Looking for some advice on a KW v2 install on my 2005 R53 JCW. My wheels and tires fit fine with the stock suspension, but with the coilovers the front tires rub on the springs. Bridgestone RE11 215/45 17 tires on R98 wheels.

We tried 5mm spacers and they were not enough. 10mm creates a gap maybe as wide as the thickness of two credit cards, so under hard cornering this may not be enough. Should we go with 15mm or is there something else to look at?

Deven

(the photo showing the entire tire was taken before the coilover installation)

 

Are you running Bridgestone RE11 215 size on the front or 205 ? Cant tell from the pic.

Thanks

 

215. Note I edited my original post to include this info.

Deven

 

Think that's why you are touching, the 215 tires are wider then the stock 205/45/17 and touch.

Thanks

 

So KW's will not work with 215's and stock wheels?

Is it best to go with 205's? If I want to use up my 215's, would 15mm spacers work or would that just introduce a whole set of other problems?

Regarding 205's, I don't want to go down that path and still have a rubbing issue, so help me with the math. The 215's rub with a 5mm spacer. A 205 is going to be 10mm narrower than a 215, so 5mm narrower on each side. So without a spacer, wouldn't it still rub?

Deven

 

Math is one thing...but remember...the sidewalls of the tire flex...
Have you tried just NOT LOWERING THE CAR AS MUCH....the coilovers are adjustable...so add about half inch of height...see if you still rub...

 

The coilovers are currently in their highest position.

 

The KWs will work with most wheels and tires. Unfortunately the design of the front suspension makes it a tight fit.

 

I run kw v2 and 255 fronts on 15x10 rims and 225 rears on 15x9 rims. Spacers can be your friend. I think I needed 15 mm in fronts and 5 mm in rear. I think I got H&R aluminum ones.

I also run 18x7 rims with 215s for when I'm not being a track rat. no rubbing at all.

 

I'd be interested to see photos of that setup! Perhaps not necessary with 15" wheels, but did you have to modify the wheel arch trim?

Which rims and tires?

Thanks,

Deven

 

The wheel arches sometimes get a little randy with the tires… I've stopped replacing them until after an auto x session. Yes, slight modification is necessary.

let me see if i can drum one up. they're 18x7 OZ supper Leggras with 215x35 r18 rubber.

In this pic, the 15's are on 225 Rs3. ( notice the lip on the fronts )

 

Seem to have gotten everything working with 20mm spacers up front.

Deven

 

Just thought I'd mention a few other options.

1. Obviously a shorter and narrower tire would help.
2. Get a shorter Main spring. Say 160mm Swift or Hyperco
3. Throw out the tender spring.

I did 1 and 3 together when I was very low, in conjunction with a very thin spacer. Now that I've raised the car to be more streetable I'm just using the thin spacer with oem wheels and 205/50/16 tires.

If I was to do it again I'd try the 160mm spring and a shorter stack tender spring.

 

His lower spring perch is already at it's highest level so although he could put on a shorter spring it would just reduce shock travel and lower the car. Not help with his rubbing issue.

OP really your only option is spacers or lower offset wheels.

 

You know I ran into same issue with my ksport coilovers pro comps. The front springs were too wide. But get this there was plenty and I mean plenty of room in the rear for the front springs. The front were 7.4/414kg/lb and rear were 6/336 now I may some day swap them back but for now it works out great since I have 225/45/17s 45et and I needed something stiff in the rear to minimize any rubbing. I was thinking of switching back springs and getting a stud conversion for all four and spacers for the front. But that's how I got around this issue. The car rides great. Softer suspension in the front helps reduce understeer increasing oversteer in the rear with the stiffer springs. I have a 25mm rear bar so that right there really helps out.

 

Thanks OP for posting this. I just installed a KW v2 from Way (with Vorshlag plates). I have to jack up the setting due to rubbing of the front tires to the spring.

Rim is stock R85 (50mm offset), wheel is 215x45x17. I rented a wheel spacer kit from ECS and it is en-route. Basing from the posts above I may be from 15-20mm.

I am itching on the PF01 17x7, and it has 38mm offset but just spent major $$$ on the KW set-up so I'll enjoy that first.

 

You're running a reverse stagger?? Thats a little dicey to say the least, especially with the lack of rear end grip on a FWD car.