Wheel & Tyre Sizes - EK

**TranceZiggy** · 05-06-2012 11:16 AM

Hey guys,

It's almost time for new wheels for the EK.. (currently on stockies - 185/60/R14). I would like 16" but I can't find any styles I really like in 16", so I'm leaning towards 17", with 205/40 tyres. (Keeps my overall diameter just SLIGHTLY over the 3% recommended maximum diameter increase)

Here's the problem: In SA, we have the 2" rule.. Meaning I can only go 2" from stock, or, wheel size mustn't exceed 50mm of stock (17" is 76mm of stock) & tyre size mustn't exceed 15mm of stock (205/40 is 18mm of stock..). So it would be defectable, but definitely not obvious to the naked eye - would have to be measured up by some disgruntled copper in order for him to issue a defect. That's a risk I'm willing to take, unless someone can disprove my calculations.

Anyway, can anyone offer any advice/experience in using 17"s on their EK? And any legal issues with it? Also, can anyone recommend any good looking 16" wheels? Or any sites that offer alot of 'smaller size' wheels?

Also, I've seen some EKs that look amazing on 17s, i've also seen some EKs that look like 4WDs.. Would I HAVE TO drop the EK to make it look decent on 17s?

Alot of questions, I know, but I've been trying to do my research on all of this before I make a decision.. Now I'm after opinions & hopefully some experience with this issue.

Cheers,

**white_ep3_civic** · 05-06-2012 04:32 PM

You will need to lower it to make it not look like a monster truck. Just keep the stock EK wheel so if you do get defected you can just put the stockies back on and clear it.

**TranceZiggy** · 05-06-2012 04:33 PM

UPDATE: Made some calls and found that 205/40R17 will be legal on the Civic.

So, I still have the question: What do 17s look like on an EK? Too tipey-toe? Cause my EK has a fair bit of room to fit some larger wheels nicely. Will I need to lower it for it to look any good? Any pics/thread links to EK's with 17s that look good at stock height?

Cheers..

Originally Posted by white_ep3_civic

You will need to lower it to make it not look like a monster truck. Just keep the stock EK wheel so if you do get defected you can just put the stockies back on and clear it.

Yeah, thought so. I am planning on throwing some King springs/shocks (or equivalent.. whichever is most affordable) in there for a 30mm-ish drop.

**Peppy** · 05-06-2012 04:57 PM

Hey, I've got 16s on my otherwise (almost) stock EK1, I reckon they look good. The tyre size is 205/45/r16 and I reckon it's just enough sidewall that it doesn't look like I'm going for rubber bands. What kinda style are you going for with the wheels?
I can post up a picture or two of mine if you want...

**jdmek** · 05-06-2012 06:18 PM

16s run best on ek 17 lil bit too big

**mooshie** · 06-06-2012 07:48 AM

Dunno where you got your wheel info but it doesnt seem correct- http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/pdfs/...e_vehicles.pdf

**TranceZiggy** · 06-06-2012 09:36 AM

Yeah I used the online tyre calculator plus my own math to get them figures but i don't know how accurate I was, regardless, Adelaide Tyrepower said that 205/40R17 is within legal specs, but I'd prefer 16s if I can find some I like.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for 16s? Most tyre/wheel shop's websites have bugger all 16s up. And pics of 16s as some of you offered would be cool, you may have something I like

**EK1 Civic** · 06-06-2012 05:48 PM

Im running my mates 17s on my car, with coilovers pretty much close to the highest setting. They scrub, wreck your front quarter panels and look way to big. 16" fills it out nicely.

**bladed_yoshii** · 06-06-2012 06:37 PM

well im running 17" (205/40/17) on my civic just go to my build thread to see it but i have no dramas with mine just have to get the offsets right and the tires wont rub. i also have king lows with new struts to suit and i dont have any dramas

**FAITHLESS** · 06-06-2012 06:46 PM

I have 17's. My car is quite low on coilovers. I don't have any problems but I'd still recommend 16's or even 15's. They're harder to buckle and they don't take away as much power at the wheels. Car looks like shit when not lowered on 17's.

**unl3a5h** · 06-06-2012 07:47 PM

thats 17's on stock springs not flat ground but its not too bad only thing make sure its good offset because i always scrape on the inner side quite badly with a full car.