Rim Questions

[Farhan]

Just joined the forum and had a couple questions about rims and body modifications. I have read in another thread that the 205/40-17 would rub in the front, is it possible to roll the fender so this does not happen. As for the rear, I would just cut the flaps/skirts. How much would the weight affect the MPG? I am looking at these rims:
http://www.1010tires.com//images/wheels ... nlarge.jpg
and they weigh in at a whopping 14 lbs for a 17 x 7 rim (Motegi Trak Lite)!!!

I basically want to go with this look:
http://www.honda-club-ems-jade.de/Honda ... CRX_3g.jpg

I would also want to add tints, cruise control, aftermarket shifter knob and aftermarket flush mount turns signals (see pic below), or turn signal mirrors, arm rest (I don't like how the husco one looks though, will have to look around for a nicer one, like the ones off an early civic or sumthin, bc they had the e-brake in the center of the console as well, as opposed to more toward the driver), and warm air intake. If possible a clear corner mod too.

http://www.cyclegear.com/images/motrax% ... 10x168.jpg

I would have a great looking ride, and get great mileage. . . what a combo!! Tell me what you guys think, or am I trying to do something not do-able, and please don't tell me "if you have enough money you can do anything . . . blah blah blah", I just want to know if its feasible.

[Resist]

It's not a sport's car, a luxury car or a super car. Why spend so much time and money into exterior mods for a car that was done right the first time by Honda?

[Farhan]

Originally Posted by Resist

It's not a sport's car, a luxury car or a super car. Why spend so much time and money into exterior mods for a car that was done right the first time by Honda?

Ya ure right, maybe we should just close down the mods forum bc u shouldnt mess with perfection. . .. (heavy sarcasm if u didnt note it)

[HafNHaf]

sounds good to me, except for the wheels. i would get something that will fit with the skirts on. and something more aerodynamic. dont need to pick up a lot of drag just for looks. i want to get some flush turn sigs too. also might put some LEDs in the mirror housings.

have fun!

andy g.

[Resist]

Originally Posted by Farhan

Ya ure right, maybe we should just close down the mods forum bc u shouldnt mess with perfection

Sounds good to me.

[Farhan]

Originally Posted by HafNHaf

sounds good to me, except for the wheels. i would get something that will fit with the skirts on. and something more aerodynamic. dont need to pick up a lot of drag just for looks. i want to get some flush turn sigs too. also might put some LEDs in the mirror housings.

have fun!

andy g.

To each his own, but man i can't stand how those skirts look.

Originally Posted by Resist

Sounds good to me.

Umm. . . ya, well. . . dammit cant think of a smartass reply for that one.

[Guillermo]

Don't worry about those fuel economy nerds.
Even with all those changes you envision the car would use less fuel then a Toyota Prius, while looking and handling way better
:twisted:

17" rims are too big for Civics let alone Insights

I use these 14" x 6" Kosei T1S racing rims that only weigh 9.5 lbs each.
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Displ...Silver+Painted

If you want to look better maybe go to a 15" rim but any bigger than that and acceleration will suffer noticeably.

[joecvt]

Besides all the comments about MPGs and looks.... I believe something
has been overlooked in the question so far...Usually rolling fenders
involes bending the "metal" upwards into the wheel housing. However,
the Insight fender is plastic so it would have to cut or heat molded. If
done incorrectly, these mods will destroy the looks...The very looks that
you are trying to improve upon....How ironic... Just kidding on the last
statement but I would go for a 14 or 15 with a slightly wider tire. If the
rear splat can be cut to look like the front (perhaps slightly smaller) then
that might be worth a shot...True, it will affect areodynamics but only by
a small margin...Look at how many people in this forum put on non-OEM
tires for handling and comfort and willing to accept the MPG loss...

JoeCVT - Just your average CVT owner

[Resist]

To each his own, but man i can't stand how those skirts look.

Then why did you get an Insight? The car was designed for fuel mileage and low emisions. The skirts were designed to assist with this goal.

[Dougie]

The skirts are cool.

I like of modded cars, and the Insight is a great opportunity. Personally I'd go for mods that help fuel economy, but it's your car, so do what you want. If you find an exhaust that sounds good, post a pointer!

There are probably some good aero opportunities: A deep front air dam and some really low side skirts might help. I'd steer clear of wings, as the overall body design (Kamm tail) is pretty unbeatable for low drag and stability.

Some people take off the rear wiper. You could also remove the antenna and use an in-glass one instead. Or a satellite antenna.

Another possibility would be fairings around the tires, that reach down to the ground, like in that little mini-sausage car.

A good body shop could probably chop the body and take out a good 3-4 inches of height--there's plenty of interior headroom. This could potentially give a useful economy improvement and make the car look better at the same time.

Rear lights, obviously...

You might also think about skinny tires. The stock 165s are pretty narrow, but there's a 155 width 14" inch version of the Goodyear GT3 that might improve your mileage--and look "ecological." Alternatively you might try a 195R15 GT3 and hope not to suffer too much in economy loss.
http://eu.goodyear.com/home_en/tires/re ... /index.jsp

But, the skirts are cool. I'd keep them...