Originally Posted by bwillard
I just purchased a 99 Civic EX Coupe. I want to make a semi-sleeper out of it.
In a few days the car is getting a new I/H/E, also thinking of a cam. I do want some nice tires and rims on it. The question is what is the biggest size tire and rim combo to go with to keep it towards the performance side of the line? Thank you.
It also depends on what you want to use it for. The only thing I can imagine a sleeper is useful for is on the street (good: avoiding catching the attention of cops, bad: street racing). If that's the case, you're essentially wanting to improve straight line acceleration (as opposed to autox, track, etc). If that's the case, you're probably better off get light weight 14" HX rims with the appropriate rubber. The smaller/lighter rim will be better for acceleration.
If you want a little (mild) bling for the sleeper, like it was said go with 99-00 Si OEM 15" rims. With just an I/H/E setup, you're not gonna run out of grip, so go with the stock size tires for that Si rim: 195/55/15 and get some high performance street tire. The smaller tire reduces weight (better acceleration) and improve fuel economy.
BTW... anything you do will be mild performance gains with that SOHC engine until you go forced induction, internal work, and/or nitrous.