I have a 2002 p5 with 18" Tenzo RS5's. I have just installed Ground Controll Coilovers and im having trouble with the rear wheels scrubbing. Also i hear a poping noise from the front springs. My rear tires wont tuck under my fenders. Should I have the fenders rolled or try something else. Ive seen several pictures of P5's with coilovers on them and they dont seem to have trouble with them tucking. Im taking it to be aligned and im wondering if that should fix the problem with the front springs poping. The front is toed uot a little and Im thinking it is causing the strut to twist. If anyone has any sugestions i would greatly apriceat it.

Thanks, Big Gravy

 

Well, unfortunately I wish you had been able to read my prior posts on the Tenzo 18" size. It is a +42 offset and since you're stuck running a 215/35 as the skinniest tire you are rubbing real bad.

Other problem is that GC's dump your car and with stock struts you have eliminated the needed stroke for them to dampen properly.

There are no economic options for you. To help you believe me, I'm stuck running the same size wheel and tire with a +45mm offset and rubbed. That means I have 3mm of more clearance than you and still had problems. Not only that, but I installed camber bolts and maxed out the allowed negative camber and still rub by a mil or so. Final problem, I would highly suggest not rolling the fenders as there's not enough material and you are very likely to crack the paint. Will end up being ghetto.

In other words, I know you like your rims but they got too go. Even if you shave 3mm off the pad you'll be in my initial predicament. You need a +48 to be okay, that means 5mm.

Hope this helps you understand the complete situation. I've attempted to warn as many as possible since day one. I've been test fitting products on the P5 for 10months now.

Sorry, Rishie

The 17" size would have been okay in a 205 width. I recall that offset being at the minimal tolerance for my recipe.

 

In response to your pop noise that you are getting.
I have a similar problem with my shocks (Bilsteins with stock springs). I found that it is the main nut that holds the shock on. Don't tighten this nut too much. I think the strut needs to be able to move, so it shouldn't be torqued down real hard. With my car, I just check it every once and a while to make sure it's still on good. AWR recommended a mild thread locking susbstance called "Wicking Green". I haven't used it yet, but I figure I'll pass that along. Also, be sure to check the basic stuff- like make sure the spring is seated in the perch correctly.

As far as tires go- I race on 205 50 15 Hoosiers and they just barely miss from rubbing on the back of my car. It just doesn't seem to be able to take anything bigger than 205 or 215 on the back wheel.

Later

 

I am going to purchase rims for my 00 ES very shortly. I was planning to get 18" rims w/ coil-overs. I want to be sure that nothing will rub. Does anyone have any advice??? I could really use it. Don't want to have to return rims for a smaller size...rather just get 17" from the start if thats best.

 

Just be sure rolling the fender will eliminate the problem before you do it. If the rub is severe, rolling the fender may not be enough.

 

The fenders in the rear of the P5 are very small. I wasn't able to roll mine. I had to take a dremel and shave them down and it looks to be losing it's strength. I wouldn't suggest doing the cutting/shaving. If you think you can get yours rolled enough, just heat it up very hot and bend slow. You shouldn't have too much trouble this way. Be careful not to bend too much in one spot, go slow moving all the way across back and forth to help limit the chance of cracking the paint too.