[loworbitSI]

Don't hit the cones then!

;-)

[na-STi]

I just got back from a track day and noticed that they rub when taking hard sweeping turns. Someone mentioned that you can actually cut the sheet metal of the inner fender and then melt the plastic fender liner to cover the hole. Has anyone done this? Will this cause any other damage? I want to get a wider tire (245/40/17) but I am already rubbing with a 235/45/17.

[loworbitSI]

I fired up MSPaint, and did some high quality artistic work. The area in red is TOTALLY missing from my fender liners. It was rubbed, burnt, tortured away, so much that the metal underneath begain to scrub away.



This was due to a soft (JDM Pink spring + RCE lowering camber plate), and large (Hoosier 245/40R17) tire. I've since purchased stiff coilovers, and the rubbing has dissappeared. It's just seems to me, that's the same setup you have, and your too softly sprung.

The demised plastic was trimmed clean with a box cutter. I hit the metal fender liner itselft with brake cleaner and a metal wire brush scrubbing off burnt plastic/tire residue. Then sprayed the area with a high temp, rustoleum paint.

[na-STi]

Originally Posted by loworbitSI

I fired up MSPaint, and did some high quality artistic work. The area in red is TOTALLY missing from my fender liners. It was rubbed, burnt, tortured away, so much that the metal underneath begain to scrub away.



This was due to a soft (JDM Pink spring + RCE lowering camber plate), and large (Hoosier 245/40R17) tire. I've since purchased stiff coilovers, and the rubbing has dissappeared. It's just seems to me, that's the same setup you have, and your too softly sprung.

The demised plastic was trimmed clean with a box cutter. I hit the metal fender liner itselft with brake cleaner and a metal wire brush scrubbing off burnt plastic/tire residue. Then sprayed the area with a high temp, rustoleum paint.

It's not really in my budget to get coilovers right now especially since I might do the hub swap. Would I be hurting anything by cutting the sheet metal in the fender liner?

[loworbitSI]

Originally Posted by na-STi

It's not really in my budget to get coilovers right now especially since I might do the hub swap. Would I be hurting anything by cutting the sheet metal in the fender liner?

I really couldn't answer that. I'd think that the shock tower might have some support by the front of the metal inner fender. You might also have issues with the plastic being the only thing from keeping grime/water/dirt out of the engine bay. It also seems like it could be a really permanent solution to something that you plan to fix at a later date.

[[-El_Houston_Nino-}]

**** it, just get an exacto knife and cut out that section to clean it up some, no harm no foul, did it with my rsx. Oh ya, and fender lining wont eat the tires, only rubing the metal in the fender well would do that.

[na-STi]

Originally Posted by [-El_Houston_Nino-}

**** it, just get an exacto knife and cut out that section to clean it up some, no harm no foul, did it with my rsx. Oh ya, and fender lining wont eat the tires, only rubing the metal in the fender well would do that.

Unfortunately it is rubbing the metal also. I'm not really sure what to do at this point. I was never really planning on getting coilovers because of the cost.

[[-El_Houston_Nino-}]

Damn, well, I haven't read other people's suggestions, but I'd probably think about putting my stockie springs back on until you can save up a lil' for some coilovers. This will better for you ride in the long run anywayz. You don't have to buy a super expensive set of coilovers, many of these guys buy top of the line stuff because they're autoXing all day. But for you everday 'running around' and the occasionaly trip to the track, some 'so-so' coilovers ought to be fine. Good luck brother.

[na-STi]

Does anyone know of an STi owner who has shaved or cut away the metal behind the liner? If this does not compromise the structural integrity, I might want to try this.

[MREVOL]

wow im havint this same issue i have a 2.76 front left and 2.0 on the front right all i have is pinks on the stock struts and the aligment guys says my camber can not be adjusted anymore WTF..

[mx_9]

Originally Posted by na-STi

Will running 245/40/17 RE01R's be copletely out of the question now? I need to see if my alignment guy could create some more space.

I'm running 245/40/17's on my 04 STi with JDM pinks on 8" rims. No rubbing. I think I could get by on the stock 7.5" rims without rubbing. When I ran 245/45/17's on the stock 04 rims I had to add spacers to the front to stop from rubbing.

[na-STi]

Originally Posted by mx_9

I'm running 245/40/17's on my 04 STi with JDM pinks on 8" rims. No rubbing. I think I could get by on the stock 7.5" rims without rubbing. When I ran 245/45/17's on the stock 04 rims I had to add spacers to the front to stop from rubbing.

I will most likely go with 245/40/17 RE01R's in a few months and then hit the track. I will let you know how bad the rubbing gets.

[T3h_Clap]

Originally Posted by MREVOL

wow im havint this same issue i have a 2.76 front left and 2.0 on the front right all i have is pinks on the stock struts and the aligment guys says my camber can not be adjusted anymore WTF..

you're getting -2.7 on the stock struts, bolts and no plates?

something is broken.

[munky69]

+1 ^ either they didn't set the sensors on right or somethign is bent/broken