I don't want coilovers right now. I'm currently lowered on H-Sport springs. Everything else with the suspension is stock. I am running 215/45/17 wheels. I have 18s that I've been wanting to put on and I would get a 215/35/18 tire. This is what I'm wondering:

Here are the specs on the 2 tires:
215/45/17
Sidewall: 3.8"
Radius: 12.3"
Diameter: 24.6"
Circumference: 77.3"

215/35/18
Sidewall: 3.0"
Radius: 12.0"
Diameter: 23.9"
Circumference: 75.2"

Looking at these numbers, I'm assuming the gap between the tire and wheel well will be greater, and I don't want that with an 18" wheel. Is there anything else I can do to slightly lower the car to maintain the same look with the 17s? Should I just get a larger tire?

I dunno...I'm confused!

 

Duck,
First to your question: Can you go lower...Yes, just drive around with 4 people in the car at all times. Seriously, not possible unless you do what you're already doing and that's changing wheel and tire diameter.

Your proposed set up will drop the mini an additional +-.3". But will increase the gap that much more.

My suggestion would be to go with the 215/40/18. That will increase radius by aprox 2mm. So you will close the gap by that amount, however will raise the mini that same amount.

Another benefit of the 40 profile tire, you'll have a slightly softer ride than the 35 due to the sidewall. Specially going from a 215/45/17 to a 35/18...you're loosing almost an inch (.8") of sidewall. You'll definitely be feeling a lot more of the road with the 18's.

Good luck.

 

What size 18" wheel do you have?

215/40-18 fits rims 7-8.5" wide 24.7" tire diameter almost same as 215/45-17. Should fit and you can always adjust rear negative camber for a little more clearance or trim the lower rear plastic wheel liners.

or
225/35-18 fits rims 7.5-9" wide 24.3" tire diameter. Can still be mounted on 18x7" rim and should work.

205/40-18 fits rims 7-8" wide 24.4" tire diameter. Limited selection of tires. Besides Dunlop SP Sport 01 DSST runflat, Toyo Proxes 4 (Ultra High Performance All Season tire) 300 treadwear $114 each 20.5 lbs. Offers more comfort and value priced.

 

Thanks guys....looks like 215/40/18 looks like the way to go. I think I like that idea better.