wonder bout some wheels/tire options and other mods.
 

whats up? i was recently looking at wheel and tire options and trying to decide what would work for me and be practicle? i was trying to decide on some 20's. i looked on tirerack at some 20x8.5 with a 35mm offset and recomended size of tire is a 225/30 20. i spoke with some other owners and just knowing this isn't very practicle tire size for an everyday driver i was wondering if any one else found another combination that works. if not i was wondering if this size is really that uncomfortable, or is it really not that bad and could be withstood.

also if any one has come across some tail light upgrades such as black covers or lights themselves. i was also interested in putting factory foglights in so if anyone has done this mod, prices and advice would be help alot.

Dont go larger than 18"s for practicality. I have seen some owners locally here with 20's and the rims get beat up prety bad cuas the profile is so low. You can always drop the ride for a more full wheel well look.

u can do 225/35 or roll 18's

20x8.5 with +35 offset will require rolling the fender lips for clearance. I recommend a 20x7.5 and/or a wheel with a little more offset +42 or +45 that would be a better way to go. You can go taller on tires (that 225/30/20 would be smaller than stock). You can go 225/35/20 or even up to a 235/35/20 (that will barely fit under the front strut).

Jeff at TruckShop has helped several members with there wheel pkgs, so he won't steer you wrong.

Check this thread for FACTORY FOG LIGHT INSTALL.

As for tail light upgrades, SPIDER LIGHTS seem to be the only "non-custom" tail light job available.

I have a set of 225/30/20 tires on 20X8.5 rims and in my opinion that is not nearly enough rubber for that rim. I'd like to go with a 255/35/20 because both General and Sumitomo have a pretty cheap tire in that size. But I'm worried about the front strut like you said. I think a 245/30/20 might work, but I can only find that size in the more expensive brands. Any words of advice either way? Is there a way to modify that front strut to squeeze a slightly bigger tire under it?

You pretty much summed it up all by yourself. The key is being "what will work for you and be practicle". Both of which is defined by your own taste and preference.

Some folks here have 20's. It works for them and they find it practicle for an everyday use. Although, they have to be very careful in selecting the tire size and the wheel size to avoid hitting struts and rolling fenders. There are also some concerns with road hazzards and pot holes ruining the wheels.

For those with 18's, I am sure they have the same concerns but with less worries.

I know some shops will actually let you try on different "shoe" combinations to get your business. Have fun!

That size, as well as a 245/35/20, would rub on the strut due to the tire height. It is possible to grind the spot on the strut where it rubs, from a strict safety standpoint that may not be the best idea, but it can be done to accommodate a taller tire.

Yes, the 245/30/20 would work. Actually, I like the looks of the 245 or 255 tire on an 8.5 rim, rather than a 225/35/20. But the added tire width will also also cause it be that much closer to the fenders and would rub more...

I'm going with 245/30/20 tire on a 20"x8.5" wheel with +35 off set. It will rub the rear fender. I was told that the rear fender would need to be trimmed down to 1/4 " on the inside of the fender. My car is lowered with the Eibach Sportline springs for the Cobalt. It looks awesome!

For looks and practicality, go with 18"x8" with an offset from +39 to +41. The closer you can get to the offset of +41 the better because it will take the tire away from the fender. If you got greater then +41, your tire will hit the inside of the strut or inside fender well. If you go less than +39, your tire may rub against the rear fender. 235/40/18 tire should look best.

I did my homework and used a couple of websites to determine the best fitment.

http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

I thought the HHR needed a +42 offset.