GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: cabbywothers on 27 December 2008, 20:30

Title: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: cabbywothers on 27 December 2008, 20:30
hi whats the widest wheels i can fit on my mk3 golf been looking at 8x16 with a 195/45/16 what mods would i need to do
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: shepgti on 27 December 2008, 20:55
would have to roll the arches
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: Wayne on 27 December 2008, 21:10
If the offset is around et35 and your not too mad with the lowering they should go under a standard arch.
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: LostBok on 28 December 2008, 21:42
Not sure if this helps with your calcs: but I'm running wider TYRES than that right now (205mm / 45 profile on 16" wheels)... and that's on 7j 6.5J wheels with an ET45 offset...

That wheel is about 10mm narrow that it ought to be... so the car DOES look pinched (as in "too narrow" - not "stolen" ;) ) - and that's why why I'm fishing around for help with spacers.
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: spunkymonkey on 28 December 2008, 23:23
I run 8x16 with a 195-45-16 and unmodified arches. Its lowered 70mm and doesnt really catch. The offset is ET22 aswell. They will fit!
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: MK3TDi1996 on 14 January 2009, 11:00
hello all,

I've got a set of team dynamics omega wheels to go on mine - it's a 96 TDi mk3.  I intend to fit 205/45/17 - are they gonna go on no problem? ie, not catch or rub?

I will be buying coilovers too so what sort of drop can i achieve without running into any problems with these wheels/tyres?

Thanks
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: Wayne on 14 January 2009, 11:46
hello all,

I've got a set of team dynamics omega wheels to go on mine - it's a 96 TDi mk3.  I intend to fit 205/45/17 - are they gonna go on no problem? ie, not catch or rub?

I will be buying coilovers too so what sort of drop can i achieve without running into any problems with these wheels/tyres?

Thanks

You need to make sure the offset is et35 / et37, 205/40/17 is the correct tyre size and you could lower it around 40mm, any more then that and you will need to tweak the arches.
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: MK3TDi1996 on 14 January 2009, 15:20
hello!

thanks for the reply sorry but being a newbie and all - how do i check the offset?  Also, will 205/45's not do?

Thanks
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: Wayne on 14 January 2009, 15:56
hello!

thanks for the reply sorry but being a newbie and all - how do i check the offset?  Also, will 205/45's not do?

Thanks

Offset is stamped inside the wheel, no 205/45/17's are the wrong size, they will throw your gearing out plus being bigger could lead to rubbing issues.
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: spunkymonkey on 14 January 2009, 15:59
hello!

thanks for the reply sorry but being a newbie and all - how do i check the offset?  Also, will 205/45's not do?

Thanks

Offset is stamped inside the wheel, no 205/45/17's are the wrong size, they will throw your gearing out plus being bigger could lead to rubbing issues.

As well as looking a bit naff!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: MK3TDi1996 on 14 January 2009, 16:10
okay well i best get rid of the 2 i've alreayd aquired then hey?  No matter.

7Jx17 H2 - that's what is stamped on the inside of the rim - explaination please??

hmm... just tried to post a pic of the alloys but can'ne work it :s
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: shepgti on 14 January 2009, 17:07
means they are 7" wide..
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: MK3TDi1996 on 14 January 2009, 18:41
so where does that leave me with fitting/ catching on the arches?
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: spunkymonkey on 14 January 2009, 18:58
Still need to know the ET, the 7x17 wont be much of an issue if the ET is 32-38. Just suck em and see, they will fit.
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: MK3TDi1996 on 14 January 2009, 19:53
sorry, please explain ET and where i might find it??

cue the Extra terrestrial jokes... :p
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: shepgti on 14 January 2009, 19:55
ET is latin for somthing but means offset.. info here http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=101933.0
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: LostBok on 14 January 2009, 20:04
the ET will be stamped onto the inside of the wheel....

e.g.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/LostBok/Car-Misc/ixus90077_cropped.jpg)

remember the extra profile on the tyres is actually LIFTING the car up.... so you'll have to drop it about 10mm just to get it back where you started... which will make it VERY difficult to go for that low, sporty look if you're actually starting with the car too high.... even if you get adjustable coilies, you're still going to runinto arch rubbing probs a lot sooner than most people here...

what the rest of the guys have been saying also applies (it will increase gearing, reduce acceleration, but increase the top speed in each gear, plus it will offset your speedo and odometer) - we've pretty much all been there, done that, tried to cut the corners and learned a few lessons.... you're welcome to take the advice or learn the lessons for yourself... and if it's not costing you anything and you're not going to trash the car*, then you're welcome to have a play and try out those wheels.

*you're unlikely to trash the arches with standard height suspension, just provided you don't try track daying it with a higher centre of gravity!

One concern: you have got VW spec wheels? 57mm hub and the correct bolt pattern?
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: MK3TDi1996 on 14 January 2009, 20:30
hello all,

They are VW fitment yes and i've got the correct bolts for them - I am however having second thoughts about fitting them now - So I guess if anyone is after a set of tireless alloys, let me know!  I've also for a set of standard 5-stud GTI alloys if anyone is interested, all with good tires and all in good nick.

Just to add, I'm not going for top speed or performance, just wanted it to look sweet.

In which case, i'm now on the hunt for a new set off alloys!  Anyone....?

Thanks in advance :)
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: Wayne on 14 January 2009, 21:18
No worries with running 17"s and coilovers, this was mine lowered around 55m front and 40m back, I ran et35 with 205/40/17's only isuues with it being low was they would catch the plastic arch, I took them off and trimmed the metal back and was a lot better but found the ride harsh so switched to 15" for the winter.

(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p51/jmfangio5/g4.jpg)
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: Wayne on 14 January 2009, 21:19
To show you the difference in ride height.

Standard

(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p51/jmfangio5/g1.jpg)

17"s and lowered.

(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p51/jmfangio5/g2.jpg)
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: MK3TDi1996 on 14 January 2009, 21:48
thanks for the pics and information - I'm still not sure what to do and i can't find the offset on those alloys - mind i've only checked one so it'll prob be worth checking the others i'm sure....

So again, i'm really not sure what to do now.

Do I stick with the 17's and struggle or just get 15's and sit it on its arse?

Thankye
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: spunkymonkey on 14 January 2009, 22:03
Jack the car up and put the wheel on and see if it sticks proud of the arch. even though there is no tyre on you should get a rough idea.
Title: Re: Need help with wheel size!!!
Post by: MK3TDi1996 on 16 January 2009, 20:05
okay so that's the plan for this weekend.....

Again, I can'ne use 45's? just 40's?