I had an order for some Drag DR-34s at 17x7.5 et45 21.5lbs. There was a delay in the order and I asked to hold off a bit cause I had some second thoughts. I've now been looking at the same wheels, but at 18x8 et35 22.65lbs. I'd probably wrap them in Continental DWS since it seems like LRR tires are hard to find in similiar OEM size. My current suspension is on Tein H.Techs. I would like to get the wheels close to flush without having to roll/pull the fenders. I don't plan on going any lower since I'm already scraping my front-end, and sometimes bottoming out on a speedbump in my neighborhood. Should I just go for the 18s at this point? I figure the price for parts would be about even since I'd need to get spacers for the 17s, and the ContiDWS are about the same price as a 17 LRR. Would there be a drastic MPG difference between the two setups as well?
You'll be fine with 18x8 +35. If you want to be really safe, run 215s in front at least and you'll avoid rubbing on the liner on really big bumps or high speed on the freeway. But I ran 225/40 on htechs with 5mm more offset and only rubbed on major bumps in front when I hit a dip at high speeds on the freeway or over large speed bumps. It was only plastic liner though so I think you'll be fine with 18x8 +35
Check on YouTube Smoking Tires vids there a mod Prius coilover and 18 inch setup I recalled it rode like a tank, and rubs on turns! I went 17 to 16 I couldn't stand the harsh ride! Our Fiesta ST rode better than the Prius!
You have any pics from the side? The front pokes a lot more than I expected. And it doesn't rub when you turn into parking spots or u-turns?
