This is an extract from Fast Car magazine (best one out there)
The whole F.U.K (Fast Car UK) market is getting a bit dimensionally demented at the moment. 17s were once considered the ticket to Daddiesville, but theyre par for the course now, especially with people now hitting the 20-inch mummas. Where does this leave Clio 16V owners, though? The french hatches are known for having arches tighter than a nuns furry box, but heres the deal...
Stock ride height:
Any wheel up to and including 16-inchs will go on without arch mods. 17s require removal of rear arch liners, a 37mm offset and the skimpiest tyres you can find. 18s will go, but may require minor work to rear outer arches and minor scuffing may be found on the fronts at full lock. Anything above 18s will require arch mods front and rear, pluss coil-over suspension to prevent fouling of the spring cups.
Lowered:
Anything up to and including 16-inches will go on, as long as the tyres used give the correct rolling radius. 17s will require minor arch mods at rear, especially if car is loaded (with ice, beer or mates). 18s will need rear outer arches to be modified. Fronts may experience scrub on full lock. Excessive cases may require may require re-fabrication of plastic front arches. Coil-over suspensio is recommended on 18s to prevent fouling. Anything above 18s will definitely require arch mods front and rear and coil overs.
Bugger that doesnt answer your question, but i wrote it now so its staying.
This one guy in here had 18s on and had his lowered. Doesnt say, as far as i can see, how far he has it lowered. But the average drop is 30mm. So if he can drop on 18s with a 30mm i think you can afford about 35-45 all around. But i havent had it done, so dont take my word for it.
Right i am going to go and have a rest now.
paul
