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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: GCGTI on 10 June 2011, 18:16

Title: 15, 16 or 17 inch rims..... And what boots to match??
Post by: GCGTI on 10 June 2011, 18:16

I am considering buying a set of 17 inch rims for my gti, but don't know she'll handle like and what tyres I'll need to make the adjustment from the current 15's it's running on with 205/50's.
Opinions please????!!!!

Title: Re: 15, 16 or 17 inch rims..... And what boots to match??
Post by: Bellend on 10 June 2011, 18:26

They handle like a "tram".

Literally go in a straight line and when you turn it's very snappy and always wants to snap back straight. Partially due to the very low profiles you will need. Plus they understeer a lot. Just like Corsa's on 17's.  :grin:

Get 16's, they look better anyway.

Title: Re: 15, 16 or 17 inch rims..... And what boots to match??
Post by: GCGTI on 10 June 2011, 18:28

What would they need on 17's, 35's or 40's??

Thanks for the advice, gutted though cos I've seen a wicked set of wolfrace 17's!!

Title: Re: 15, 16 or 17 inch rims..... And what boots to match??
Post by: phil.b on 10 June 2011, 18:39

Ive got a set of 17's with low profiles and the handling is terrible! Car has a mind of its own and sometimes it feels like i have to wrestle to keep it in a straight line! Plus with ultra-stiff suspension i think my windscreens gonna crack if i go over a pothole deeper than about 2mm lol.

Looks good though!  :grin:

Title: Re: 15, 16 or 17 inch rims..... And what boots to match??
Post by: GCGTI on 10 June 2011, 18:56

It's a tough one, cos looks are important to me but I do like to drive it, so she needs to handle as well!! Search for a set of 16's seems to be the advice.... What boots go best on those then??

Title: Re: 15, 16 or 17 inch rims..... And what boots to match??
Post by: Wayne on 10 June 2011, 20:30

I ran 17" on mine with 205/40/17, I found it ok,

16"s need 205/45/16 or 195/45/16 or even 215/40/16

Title: Re: 15, 16 or 17 inch rims..... And what boots to match??
Post by: neil1780 on 10 June 2011, 20:36

I'm on 17 with 205/40s and find it's ok. 16s can look good if there the right design but some can look too small IMO.

Title: Re: 15, 16 or 17 inch rims..... And what boots to match??
Post by: luckycharms on 10 June 2011, 20:47

Bought my car with 225/40 17s wasn't until I switched to 205/40 16s that I realised just how much worse the 17s were...
They made the car feel like it was sitting up on caster wheels with a mind of its own
Mk3 might need lowering to look right on 16s, but if I lowered mine I'd be leaving the bottom of my sump behind fairly quickly on the terrible Irish roads!

Title: Re: 15, 16 or 17 inch rims..... And what boots to match??
Post by: GCGTI on 10 June 2011, 22:59

Good to know, but as ever opinions seem divided... Thanks to all, keep the opinions coming.

Title: Re: 15, 16 or 17 inch rims..... And what boots to match??
Post by: tdi_blu on 10 June 2011, 23:22

My current tyres are 205,40,17 and at first when I put the wheels on the car felt high and I was cautious when I through it into a bend.But once I got use to the drive the car handles fine and ive had no problems like others have mentioned on here.

Title: Re: 15, 16 or 17 inch rims..... And what boots to match??
Post by: tweed on 11 June 2011, 12:07

Both of mine are 16". both have 195/45/16 tyres handle great.


Nothing wrong with getting 17's to look nice and then fitting some toyo r888 on the standard 15" rims for when you want to drive fast  :wink:

Can always find used sets on ebay pretty cheap