School me.... Genius 17" and lowering springs.

[cubefx]

Hey guys,
Finally decided on upgrading my wheels and tires. Got black Genius wheels and SM lowering springs.



1. I checked the prices and it seems that almost everyone using Yoko's S-Drives 195-40-17 (front) and 215-35-17 (rear). Best price I found is Tirerack. Around $400 shipped. Does anyone found better price anywhere?
What other options I have (tires)?

2. Does factory TPMS works with 17" wheels? What pressures (PSI) are you using?

3. Any tips on installing the springs? Looks like rear ones should be fairly easy. There is was a thread on installation, but I could not find it. Any special tools needed beside the compression tool?


Any help or tips are very appreciated.

BTW Big thanks to Rachel and Boris for the great service and fast shipping!



Thanks,



CUBE

[WhiteNBlack08]

Cube, I am so jealous! Hoiping to do the same to my smart next spring. Let everyone know how you like the springs OK?

By the way, I checked, and Boris recommends 225/35R17's on the rear. I haven't found anything besides S-drives in all my searches. From what I've seen, you can get one size or the other from a couple of other brands, but Yoko, is the only one that sells both sizes. Also I haven't been able to find a better deal than tire rack either. Hope it helps....

[Okiesmrt]

Removing the front strut nuts is a *****. I found if you slide down the strut bump stop you can clamp on your biggest vise grips to stop the spinning. I drilled a hole in the plastic to slide an extension through. The backs will take 10 mins each and the fronts at least 30 mins each.

[ADilwicius]

I'm doing the same upgrade this week... Let me know what you think... or if there is something different I should do as far as tires!

POST PICS ASAP SO I CAN SEE BEFORE I BUY!! Still hesitant cause I like my gloss wheels!

[cubefx]

Originally Posted by ADilwicius

I'm doing the same upgrade this week... Let me know what you think... or if there is something different I should do as far as tires!

POST PICS ASAP SO I CAN SEE BEFORE I BUY!! Still hesitant cause I like my gloss wheels!

I am planning to paint/powdercoat the wheels. I am not sure if I just will get the red lip, or I might first paint the wheel true black and then add red lip.

[mvaldes]

Randy Zimmer's videos:
How to replace a rear spring
How to Remove Front Strut Assy. - Video
hope that's what you were looking for (and that it helps.)

[Bum-bling-B]

Nice Cube!!! Can't wait to see the completed product.

[cubefx]

Originally Posted by WhiteNBlack08

By the way, I checked, and Boris recommends 225/35R17's on the rear. I haven't found anything besides S-drives in all my searches.

Thank you! My bad, you are right. 225/35/17 is a correct size.

Originally Posted by Okiesmrt

Removing the front strut nuts is a *****. I found if you slide down the strut bump stop you can clamp on your biggest vise grips to stop the spinning. I drilled a hole in the plastic to slide an extension through. The backs will take 10 mins each and the fronts at least 30 mins each.

Thank you for the tip. I will install the rear ones first and drive around for a couple of days before I will work on the fronts.

Originally Posted by mvaldes

Randy Zimmer's videos:
How to replace a rear spring
How to Remove Front Strut Assy. - Video
hope that's what you were looking for (and that it helps.)

Mvaldes,

Thank you for the links. That will help a lot! And of course thanks to Randy for making the videos.

__________________________________________________ _____________



Any info on TPMS? Will the stock sensors work and what pressure (PSI) is recommended?



Thank you guys!

[The Rigger]

Originally Posted by cubefx

Any info on TPMS? Will the stock sensors work and what pressure (PSI) is recommended?

No reason why the OEM TPMS sensors shouldn't work; air pressure is air pressure, regardless of wheel/tire size, and the sensors don't read an actual hard number; they read a difference between the pressure in the tire and the pressure reading the system has stored as "normal." They're really kind of dumb, when you get down to it...

As far as recommended pressure, I don't have one. Try starting at 34-36psi in all four wheels, and tailor the pressure up or down as needed to your desired performance requirements and tire life.

[SmartMadness]

Cube,

If you need some assistance do not hesitate to give us a call.