Thanks for the suggestions all. I'll use the duct tape approach for now haha. I'm getting the 19s put on sooner than later, so hopefully that extra inch will give it more clearance.

 

Just fyi... Going bigger in diameter does not give you an extra inch. It simply changes the rim size, the tire gets smaller in sidewall height.

 

Oh wow. I didn't know that. So the increase in wheel size will not alter height at all? This won't solve the problem then?

 

May have found a solution to my problem!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/9-5-ft-EZ-LIP-FRONT-BUMPER-SPOILER-CHIN-SPLITTER-VALANCE-BODY-KIT-AIR-WING-TRIM-/400735392506?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d4db0d2fa

 

for example, if you go from 18 inch wheels that have 225/40/18 tires, you'd be using 225/35/19 tires on your 19 inch wheels. You always want to keep the overall diameter the same, otherwise it throws off the car's readouts. And that garage lip will not save you, it'll simply tear off. Your only solution is to really master your driveway approach. I've had a lot of lowered cars, way lower than the IS at any height, and the key is always extremely low speed, really steep angle of attack, and turned wheels. But you never want to turn your wheels if you're running an aggressive wheel setup or it'll bend your fenders.

 

when you drop your car, there is not much you can do about scrapping. just more practice on taking bumps and dips at an angle so that you lead with your front tire when you go over a bump and not lead with your front bumper. i also have rsr down springs installed. unfortunately, 19" wheels wont lift your car up by much. good luck. a little scrapping is the price you pay to make your car look sexy.

 

Thanks guys. That really sucks. This is my first sedan and first time customizing and lowering a car (always had an SUV or truck) so I guess I'll just have to live with it. Over the years, while I'll improve my angle of approach minimize scraping, I'm sure I'll scrape a lot more times. Is there anyway to reinforce under the lip to minimize paint loss and damage?

 

Clear bra might help, it's expensive but it is thin and study.