Rims

[AssPhalt]

I want to put mags on my 97 SC1...what is the optimal size?

I`m looking for 17" probably!

Thanks!

[SoCalSaturnsGuzzis]

Using my '94 SW2 setup as a guide, the stock 195/60-15 tire/wheel combo yields an overall diameter of 615mm ((195x.60x2)+(15x25.4))

If you're going with 17" wheels, then the tire sizes that will get you closest to the original overall diameter are:

205/45-17, which will be about 2mm taller than stock
225/40-17, which will be about 3mm shorter than stock

I though about putting 17's on my SW2, but opted instead for 16's. I like the ride the way it is, and 16" tires are cheaper and will last longer. I don't autocross the car or anything, so the 16's will definitely improve the looks and handling, without sacrificing ride quality. I'm going with 205/50-16's.

Hope this helps!

Robert Brooks
Fillmore, CA
2001 LW300
1994 SW2

[Sam96SL2]

Ever thought about going with 18's... I know this isn't optimal but looks damn good

[CFVWTUNER]

I run 215/45/17's on my 2000 SL2. Good size tire. My car has also been lowered with Eibach springs. No rubbing except for full lock and a compressed suspension. I love it, rides pretty good, goes like crazy
Chris
2000 SL2
2000 Focus ZX3
1983 GTI

[Sam96SL2]

hey CFV what type of strut are you using with the eibachs? I am thinking of running gabriel gas ryders with eibachs..any thoughts on this anyone?

[newt]

I'm using KYB's with the Eibachs and I like the ride. Sometimes I think there could be more damping, but I'm used to the Bilstein Sports on my VW which are pretty aggressive. Don't forget to cut your bump stops when you're in there--otherwise, you can get a bouncy ride.

-Newt

[Richard]

You're all forgetting one critical piece to this puzzle. AssPhalt has a SC1; all Sx1 cars come with 14" rims. This means that these cars have a tire profile that is more narrow and slightly taller than the DOHC cars. 225mm tires will not fit on a Saturn without 5mm wheel spacers and some plastic removed from the wheelwells. 205/45-17 is 3.28% larger than the stock circumfrence and <b>too tall</b> in my opinion. You should strive to stay within +/- 2% of stock circumfrence. Your odometer and speedometer will not be accurate with tires this large and your ABS may or may not work its best in a panic stop.
The correct size for 17's on a Sx1 is:
205/40-17.
This yields a circumfrence difference of -.050% over stock. Your speedo will read a tiny bit faster than your car is actually going, but acceleration will be a tiny bit better. When I say tiny I mean teeny tiny, itsy bitsy, tiny. Got it?

Some have said that I am against modifying Saturns. After re-reading what I have just typed it might appear that way. Just to set the record straight <b>I am not against modifying Saturns!</b> I am not now, nor will I ever be. I think switching from stock steel or alloy wheels to larger aftermarket wheels and tires is definitely a worthy upgrade. Better handling, better traction, and better looks.

By the way, you cut bumpstops on a lowered car so there is more suspension travel and the car does not bottom out as easily. A bouncy suspension is caused by spring rates that are too high for the struts to effectively dampen.

[newt]

Richard,
Thanks for the "by the way", but I have specific before and after experience with KYB GR2's and the Eibach Pro kit on my car. After cutting the bump stops (as Eibach specifies for a Saturn), there was a distinct diference in ride quality. Three of my buddies with lowered, higher rate springs also learned this "the hard way" by not cutting the bump stops during the strut/spring install--Audi 90S, VW Scirocco, Volvo 242GT. All replaced the struts to a more agressivly valved strut at the same time the springs were installed. All (including myself) basically blew it by not following the directions, but realized the importance first hand by cutting them at a later date. That's the reason I've been preaching about cutting the bump stops for the past few weeks. I don't think the KYB's are underdamping the Eibachs. Using the stock struts or KYB's, I wouldn't recommend going with spring rates higher than 160 lb./in. in the linear range unless they are REALLY progressive in the non-linear range.

[Sam96SL2]

ok thanx for the info newt and richard..one last question..i am going to take it to the dealer or someone else will they know how much to cut off the bumpstops..BTW how much do you cut off any ways.TIA

[Diggs]

Sam,

Give the directions that come with your springs to whoever is installing them. The Eibachs on our SW2 had the amount to cut the bump stops listed there. I don't remember how much they said to cut, so I'll not put out a possibly wrong number.

Just to make sure everyone is clear - the reason the bump stops are cut is to give your car a bit more travel. If you leave them at stock thickness, you will bottom out sooner than if you cut them. If you cut, say 3/4" off, then you have an extra 3/4" that you did not have before the body of the strut hits the bump stop, which is between the main strut body and the top strut mount. Check this picture - I couldn't find a better oine handy.

<img src="http://www.gabriel.com/pics/combo_Gab_main.jpg" border="0">

The bump stop goes at the top (left in this picture) of the strut. It does not have an effect on how bouncy your ride is.

Diggs

[newt]

Diggs is right--the proper amount to cut the bump stops is specific per the springs used and should come with the instructions. I've purchased H&R, Neuspeed, Shine Racing Services, and Eibach springs in the past and all have listed the amount to remove. If your thinking of Eibachs, the number is 25mm (1 in.) for both the fronts and rears.

Good luck and happy modifying!

-Newt

[Sam96SL2]

Thanx guys yea I am going to buy n20's eibachs, so that is why i was asking how much to shave

[Laura01SC2]

Okay guys, being a girl and all, I think that maybe a little explaining is in order. The only way I learn is by listening to you guys and asking questions so here goes;

I have a 2001 SC2. I put H&R springs on (1.5 lowered)but didn't replace the struts. Is this important (don't laugh here !!) The ride is somewhat bouncy and the car is lower. I am thinking about getting some 16' rims and don't want the ride quality to get much worse.

I don't know much about struts and lowering, that is why I am asking. I have a Saturn Mechanic that has his own shop do all of my work, but he didn't mention struts, so could someone please enlighten me.

Thanks,

Laura 01SC2

[Sam96SL2]

Yea you should have upgraded the struts to some performance oriented struts such as KYB or Carrera the performance struts stops the bouncing...and using the stock struts you might get 50K miles if that much before they are shot....i.e the dampning rate of the the strut is not enough for the springs..