Wheel sizes

:grinno:
Hello, so I got my '04 4 cyl malibu and would like to hook it up(cosmetically at least). I have been looking at websites that sell wheels and even tough I have found some interesting ones, I have no idea what sizes would work. I was thinking of lowering the car about 1.5 inches front and rear and get some low profile tires on some 18" chromed or gunmetal colored rims(my car is silver). Some of the sites I have visited recommend only up to 17 inch rims for this car. I have never purchased wheels for any of my cars so I have no idea if anything bigger than 17 is possible for installation on this bu.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
regards,

Jim

Check out cardomain.com some of the guys have put 20s on. They are very close to rubbing though and they couldn’t put the lowering kit on. I personally am going to lower the car 1.5 also and put some TSW 17x7's on. Remember the stock wheel size is 15x7.

Thanks for the message. I will check that site. I will definitely lower the car, I am looking at those eibach springs set. I have a quick couple of questions tough, will you need to fix the alignment once you lower them using either springs or any other method? How would you deal with alignment? and finally, will the 17" wheels cover the complete gap?
Anyway, I know it is too early to get an answer to these questions since you have not done it yet but let me know what you think and post pictures when you get it done. I went to the TSW site and there are some beautiful wheels there.
regards,

Jim

Check out cardomain.com some of the guys have put 20s on. They are very close to rubbing though and they couldn’t put the lowering kit on. I personally am going to lower the car 1.5 also and put some TSW 17x7's on. Remember the stock wheel size is 15x7.

I am pretty sure there will be no alignment issues. You’re talking about the car moving side to side right? And I know that 17"s will not fill the complete gap by themselves if you get the low profile tires like I will be. I am not sure about regular tire because as the rims get bigger there is less tread put on so the tire will remain "stock" for the odometer and ABS systems. Hope this helps, if you still have question keep asking.

Viper, thanks again for the response. What I meant with the alignment was the position of the tires once the lowering kit is on. I have seen lowered cars with the tires slanted inwards (at the top of the tire). That besides looking aweful, I am sure will wear the inside of the tires quicker. I suspect that the 17's will not fill the gap even with the 1.5" lowering which is why I am looking at larger rims. Maybe 18's will do the trick. Somewhere here I saw a prototyp drawing of a blue malibu which has the look I am looking for. Anyways, thanks for the replies.

regards,
Jim

You definetly want to get the car aligned after replacing any suspension part. when you buy the springs and struts, also get the camber adjusting kit ( this will correct the tilt at the top of the wheel when your technician does the alignment) as far as sizes go on the malibu i would not recommend going any higher than a 17" because there are a few tire choices and they are extremely high priced. the size you should be looking for is either P235/45/17 or P245/45/17 which would be a perfect fit. I would recommend Firestones new Fuzion line. They are inexpensive and they perform beautifully.