I came across a set of Fikse FM5's with the following dimensions:

-front 8.5x17 w/+37mm offset, 6.0" backspacing
-rear 10.0x17 w/+43mm offset, 7.0" backspacing
-bolt circle 4.5x5
-hub pilot hole diameter, no hubcentric rings used: 2 5/8"
-maximum caliper height clearance: 9/16"

I'm concerned if the fronts will have rubbing problems on my .75" lowered 93 Rx7. Seems everyone recommends 45mm offsets up front. I'd run a 235/40/17 up front and a 265/40/17 in the rear (unless I could find someone who makes a 265/35/17).

So my question is, might I have rubbing issues up front?

Thanks,
Tony

 

Proper tire sizes would be 235/45 front, 265/40 rear.

+37 offset is really pushing it with 8.5. From your lowering, I'm assuming you are running the Racing Beat springs? You'll probably catch the fender lip entering steep driveways and may even catch it during HARD cornering. Then again, you may be ok. Every FD is different (really). Unless you are willing to try them out and risk it, I would look for more suitable wheels.

Although, if they're at a good price, you could always buy them and replace the two front wheels with new FM/5s of the proper size/offset.

EDIT: My comments assumed you have an FD.

 

If it's FC, then no way that 10" wheel is fitting in the back. Front, I doubt it with 37mm offset unless you have a coilover.

 

Yes, I drive a 93 FD with Racing Beat springs. Oh well, that makes my decision easier to pass on the wheels.

If anyone else is interested, check out this ad on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2468254412

The guy selling them is Ed Taylor, owner of the 3 rotor Rx7 featured on http://www.pfsupercars.com. Bidding ends in a few hours.

 

If you have Racing Beat springs you probably will rub. They apparently do not have enough spring rate in them to keep the chassis from compressing too much over bumps. H&R springs all the way

 

SleepR1, I currently have 17x8 bbs rx w/ 235/40/17 w/ 42 mm offset. I have Racing Beat springs (.75") and Koni yellows at the highest setting. If I am on smooth, fairly level roads, I can corner to my heart's content and not have any rubbing.

However, I experience rubbing when I simultaneously hit a bump or dip while cornering. I've also heard slight rubbing when driving straight and hitting a dip. Another example of when it may rub is if I'm going around a bend on a steep downhill, and at the apex of the bend, the road flattens out. The situations in which it rubs seems to support what you are saying.

These may seem like rare and unlikely scenarios, but I encounter them all the time here in Pittsburgh.

Given my tire and wheel dimensions (as recommended by Tire Rack to the prior owner), is there anything else in the suspension that could be worn to the point of causing this rubbing, or are the springs really the only culprit here?

I'm hesitant to go from .75" RBs to 1.25" H/Rs, but I see your point about the way the springs compress. Plus I want a smoother ride anyway, so that's one more reason to go H/R.

I read that you and many others have no rubbing with 255/40/17 w/ 45 offset. So if all other variables were held equal, shouldn't 235/40/17 w/ 42 offset be even less likely to rub?

Sorry for the long post. I appreciate your time as always.

Tony

 

One more thing....

I'm confused how the H/Rs can have a smoother ride than RB springs, yet the H/Rs compress less over bumps. That seems contradictory to me.

The only thing I can figure is the linear RBs are stiffer (relative to H/R) at the beginning of the movement, and the progressive H/Rs are softer initially, then once compressed part way, they're stiffer to the point they don't allow the tire to compress as close to the wheelwell liner/fender. Do I have the right idea here?

Thanks,
Tony

 

EXACTLY

 

Right. Your wheel/tire combo is shorter and narrower than mine and radkins. 42 offset is ok. Check your rubber pieces to make sure they're not dry-rotted. According howard coleman, if these pieces are compressed from dry-rot and age, you'll lose 3/8-inch (sit 3/8-inch lower). Good luck!

 

My Fikses are 17x8.5 +37 front, and 17x10 +44 rear and I run 235/40/17 and 275/40/17 S02s. Rear, no problem. The front does contact the liners ocasionally, but honestly, so did my 17x8 +38 SSRs w/ 245/40 ANd 17x9 +45 SSRs w/ 255/40. Its just a fact of life w/ lowered FDs.