A little while ago i managed to fit some 16" alloys with 195/45 tyres on my Ford Fiesta MK4 99 1.4 Zetec model.

It's a tight squeeze, the alloys went on but there are some problems, there's the occasional knocking sound aroudn the area where the strut is. I've replace both anti-roll bar brushes which seemed to have eased it a little. I can fit my fist into the space between the wheel and the arch above but thats about it..I can barely fit my little finger between the wheel and the strut.

I had a problem when i first put them on that the strut would move slightly before the wheel actually turned, it didn't matter how much i tightened the alloy on. Probably a little stupid fitting 16's on a car designed for 13/14's but they were OZ SuperT's going cheap. My guess is the wheel's just too big and heavy however i want to keep the set.

I don't want t sell the car as i've already replace the radiator fan, clutch, ignition etc. which has cost me a pretty penny. It's done 73k miles but i bought it for £500 at 69k so i wasn't bothered.

Basically i want to reduce this loud 'knocking' noise, it's not constant but it happens and it's not a pretty noise, usually happens when i'm setting off with the wheels turned. I also want to be able to lower my suspension. My car looks like it's on stilts at the moment so i thought 25mm hard lowering springs should do it. But i'm not so sure as if i have people in the back when going up hills or i turn corners sharply (attempting to drift the car or handbrake slide) i can feel the tyres rubbing against the arch.

Any ideas??

Also i noticed if you want to fit an induction kit on a mk4 you have to get the whole kit and re-pipe quite a bit...bit of a pain..anybody got any quicker and still as effective ideas?