. Go to DiscountTireDirect.com and pick at nice set of alloy 15x7 with 45 mm offset or 16x7 ditto, with tires The cost can be under $100 per wheel and maybe $80 per tire for say Nittos. They'll mount, balance, and ship for free.The added stability is worth the change.
3. Forget the dropped springs, bigger antisway bar and the like. You'll be better off disconnecting, not removing, the antisway bar link on thre driver's side. No cost. And better handling with more comfort.
4. If you are expecting to carry mucho cargo in back give serious consideration to subbing Monroe AirLift MA811's for the rear shocks at about $80 the pair and you can certainly do the work if you have any mecchanic skills. refer to rear shocks need a new design and others for pictures and comments.
Thats my daily driver and it is outstanding. Well, OK I have 205/40x17's on Enkei's but there isn't that much difference.
Good luck and enjoy.

PS we all had a child and wife when we were 38 and we remember camping in the VW bug.. cheers.

 

Only drawback with discounttiredirect, in 16", they only have one wheel with 45mm offset, a handful with 42mm, and the majority with 40mm.

 

There are other tire companys on the web that do the same as discount tire. you can go to Wheels Rims Tires Custom Chrome Black Polished Color Staggered Racing Hot Packages 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 Inches for Cars Trucks SUVs WheelsNext.com, or Edge Racing - Home, or Wheels Custom Rims Tire Packages for Cars and Trucks . They might have more of a selection as far as 15s or 16s with a 42 or 45 offset. After doing alot of research on different web sites about offset, bolt patterns and looking at tire calculators (to determine the plus 1 size that would match up as close to my stock rims and tires), I purchased 18x7.5 stern ST8s with a 42 offset for my Accord. Unfortunately I never mounted them as I decided to buy a Fit instead.

Just check around to see the selection out there.

peace,