Things to look for when lowering my MP5

[Authentix]

I just bought a sliver 02' Pro5 and I want to start modifying it as soon as possible. The first thing I'm planning to do is lowering it and getting some 17's or 18's. I just want to know if there would be any rubbing issues once I do lower it, since this is a family car and it'll be carrying 4 passengers most of the time. Thanks for your input.

[DuRWooD]

Read up on the proper offsets for the wheel size you choose. This is especially important if you're going to be lowered and carrying passengers.

[P-Funk!]

Count on rolling the fenders... You may want to stay 16"... or just do a mild drop (MSP 3/4" spring drop)

[DawsonPro5]

I really wish this made more sense to me. Is there a user-friendly guide that tells you everything you need to buy if you want to lower your ride by x-inches? I don't understand offset, camber, rolling fenders, struts, etc.

[KzA]

Well let me tell you the most important thing...Make sure you spend your money in the right places when lowering your car.

I love slammed cars, so as soon as I got my MP3 I went and bought some ground control coilovers and dropped that bitch to the ground. After not even a year, I wound up going through a set of tires, completely destroyed all 4 struts, and my motor mounts are stiff effed. Im pretty sure this has also lead to my downpipe cracking once or twice.

The moral of the story is...decide what you want and do it right the first time. Pick a nice set of springs, and if you want even more of a drop then spend the money on good coilovers. I was running the stock racing hart 17's on my MP3 and I had it slammed with the ground controls and I didnt get any rub.

[magnumP5]

For any lowering height stick to a 7.5" wide wheel or narrower, an 18" or smaller wheel and between +48 mm and +55 mm offsets and you will be fine, no exceptions. Some +45 mm offsets work and some 8" wide wheels work but those are the exception. Check out the Protege Brake/Wheel/Tire section and look at the stickied threads.