18" rims on an Integra? - Help!

[CrazyModGSR]

I am getting a '95 Integra GSR in less than a week and rims are on my list of initial upgrades. Ideally I would like 18's (Racing Hart Z5000), but I think I once heard that 18's on a 'teg will not leave enough clearance around the control arm or something like that. I've seen Integra's with 18's, but I don't know if I need to do anything else. Also, roads in Connecticut are literally the 3rd worst in the nation, w/ potholes and contruction, etc. I'm afraid I'll get the rims and hit a massive pothole the first day. Any recommendations for this, other than a larger tire width (heightwise)? Also, is a camber kit and/or front end alignment necessary and how tough is the camber kit to install? Lastly, I will be lowering the car the minimize wheel gap, etc. I was planning on the cheaper ($150) coilovers. I know ride quality is sacrificed, but how bad is it really. I like the idea of adjustable height. Are lowering springs any better? Either way I'd like to spend less than $250 max on lowering it. Any help would be great. Thanks much

[CivicSiRacer]

If you are so worried about potholes then 18s are not for you. You wold need 215/35x18" tires which means no sidewalls.

Personally going that size kills the performance and handleing of your car anyway. They largest street wheel/tires you should get are 16s.

[knorsk]

It all depends on how rediculous you want your handling. I wouldn't go with coilovers, especially cheap ones. If you want to race your car and smoke Ferrari's around corners, then get a $2000 set of coilovers. I have a 94 Integra and did a lot as far as researching the best combos for what I wanted. I found that to have VERY good cornering, H&R Race springs (2.00in Front 1.75in Rear) worked incredibly paired with a set of KYB AGX Adjustable struts. If you are looking for cheap, then again I would say go with H&R but get their "Sport" springs. With those it isn't absolutley necessary to purchase struts.

Rundown...
H&R Sport Springs - 16 inch wheels -- fast, tight, and a clean look

H&R Race Springs - 15 or 16 inch wheels - Aftermarket struts - Camber kit needed -- super fast handing, super low

That's just my opinion. I hope it's helpful.

[jkicv]

18s are more show. i live in Colorado where the roads suck too and had 17s on my civic and did fine(205/40/17). with these you wont have to worry about clearence problems either. i have Ground Controls now on my integra and they ride well. if you get coilovers and dont have the money to buy the true coilovers(1000+$$) id go for Ground Control or SKunk 2, but make sure to get a strut that is well matched to the spring rate. KYB AGX are what i have. my friend has a cheapo set of coilovers on his accord with awsome struts and it rides like shit, so dont go that route. i had springs on my civic and they rode very well. if your going for that really dropped look and dont want to spend much, id suggest the Sprint Springs. for the civic/integra they offer a 2.50front, 2.25 drop that i got for 145$$ at the local shop, they ride pretty well on the stock struts even. camber kits are a good idea for any drop over an inch, if you have soft tires the negative camber you get with dropping it will eat your tires away. kinda expensive but worth it. if you dont have much expierience working on suspensions id have it installed by a professional. good luck, have fun with the car.