GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Benji_DuB on 05 June 2009, 11:10

Title: 15" or 16"?? HELP
Post by: Benji_DuB on 05 June 2009, 11:10

Im wanting to buy some new 'Euro' look alloys for my mk3 (4x100). I originally wanted 16" but with every alloy design i choose the company doesnt make them, as people are more interested in 15". So i dont know which will look better, 16" with a thinner profile tyre slammed down as much as i can, or a 15" with a thinker profile tyre and lowered.

I purshased adjustable colivers which go to a max of 80mm, and i would like to have less of the tyre showing against the alloy (i just think it looks better).

If any one has any pictures or info of 15" - 16" wheels, lowered with different profile tyres etc, would really appreciate it on how they look and sit.

Title: Re: 15" or 16"?? HELP
Post by: Wayne on 05 June 2009, 11:20

I ran and can recommend 15" with 195/50/15's, mine was lowered 80mm front and 70mm rear.

(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p51/jmfangio5/Vw%20Golf/golf4.jpg)

Title: Re: 15" or 16"?? HELP
Post by: Wayne on 05 June 2009, 11:20

Side shot for you.

(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p51/jmfangio5/Vw%20Golf/golf7.jpg)

Title: Re: 15" or 16"?? HELP
Post by: VR6-Joe on 05 June 2009, 12:18

16" with 195/45 tyres..

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa29/GCL731Y/2-6-09/DSC00269.jpg)

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa29/GCL731Y/2-6-09/Picture7.jpg)

Also see sig pic

Title: Re: 15" or 16"?? HELP
Post by: Benji_DuB on 05 June 2009, 12:56

Cheers For the pics guys  :grin:  How much have you dropped yours, front and back?

Title: Re: 15" or 16"?? HELP
Post by: VR6-Joe on 05 June 2009, 13:01

My front coilies are wound down all the way to the bottom thread.. the rear coilies are about half way I think

So I actually have no idea how much it's lowered, will measure later and get back to you

Title: Re: 15" or 16"?? HELP
Post by: Benji_DuB on 05 June 2009, 13:27

cheers mate.

Does anyone know the standard sitting height for a mk3?? thinking of getting the tape measure out and going nuts.

If i take into account the alloy size, tyre size and distance from the arch to the tyre (coilover height), i could work out a pritty solid size and look?? im just having an easy guess for getting the disatance and tyre thickness correct.

Title: Re: 15" or 16"?? HELP
Post by: shepgti on 05 June 2009, 13:29

go for 16's they look much better

Title: Re: 15" or 16"?? HELP
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 05 June 2009, 19:03

Quote from: shepgti on 05 June 2009, 13:29

go for 16's they look much better

I concur, although 16 inch tyres will obviously be cheaper.

Title: Re: 15" or 16"?? HELP
Post by: boneybradley on 05 June 2009, 19:28

Quote from: thai-wronghorse on 05 June 2009, 19:03

I concur, although 16 inch tyres will obviously be much dearer.

Fixed for you  :wink:
oh and you can't really know how it will sit until the wheels are fitted and you've driven it anywhere... I had 15's and she was down 80mm front and it was impossible to drive daily (so i made it -65mm and although better it still grounded a fair bit!)

at 80mm
(http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/boneybradley/DSCN4599.jpg)
and 65mm
(http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/boneybradley/DSCN4745.jpg)

Title: Re: 15" or 16"?? HELP
Post by: Ashley on 05 June 2009, 19:33

16s fill the arch a lot better in my opininon - 7.5 16s with 195/45/16s is what im running. Gives a very slight stretch (nothing horrific) and works just nicely

ignore the ride height as it's changed since the pic

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/coleman_ash/Ashley0327.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/coleman_ash/Ashley0328.jpg)

Title: Re: 15" or 16"?? HELP
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 05 June 2009, 19:45

Quote from: boneybradley on 05 June 2009, 19:28

Quote from: thai-wronghorse on 05 June 2009, 19:03

I concur, although 16 inch tyres will obviously be much dearer.

Fixed for you  :wink:[/b]

Opps yeah, cheers. lol

Title: Re: 15" or 16"?? HELP
Post by: Len on 05 June 2009, 21:00

I want Joes wheels!  :laugh:

TBH I would go for 16's.
Why? Well the 50 profile gives too much tyre movement IMO
The 45 profile is just right
40 profile is a bit harsh

So 45 profile is best compromise for handling and comfort.