Hi all,
just got a 2007 Fit Sport 5sp in silver. I had a Civic Si Sedan a week ago, it was totalled. I decided I wanted something economic and always eye'd the Fit, so here I am. I do not really like the way most cars look stock anfd the Fit for me is no exception. I would like to put some simple, black wheels on it, some flat 5 spokes or something. I would also like to lower the car slightly for looks and mpg as well as handling.

The weight difference between the 16" and 17" wheels I was looking at about 1.25lb, the 16" wheel i s 18.48lbs and the 17" is 20.24lbs. What are your thoughts on going with 16" vs 17"?

Also, I see a huge range in pricing for springs for this car that lower it 1"-1.5"
Is there a certain spring and/or part number you would recommend for something that looks good without making the ride too rough going down the freeway?
Thank you!
Ben

 

If you actually care about performance and not just looks you would be best to go with something like a 15x7 +45 like Enkei RPF1's or Rota Slipstreams wrapped in 205/50's and a 1.5" or less drop front/rear. I would recommend Swift Mach Springs for the drop.

Going with a 16" or a 17" will compromise handling, and ruin both acceleration and braking. It will also make you far more prone to rub.

You have increased the lever arm, and compounded the problem with increased the mass at the end of the lever arm. Thats not even accounting for tire mass which will be yet heavier in order to wrap 16 or 17's, more expensive as well.

For example my 15x7 +42 wrapped in 195/55's with 3mm hub spacers at stock height:








A 1.5" would pretty much bring that gap down to about 1 finger unloaded.
Food for thought

 

In the case of the GD, 15s with 195/55s or 205/50s are what most people use when doing a good deal of spirited driving. You can find plenty of wheels in this size under 15lbs in this size. 16s with 205/45s are a common compromise for looks and performance depending on the weight of the wheel of course.

As far as springs, two springs that I know off of the top of my head that gives a simalar drop that you're asking for are the Tanabe GF210s and by Swift. There may be some other springs out there though so here is a chart that lists the various springs avaible with their drop in hieght and spring rate.

 

Ok, thank you both for that! I think the springs issue is cleared up. I wonder if someone out there has a set they want to sell before I find a new set somewhere.
Also, on the wheels, I will shoot for a 15lb 16". I am not so serious about performamce and am not sure why a 16" with an equal overall diameter would rub more. Thank you guys!

 

The rubbing would really depend on the wheel's offset and width. Generally speaking for the GD chassis with a 205/45R16 (the recommend tire size), you'd can run a wheel with an offset as low as +42mm at stock height and as low as +45mm when lowered.

Mind you, every Fit isn't exactly the same. Some lowered ones may not rub with +40mm wheels, others will rub ever so slightly, and so on.

 

Oh ok. I will check the offset of whatever I end up choosing. Very helpful. Thank you!!!

 

Ok guys, what do you think about this set with a 40mm offset. Will it work with a short drop of 1" to 1.5"?

16 ROTA SVN WHEELS 4X100 RIM INTEGRA XB HONDA FIT CIVIC | eBay

Thanks!

 

you'll need to trim the tabs in the back, and likely get some more camber in the front...

 

^^ That or "tuck "the fender liners for the front. "Tucking" them involves removing the push tab near the front bumper's screw and the screw above the tire. Once those are out, grab the fender liner's lip then push it inward and over the metal tab/lip inside the fender.

Its easy to do on a Fit a stock height, a lowered one would require a little lifting with a jack and stands.

 

Has anybody put 40mm offset 17x7 wheels on a ge8 that has eibach pro springs? Will this combo rub? Any help or guidance would be appreciated..

 

Good to finally see your Fit. It looks great! Nice wheel choice.