PulpFriction

I got carried away. Not sorry.
Next I'll add 19's for SS. Maybe.

Oldblue

Thanks , great information

Hvymax

Wouldn't switching to coilovers eliminate the problem? I'm planning on Malibu struts and see how things clear. I could index the spring and cut the outside portion off for a few inches of clearance. I would weld on a face plate or some sort of gusset

Oldblue

We are just showing the tire chart here, not suspension modifications, and yes coilovers would increase the clearance of tire to suspension pieces.

PulpFriction

Maybe. Coilovers (changes everything, as noted on chart) will be different. They're not all the same. And they tend to be either expensive or disappointing, but that’s a different discussion. If you’re not using standard struts, just ignore the “+” footnote and do you own engineering.

WENDY'SS

Hello... I just installed Michelin Primacy 245-45-18's on my Wife's 2008 HHR SS with factory SS wheels. Its a close fit, we have had zero issues. It has changed the dynamics of the vehicle with a more comfortable ride, quieter, friendlier handling and looks a lot better with a more proportionate sized tire. Hope this helps...Maurice.

donbrew

How would coilovers change the position of the lower spring seat? There is a fixed distance from the center of the axle to the spring seat, coilovers would change the distance from the lower seat to the upper seat. The only way to force a bigger tire in is to increase the wheel offset, or use wheel spacers. Both of those options will change the steering geometry, causing tire wear and different (probably dangerous) handling characteristics.

Oldblue

Coil overs are smaller diameter springs so the tire won’t rub the bottom plate like a strut.

donbrew

Curiosity fed.

Oldblue

So long as it didn’t kill the 🐈‍⬛