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I appreciate the response Hella. I was thinking that 18's wouldn't be much of a problem but I don't like having to backtrack and undo modifications. So naturally I am asking for those with experience to fill me in on the hazards and benefits of the different wheel sizes.
So do you guys think the Enkei 18's would be a good candidate with an almost 2" drop for good performance? Let me know! Right now I am leaning towards the 18's with Sprint Springs suspension. I think this would be a good combo. [Opinions, experience...Thanks.]
SVT Driver
Anthony
*Invisible Hero*
1999 SVT Contour/Amazon Green
Keep It Real.
Beware the fury of the silent man.
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,639
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
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fletcha, what kind of roof antenna do u have. i want to add a small stubby one (like a bmw one) vs a long vw type.
Hugo AIM:omegazodiac
95 gl & 99 contour svt #1750/2760
my profile pics stuff for sale
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,128
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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It is a Zendar Dual Amplified Adjustable antenna. I am replacing it with an XM antenna.
Thanks,
Eric
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Joined: Feb 2003
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Newbie
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Newbie
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Its true that a larger wheel MAY take away some of your turning radius, but it depends on your A-Arms and how wide they are. I do have a contour so i wouldnt know if larger wheels hit the a-arms or not at full lock. BUT 18s will not hinder your performance because they cut down on your turning radius. The only time that it might be come a problem when turning sharp into a parking space, not cutting a corner at 45 MPH.
Ricky
Crashed 93 Mustang 301RWHP/303RWTQ
Another 93 in the works
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SVTDriver1: There were a lot of questions in your post.. here's some of my answers. 
Originally posted by SVTDriver1:
Yes, they will stand out more and be much nicer to look at but here is my delima/argument. I want looks without degraded performance. I LOVE taking curves and sharp turns.
I used to track my SVT with 18" wheels on Toyo T1-S tires. CEG'ers who saw my car last summer at Gingerman Raceway can tell you it handled just fine. There's no way you could beat on your car on the streets like I do at the track. 18's are not a problem, just make sure you can afford good tires. If you're having to compromise on tires because of $$ issues, then get the 17's.
Originally posted by SVTDriver1:
I'd still love to do this with 18's but I am being told that it will cut down my turning radius a lot, and if not a lot then more than I would care to lose considering I love to manuever my SVT.
Whoever told you that has no knowledge of the Ford Contour. With the proper offset wheel, you can run a 225 series tire on an 18" wheel without any scraping or rubbing issue.
Again, that was my setup at the racetrack, with a 3" drop. The car was almost tucking rim while cornering without ever rubbing in front or back. The only mod I had done was bang in the metal dimple where the rear fender meets the bumper.
While parking the car I always turned the steering wheel lock to lock and never rubbed either.
It's all about the setup.
Get the 18's.
You know you want to. 
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New CEG\'er
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I dont know about anyone else, but i have 17" Sacchi S3s on my 99 SVT Contour and for some reason whenever i have more than 1 person in the back seat and hit a dip in the road my car will hit my Michelen Pilot Sports!  I dont know how people can buy 18s without that problem, even though i wanted more of a sportier look to my SVT. Does anyone else have the same problem?
99 SVT Contour (Silver Frost)
Off-Road Y-Pipe (No Cat)
Resonator taken off
Borla Exhaust
K&N Filter
17" Sacchi S3s
Eclipse Head Unit
2 12" W3s
Kenwood Excelon Amp.
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Originally posted by JoeyJiggles:
I dont know about anyone else, but i have 17" Sacchi S3s .. SNIP!.. Michelen Pilot Sports!
Brands don't matter, measurements do.
Those 17" Sacchi S3's, what's their width?
What's their offset?
The Pilot Sports, what's their width?
What's their profile?
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Pascal, MAJOR help with what you told me. Much appreciated. The only question I have left is in regards to what you said.
I am looking at the Enkei RS5's. I don't know the offset, but they seem to be all the way to the front (flat even with the fender almost). Would this be an okay setup considering this actual wheel with 18's? I am doing a near 2" drop (1.8" to be exact) and I don't want to have issues with the wheel being too far out towards the fender. Just got my baby painted and she's coming back tomorrow. This is why I am so particular with my wheel setup because I don't want to bend or scrape my fenders, let alone my fender wells. I am now sold on the 18's, just inform me of the Enkei offset setup and its flexibility. Thanks again for the info.
SVT Driver
*Invisible Hero*
1999 SVT Contour/Amazon Green
Keep It Real.
Beware the fury of the silent man.
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Originally posted by CarpePoon:
ADR Reactions 17"s
18"s
Thanks for trying to post pics of my car. I don't know why tripod doesn't allow hosting...
Anyway, just check out ChickenhawkRacing. That's not quite what they look like now - I picked up a set of Toyos in the 215/45/17's on my trip to Florida - pics are on the way.
Who has 18's up around NJ/NY area? I'm worried about the pot(holes) around this way... I just saw some sweet wheels only offered in 18's....   Stan? How are your's holding up and how much do you drive? I average around 800-1k miles a week.
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No problem with the help, my pleasure.
Originally posted by SVTDriver1:
I don't know the offset, but they seem to be all the way to the front (flat even with the fender almost).
You really can't judge them like that. The offset is measured from the wheel's mounting surface.. can't see that from the front!
Enkei RS5's do have the right offset for the Contour application. Lots of CEG'ers have them. I wouldn't be worried about their strength, people from Detroit to Montreal drive on them every day, some of the world's worst roads..
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