Wanting more tire for track days, I decided to take the plunge and go big... how big, 275/40/17 RA-1 big :). I knew there would be some issue with fitment, and from my test fitment tonight I was right.

Just how much taller and wider a 275 width RA-1 is to the 225 width RE-01R.
http://www.sr20forum.com/gallery/data/959/medium/RA1_test_fitment_01.jpg

The rear already has about 2 degrees of camber, with a slight pull I should have no issues. From straight down there is less than 1/8" of an inch of tire showing.
http://www.sr20forum.com/gallery/data/959/medium/RA1_test_fitment_03.jpg

The fronts did not stick out as bad as I thought, the picture makes it look worse than it is. I'll need some 20mm fenders for sure, that was already in the plan. As for the spacer to use with a 17x9 et35 wheel, I'm currently using an 8mm spacer (washers) and am just barely touching the spring. I'll play with a shorter spring and if not a 10mm spacer to make sure I have sufficient clearances up front.
http://www.sr20forum.com/gallery/data/959/medium/RA1_test_fitment_04.jpg

I like this look... meaty :biggthump
http://www.sr20forum.com/gallery/data/959/RA1_test_fitment_05.jpg

I don't even think you need fenders up front, just a half way decent pull Monty and you should be good.

Monty: hot!!! Bout time you got some nice meats on there. Of course, now my 245's look small. :(

Nice. All the "maximum rubber" guys would go nuts on Zilvia.

Props on the car, it's nice and clean. Can't wait to see the tires fit.

I don't even think you need fenders up front, just a half way decent pull Monty and you should be good.
Yeah, after looking at it, I'm going to try and retain the stock fenders... just roll and pull it out as much as possible.

Monty: hot!!! Bout time you got some nice meats on there. Of course, now my 245's look small. :(
Yeah, but yours fit without needing to modify anything... I still have my work cut out for this one to work.

Nice. All the "maximum rubber" guys would go nuts on Zilvia.

Thanks... most zilvia guys would probably tell me that I need to lower the car and that 11" wheels are needed so I have a perty stretched look to my tires :tongue:


I didn't get to much done tonight, just found a few more washers to get a good 10mm spacer mocked up. I have about 5mm clearance from tire/perch, that is probably a good safe # for strut/tire flex in the corners. I'll still try the 6" spring tomorrow and see if I get more clearance or not by moving the perch higher.

http://www.sr20forum.com/gallery/data/959/medium/RA1_test_fitment_10mm_spacer.jpg

Looking good Monty, as usual. Can't wait to see what's next.

Finally got around to swapping out the 440lb 8" springs to the 550lb 6" springs today. I'm now able to run without any spacers and have about 2-3mm of clearance between the tire and spring perch. The perch is adjusted all the way up, I'd be afraid to go any higher. I could use a 2-3mm spacer if needed... once the snow melts I'll do some test driving to see if it's an issue or not.
http://www.sr20forum.com/gallery/data/959/medium/RA1_test_fitment_no_spacer_02.jpg

It should be alot easier to fit the tires up front now with no spacers being used :)
http://www.sr20forum.com/gallery/data/959/medium/RA1_test_fitment_no_spacer_01.jpg

That looks much better. I think I'd use the 2-3 just for peace of mind, but otherwise it looks great.

wow, yeah those are almost flush now! that's tight.

hahaha, there is a thread floating around Zilvia titled "Maximum rubber and wheel fitment thread"

I guess I should post that these tires (at the current ride height) rub the fender liners at full lock, and it would probably be worse if the car was lowered any more than I currently have the car. I took the liners out and there is enough clearance to the body seams, but it is close... I'll post pictures tonight.

On track the most I turn the steering wheel is 180 degrees, even in the tightest of 2nd hand turns, and the wheel at that angle has no issues that I can see.

I wouldn't recommend this for a street setup, maybe a 255/40/17, but this one is on the tall side and will rub through the liners pretty fast.

That's a tight squeeze!

Iremember Dave Coleman had to relocate the wiring harness and trim down the pinch welds so there was clearance on the top side of the tire at full bump.

Iremember Dave Coleman had to relocate the wiring harness and trim down the pinch welds so there was clearance on the top side of the tire at full bump.
Yep, this seems to be the common practice these days if your going to drop the car alot. I don't forsee myself ever dropping the car low enough to need to do either of these... well maybe the pinch welds on the back sides might need trimmed some.

I'll be making some more progress tonight and post up additional pics. Yesterday was dedicated to garage cleanup and adding some much needed shelves :)

Oh yeah... the eastwood fender roller is in the garage, I'll probably start playing with that this coming weekend if time allows.

both sides have been swapped over to 5lug now and until I find more time to start rolling/pulling fenders, this is how she will sit for a while. I did take the time to snap a couple of shots showing how much tire is under the car :)

From the back...
http://www.sr20forum.com/gallery/data/959/RA1_rear_view.jpg

... and the front :)
http://www.sr20forum.com/gallery/data/959/RA1_front_view.jpg







I'd take the car out for a drive, but there is still this damn stuff called 'SNOW' all over the place :(
http://www.sr20forum.com/gallery/data/959/suby_2008_snow.jpg

Snow? Without a board? :)

What size rims did you use for the rear? I have some 17x9 rays and im woindering how much tire i can fit on there.

^^^ I'm running 17x9 +35 wheels on all 4 corners.

For best fitment on a 9" wide wheel though, I'd say go with a 255/40/17.

Heh, thems some steamrollers ya got there Monty. :)