"Minimum Lip"

[1HOT NSX]

As I'm ordering my wheels the "experts" want me to know that the rear wheel I'm ordering which I want it to be a 18x9 with a 255/35/18 tire will have a "minimum lip" and that they recommend going with an 18x10.

What are the dangers/problems associated with mounting a tire on a rim with minimum lip?

For what I have read a 255/35/18 tire can be mounted on a 9 to 10 inch rim with 9" being the minimum. Is that what they mean? If that's the case the factory chose to mount a 245/40/17 on a 8.5 inch rim which is also the minimum rim width recommended for that size tire.

Help! I need an answer/recommendation from you guys. Thanks.

 

[D'Ecosse]

There is nothing technically wrong with a minimum lip - the lip is what is commonly referred to as the horizontal profile between the the edge of the rim & the vertical(ish) spokes of the wheel.
If they are suggesting that with your desired wheel width & offset that the lip is "minimum" (probably shold have read minimal) then it is purely a styling concern. With a 10" wheel that feature will most likely be wider. Hence, when you look at the NSX set-up with after-market wheels the lip is always smaller on the fronts than the rear.
I think generally "most" people that choose a wheel style with a lip type design prefer something wider that accentuates it.
Note that the stock wheels have virtually no lip.

What brand/style wheels are you ordering? If you look at some of the posted pics (do a search) on your selected style, you may find some pics in different widths that will illustrate the difference in appearance.
There is no problem fitting a 10 x 18" rim on the rear of an NSX - a 275/35 or even 285/35 will fit and the lip will certainly look better. Remember though it will always look disproportionate to the front (& accentuated more with a wider rear) but personally I think that look is appealing on the NSX.


[This message has been edited by D'Ecosse (edited 28 March 2003).]

 

[1HOT NSX]

Thank you very much D'Ecosse, your explanation is crystal clear.

 

[D'Ecosse]

Glad it made sense - its more difficult to describe if you can't point to a couple of examples - I was busy looking fo rpics to illustrate but sounds like you got it.
Good luck - we'll look forward to seeing the pics with your new shoes posted soon!

 

[1HOT NSX]

Originally posted by D'Ecosse:
What brand/style wheels are you ordering? If you look at some of the posted pics (do a search) on your selected style, you may find some pics in different widths that will illustrate the difference in appearance.

I'm getting the Volk GT-C Face 1 in Silver. I looked at many pictures and the ones I saw had a 10 inch wheel in back with a deep dish look. The reason I didn't go with a wider wheel is because I want to keep the rear tires close to the OEM sizes and 255/35/18 on a 10 in rim would make the edge of the rim more exposed to curb damage.

 

[CDub]

I think you are making the right choice. Like D-Ecosse said, big lips are more for looks. I have 9s with around 3.5" lips on the back.

You won't want to run 255 on a 10". Although it fits, but you are going to be stretching the side wall. Of course some actually prefer that look.

If you are looking for bigger lips, Blitz designs normally have bigger lips even if they are the same size (width) as other 2 or 3 piece wheels.

With your choice of wheels and tire size, you won't go wrong. Volks are very well made wheels.