Lowering springs/tire width

[TominMO]

Just something to keep in mind when installing coilovers. I have the rear Mk1 VW KYBs on my Aspire, and 10" springs. This lowers the body 2". It was no issue when I was running 155/80-13 tires, but now I have 185/60-14s.
Tire size..........Tire diameter..........Tire width
155/80-13.......22.76".....................6.10"
185/60-14.......22.74".....................7.28"
As you can see, the diameter is actually a hair smaller for the 14s; but the problem is the width, and I think the 45mm wheel offset too. On really hard bumps, the left rear hits the inner fender. I tried modding the fender, but it didn't help. The extra 15mm of width on the outside seems to be the culprit, probably along with the wheel offset on the Miata daisies. I will most likely be going to 165/65-14 this summer.

[bhazard]

You need more camber in the rear

[TominMO]

You need more camber in the rear

Won't help. I went out today and looked at the design of the Aspire rear wheel well. It allows for a wider tire--width turns out to not be the problem here--but not for a wider tire on a 40mm offset wheel, with a 2" suspension drop. Since I can't get the body any higher with this 10" X 1 7/8" ID spring coilover setup, I will swap the Festy's Bilsteins over on to the Aspire. This will allow 12" or 14" springs (2.5" ID), so I can easily raise the body as much as I want. They will be 120# springs, more appropriate for the Aspire, and let me use the 10" 105# springs on the Festy.