So on my 96 civic i just got some new 16 inch wheels, +33 offset, 205/45/16 tires. Car is lowered like 1.5 inches.

When i take a turn faster or go over a speed bump a bit faster, the front tires rub on what seems plastic in the front, so I am guessing it is just the fender lining.

So what can I do to fix this?

 

What kind of '96 Civic is it? If it's a DX or hatchback model, you're better off with slightly smaller tires, either 195/45-16 or 205/40-16. If it's any other Civic, 205/45-16 should fit without rubbing.

What's the plastic that it's rubbing on? Is it possible that the wheel well liner (fender liner) is coming loose and/or not positioned properly?

It's also possible that your wheels are not the proper offset for their width, so that they aren't positioned in the wheel well for maximum clearance.

 

It is an EJ8. I am actually not sure what part of the plastic it is rubbing on, but the fender lining seems to be the only possible place where it rubs. It doesnt seem loose to me.

 

You should be able to see where it's rubbing by removing the wheel/tire and looking at the surrounding surfaces around the wheel well.

Sedan, coupe, or hatchback?
DX, LX, EX, or Si?

 

96 civic ex coupe

 

Hmmm. 205/45-16 should definitely fit. 16" wheels with +33 offset shouldn't be a problem, even with 1.5" lowering. I assume they're 16x7?

You're really going to have to look at where they're rubbing. Again, if you take off the wheel/tire and look around the wheel well, you should be able to spot what the wheel is rubbing on (unless you've since then driven in rain/mud so everything's covered with dirt/mud).

If you can spot where they're rubbing, the next step is to figure out why.

You know, one more thought - it's possible that this can be caused by a suspension problem. For example, if you have the original shocks and they're shot, it's possible they are allowing your car to bottom in those situations, whereas shocks in good condition might not. Or, if you have a bent/broken suspension component, it could change the geometry of your suspension and your clearances in the wheel well.

If you don't spot something (like a liner) in the wheel well that looks like it is off, I'd say your best bet is to put the car up on a lift and take a good look at it. If you're not really good with suspensions, you may want to find someone who is, to look at it.

Good luck...