rims, suspension?

i've got an 86 gt and someone told me that my lug was 5x100mm is that correct before i order the wrong size. I was also wondering what's the biggest rim that will fit on the fiero's. I'd like to go with so nice 5 or 6 spoke 18's and i'd also like to lower the car with the 1.5 inches lowering springs. Would 18's fit if i lowered the car? What should the offsets be?
I'm also building a kit car out of an 85, i'd like to use and air ride system for that, does anyone know what air ride system fits the fiero or if one even fits?

I'm pretty sure the bolt pattern is 5x100 because I've looked into it before.

Dunno what size, but if you go too big, tou may run into problems with the front tires contacting the inner wheel well when turned. Check into that also before you make any commitments.

Also, lowering with springs can play hell with the geometry. I'm told that the "proper" way to lower is with spindles. There's a web site out there somewhere that sells some.

5x100 bolt pattern is correct.
Personally I wouldn't go over 17 inch in the rear and 16 up front...remember it is a rear wheel drive, so it won't look dumb if the front tires are smaller than the rear.
If you lower it, do it the right way...get some actual lowering springs....and definitely get stiffer shocks and struts...DO NOT use stock or stock replacements, they won't last more than 3-6 months.....KYBs and Konis are nice.

Changing the ride height can have a drastic effect on the way the car handles and can cause uneven tire wear and loads of other problems if specific alignment changes aren't made by a professional shop experienced in aligning special racing and customized cars.

You can fit 18's but it should be noted you won't be able to fit more then a 40 series (if that) tires and such super low profile tires are VERY expensive. You'll also need the speedo recalibrated.

In my opinion, short springs seem to have less of a negative effect on steering responce then drop spindles, but I suppose it's a matter of personal preference.

Air ride technologies doesn't make a specific kit for the Fiero, but if you send them an email, they may be able to recommend the right universal fit parts to get the job done. Some custom fabrication on your part will undoubtedly be required.

:iagree: adjustable shocks and springs aren't the one stop solution to this problem. The only way to drop a car without screwing up the suspension geometry is lowering spindles www.heldmotorsports.com they're relatively inexpensive. Adjustable shocks should be used to affect the cars handling, not ride height.

I've looked at those lowering spindles and i'm really like that idea for the front. As for the rear, it looks like the adjustable coil-over shocks is the way to go. As far as alignment and tires go, I work in a new shop that has one of the newest laser/reflector alignment machines and I can get those expencive tires at wholesale prices as long as I run it through the shop and pay cash.

I have 2 Fieros that I've lowered, both of which handle a hell of a lot better than before. And I can honestly tell you that as long as you find someone that knows what they are doing with the alignment...i had mine done at a pontiac shop, you won't have additional or abnormal tire wear. Just make sure that you buy springs made for this and also heavy duty shocks and struts. Drop spindles are not needed and still will not affect the way the stock suspension reacts to road conditions. The only thing you'll gain by drop spindles alone is a lower center of gravity.....which don't get me wrong.....is a good thing. Remember where the stock suspension came from??? It wasn't originally designed to be a sport suspension. It needs more than just drop spindles to make it work like a sports car. Don't be tempted to save money and cut springs or heat them to lower the car. I'd say by lowering the car with the stiffer/shorter springs and stiffer shocks, 1.5" is about the maximum you would want to go, before you lose so much travel that the suspension won't be able to do it's job.

Those damn drop spindles from held are 550.00, fuck that and you can't use them with stock brake components either. Just get some stiffer shocks and some good springs then go get an alignment.

You can use any wheel thats 5x100mm with a 35mm backspace. Also 18s will work with the right tire. Here is a link to a tire calculator that will give you wheel and tire sizes that will not effect the speedo very much.

http://www.dsm.org/tools/tiresize.htm

Good Luck

Here is another good site.

http://toy4two.home.mindspring.com/tire.html

most of the 18's that i'm finding with 5x100 bolt pattern are 42mm offset. Will a 42mm offset work and will that be putting the tire further under the car or will it be pulling it out some. Thanks for those sites.

Here is a good site that explanes backspace.

http://www.usacomp.com/Offset.htm

Just make sure you buy rims for FWD cars since our fieros are essentially FWD cars with the engine in the back. When looking for rims most place don't make fiero rims so look up cavalier rims to help you some.