GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: shaolindan on 27 March 2010, 14:14
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I have posted this in cosmetic matters, but maybe this is a better place.... I'm sure grumpy will tell me soon enough!
Hi there,
I have a mk2 Golf GTi 8v '90 digi. I currently have TSW 8 spoke alloys 185 x 60 r14 on her.
I was also given 5 BBS RAs plus tyres with the car when I bought it. I thought it strange that the centre caps were Renault branded, but I found a brand new set of original BBS centres that came with the RAs on the GTi.
However what is strange is that the Pirelli P6000s I have aren't 185 x 60 r14s, but 185 x 65 r14s. So I suspect that these tyres and wheels were on a Renault, as if I put 65s on 14nch wheels my speedo would be out of wack!
So I sell the new tyres to a Renault owner. And see what kind of money I can get for these mint BBS RAs.
As long as I use something like http://www.etyres.co.uk/tyre-size-calculator.htm what are the limitations to wheel and tyre size? Can I fit 16inch wheels? Are 15 or 16s better than the 14s as they have a smaller side wall so don't deform as much? What are peoples thoughts on bigger vs smaller wheels and tyres?
How wide can I go before it effects turning circle etc? Obviously wider is better as it means more rubber on the road, therefore better traction. I have tried searching for more information but it doesn't seem to be out there.
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Hello mate,
I would personally go for 15" wheels with 185x55x15's. This would give you the correct size for your speedo, and a more optimum balance between ride, road noise, grip and price. Theres plenty of options for tyres at a resonable cost. Dont forget the profile is a percentage of the width so a 195x50x15 would work out the same but i seemed to get more road noise from these tyre sizes. Good luck
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Thanks mate that's interesting.
I love my dub GTis so road noise isn't really an issue as I have 1000 odd watts in my ICE to play my rock n roll. So if the 195's give me more grip I can put up with a wee bit more road noise. How would you describe the ratio of traction over noise?
What about 16s?
Cheers again.
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How can this bloke think these are a realistic price?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/vw-golf-gti-polo-lupo-bmw-e30-3-series-bbs-alloy-wheels_W0QQitemZ250604932447QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Trims_Car_Rims_ET?hash=item3a5937cd5f
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Jeeze that is alot yeah, theres plenty more about sod that bloke :)
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General opinion is that 16's are the max sensible size you can have. Obviously you could fit 24's if you were so inclined but you would have ruined what the mk2 is about.
I have my car currently hard slammed -120mm on 205/45/16, whilst it looks great, it's not as practical to drive as when I had my 8v -60mm on 14's.
So 14-15's are your best bet. Plus cheaper tyres. :wink:
I'll be raising my car a bit this weekend as I want to be able to stop stressing about ripping the splitter off and should make it handle better too.
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Heh, my 8v is dropped 40mm on coil overs with the 14" TSWs. Which was fine for the person I bought it from 20 miles from Bath. However I live in London, SW2 so quite close to the centre and there are speed bumps of all shapes and sizes everywhere!
I've raised the ride by 10mm but the nature of coil overs means that the more you raise it the harder the ride becomes. So I think on a big bumper, I'll raise it the 10mm and remove the black skirt (splitter?) off the bumper and hopefully that will stop the scrapping. I think I will go for 15" BBS RAs if I can find a decent set at a good price.
I'm still interested on peoples opinions as to how the handling and performance changes with different wheel rim sizes...
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Only one thing for it, you'll need to move out of london to somewhere without speed bumps... :grin:
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Heh, my 8v is dropped 40mm on coil overs with the 14" TSWs. Which was fine for the person I bought it from 20 miles from Bath. However I live in London, SW2 so quite close to the centre and there are speed bumps of all shapes and sizes everywhere!
I've raised the ride by 10mm but the nature of coil overs means that the more you raise it the harder the ride becomes. So I think on a big bumper, I'll raise it the 10mm and remove the black skirt (splitter?) off the bumper and hopefully that will stop the scrapping. I think I will go for 15" BBS RAs if I can find a decent set at a good price.
I'm still interested on peoples opinions as to how the handling and performance changes with different wheel rim sizes...
I never found that with my coilovers.
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Heh, my 8v is dropped 40mm on coil overs with the 14" TSWs. Which was fine for the person I bought it from 20 miles from Bath. However I live in London, SW2 so quite close to the centre and there are speed bumps of all shapes and sizes everywhere!
I've raised the ride by 10mm but the nature of coil overs means that the more you raise it the harder the ride becomes. So I think on a big bumper, I'll raise it the 10mm and remove the black skirt (splitter?) off the bumper and hopefully that will stop the scrapping. I think I will go for 15" BBS RAs if I can find a decent set at a good price.
I'm still interested on peoples opinions as to how the handling and performance changes with different wheel rim sizes...
I never found that with my coilovers.
To be fair Wayne, I haven't driven the car other than to park it a couple of times. I'm chasing the DVLA for my replacement license, and I'm not chasing too hard since I had my bike Accident. Legally I should inform the DVLA that I have broken my left elbow and fractured two of my right fingers and they would say I can't drive until the hand injury is better. At DVLAs current speed, I imagine my fingers will be healed before the license arrives!
I don't have any previous experience with coilovers. As I needed the gear box fixed so the missis could drive to work and I can't use a spanner at present, I got her to drop it at the garage. Said please fix the gear box, though now they have ascertained what it is, I think I can do that, and said while you're at it raise the car 20mm.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=149456.0
So I am just quoting the mechanic I spoke to on Friday.
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Why not switch back to a quality susp. kit.
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I'm not certain, and won't be able to tell you without seeing the car to check, but I think they are Spax.
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Why not switch back to a quality susp. kit.
Out of curiosity, what would you recommend?
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Why not switch back to a quality susp. kit.
Out of curiosity, what would you recommend?
Koni or a good quality set of shocks (Boge) and some springs.
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Why not switch back to a quality susp. kit.
Out of curiosity, what would you recommend?
Koni or a good quality set of shocks (Boge) and some springs.
You are talking about a straight suspension setup as supposed to coilovers?
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Why not switch back to a quality susp. kit.
Out of curiosity, what would you recommend?
Koni or a good quality set of shocks (Boge) and some springs.
You are talking about a straight suspension setup as supposed to coilovers?
Yep, much better bet for a everyday car. :afro: