Modded 440s

[amesslv]

Hey all, I’ve been a long time reader of these forums as i have bought a “95 440 si, At the minute i have her lowered at 40mm but the front end is still sitting so high up compared to the rears, has anyone ever had any luck with any other method of lowering it that isn’t crazy money? TIA.

Also what wheels are you all running on yours? at the moment I have some 14 inch 5 spoke 480 wheels and am looking to upgrade in the future and wondering about sizes and offset and what will fit.

[360beast]

Nice looking 440, I don't have any personal experience of 400 series but applying general car modifying logic here will hopefully give you some help.

You could try fitting 50mm or 60mm lowering springs to the front but if you're going that low then you may need to invest in some shorter dampers from the likes of GAZ in Essex. Or your rear dampers could be shot allowing the rear end to sag.

They're 4x100 but I don't know what offset etc to use, on a small car like the 400 series I'd say 16" wheels would be best maybe 17" at a push as any bigger and I reckon it will look over wheeled.

What about ronal turbo wheels?

[jason11]

Hi, I have a lowered 460 cd . It’s been dropped 40 mm and on 15’s. With the right tyre with a more rounded side profile it looks amazing. Always getting compliments. If you go with a bigger wheel you are going to get arch rubbing and with a bigger wheel / tyre combo problems with lock at the front. The smaller wheel also fits the age of the car better imo. They do take an 8 inch width with the smaller wheel which helps the stance, nice looking car you’ve got. Good to see a bit of love for these cars still as they are getting very rare in good condition.

[amesslv]

Originally Posted by jason11

Hi, I have a lowered 460 cd . It’s been dropped 40 mm and on 15’s. With the right tyre with a more rounded side profile it looks amazing. Always getting compliments. If you go with a bigger wheel you are going to get arch rubbing and with a bigger wheel / tyre combo problems with lock at the front. The smaller wheel also fits the age of the car better imo. They do take an 8 inch width with the smaller wheel which helps the stance, nice looking car you’ve got. Good to see a bit of love for these cars still as they are getting very rare in good condition.

Thank you!! this is very helpful, i was hoping to go up to 15s as im currently running 14s and i think thats gonna help with the wheel arch gap. i did assume that that’d be the way forward. And absolutely my 440s on 30k miles and only got very minor rust issues, she’ll be all treated before winter so hopefully no worries about losing her any time soon🥳

[dcw]

Several of the 440/460 facelift models (ie, like yours) had 15" wheels as standard - certainly several of the optional alloys were 15".

The 14" wheels always looked small, I agree. It's surprising how much difference 15" make.

My 440 sits on 15" Cetus wheels, with 195/50/15 tyres: I think they work well.

I'm not saying you can't go bigger but bear in mind that these cars were only designed with 14 or 15" wheels in mind. Especially if you are lowering yours, I wouldn't be surprised if you start hitting problems with wheels rubbing etc...

Good luck!