Chuck Branscomb wrote:
We put on the the SSR 8.5" wheel, 44mm offset, in the rear with the old BFG R1 245/40 on it, and it rubbed the fender lip badly (gauged the tire sidewall), but the R1 is a very wide for its size tire, and it carries its section width all the way to the tread face unlike most tires). So that's why we want to test fit the Rival -- not sure if the Rival is going to be "section-width-wide-all-the-way-to-tread-face" like the R1. Of course in STX she can have the fender lips rolled in the back, so I suppose she'll do that if needed.
I think her car is sitting about 1 1/4" lower up front and maybe 3/4" lower in the rear from stock. The problem with the 245/40 also is that it is larger in diameter, so it makes clearances tighter. I know with the stock suspension it rubbed the inside of the fender liner on the front side (tire tread face rubbed liner with wheel turned) for example.
As to pushing, from what I hear from a guy in the Midwest (very, very good autoxer), the E90 M3 is a much improved front suspension design from the E46 (so camber wear is nowhere near as bad), and the car is tail happy at will in many cases. The larger front bar (sitting in garage already) is very helpful.
Speaking of Jackie's car, IF she ever decides to sell, I'm still very interested in buying it.