wkjoyce

I am considering going with 18 inch wheels instead of 17 inch TL-S wheels w/ 215/50-17 tire. I want to go 18 but I don't want to lower the car and I want to avoid the off road look. I want as much air volume in my tires as possible.
So, what tires should I put on 18 inch wheels so I don't have a noticable wheel gap? Will I have an off road look no matter what?

I am thinking 225/45-18, but I am afraid that it will make my car look higher up off the ground.

I need to make a discission soon, so anyone with experience please give me your feedback.

Thanks

CD7junky

You best at least get a Pro-Kit type drop. It does not ride rough, and will eliminate some fender gap. A low profile tire, even a 45 series, is substantially different from a higher profile tire, in regard to ride quality...so you might as well drop it a little bit.

jschmid

You can't avoid the 4x4 look with the stock Accord suspension and 18" wheels.

I wanted the "larger wheel" look without lowering my car at first as well...but I've since realized how much more fun a good suspension is.

wkjoyce

Thanks guys, I decided on 03 TL-S wheels with 215/50 tires.

jschmid

That will look good you can get away with that setup without lowering. Although it would still look better with some of that wheel gap gone.

Post pics after you get them.

97LXV6

Can you tell me more about the 'Pro-Kit type drop'?

ponickka

the prokit should be about 1. ??? drop..not much if u're going for 18" ...u definetely will get rid of some fender gap, and still won't rub at all (assuming u're not riding on huge size tires like 245/45/18 etc..) lol...

but yea, with 18's +prokit = very good choices

wkjoyce

Will do jschmid. I may consider an H&R OE spring, which is about a .75 drop. The TL-S looks like it is lower, or the wheel well itself has more body (sheetmetal), as compared to my Accord. We'll see.

96LXV6, I had a 96V6Sedan riding on 225/40-18 and I had a Eibach pro-kit. It dropped my car about an 1.5 in the front, less in the back. It was a asthetically pleasing look.

In terms of ride quality, I would say it was fine on smooth roads. I drived carefully / slowly on rough roads. IMHO, it is about as extreme as you would want to go on a family car. I am a family man now and if you have been following this thread, you notice I don't want to lower my 03V6. I am crying inside that I am not getting 18's, but hey, life is about sacrifice somtimes.

wkjoyce

BTW, the 18 inch wheels I was considering where the Enkie LM 1/5 in machined finish. IMHO, those are the most beautiful wheels I have ever seen; clean and classy.

Intrepid241

The Eibach Pro Kit drops 1.5", ride is great, and the fender gap is deminished.