GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: andy_k on 06 July 2013, 22:28
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stock tyre size is 205/50/R15
I've been offered some 17's with 215/45/17's
now, by my reckoning, that will be an inch or so larger in diameter which will put my speedo reading about 7% under
Does anybody run that set up or do I need to change the tyres to 40's or even 35's ?
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You will need 195 or 205/40/17, 215/45's will not fit they will rub and catch in lots of areas.
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thanks - that dismisses those rims then :(
just out of interest what rubs?
car is stock ride height on standard springs/shocks
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thanks - that dismisses those rims then :(
just out of interest what rubs?
car is stock ride height on standard springs/shocks
On stock height you might get away with it but they will catch the arches plus the speedo and gearing will be out.
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thanks - that dismisses those rims then :(
just out of interest what rubs?
car is stock ride height on standard springs/shocks
On stock height you might get away with it but they will catch the arches plus the speedo and gearing will be out.
cheers, I figured that the speedo and gearing would be out (I reckon about 7% reducing to approx 5% as tread wears down) but was worried about hitting springs more than arches.
I think I'll just pass on those rims and stick with the idea of running 16's as I don't want to be getting down to 35 profile tyres to keep the same diameter.
Thanks for your reply though :)
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it all depends what you want to achieve. a car that handles great or a car that looks cool.
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it's a case of looking for the ideal compromise :)
'great handling' isn't just down to wheels and tyres (as you know) and looking cool is always a bonus :)
I think that 16's are the way to go, I'll see what's available
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ideally you want the lightest wheel you can get hold of to keep your unsprung weight down.
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I am running 205/40/17. Had them on when I got it. Looks wise its the nuts. However I am going to get 16's now as my speedo and gearing are out. Performance and handling are more important now. Plus 16's look really nice.
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A 205 40 17 should put your speedo and gearing out by about 2% on new tyres - by the time they have worn down a bit they should be very close to standard
The trouble is then that you start paying a price with low profile tyres making the suspension over harsh.
I agree with you, 16" seems to be a nice compromise
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After all I guess the Mk3 never came with 17's out of factory.
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After all I guess the Mk3 never came with 17's out of factory.
when did that ever stop anybody?
Manufacturers look to save money at every corner - 15" rims are cheaper to manufacture than 16" rims :)
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Everyone knows that Mk3's handle far better with 15s or 16s my friend
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I've got 215/40/16's on mine and with a 40mm drop they rubbed on the arches like f#ck on the slightest bump! The tyre ended up catching one of the rivets and bent it which then shredded the side of my brand new £80 tyre! Raised it 10mm and it's ok now :smiley:
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Yeah I hear 30mm drop all round is the way to go
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iv got 205/40/17 and coilovers and it only rubs a tiny little bit on the inner wheelwell on full lock but then my wheels are only 7j :lipsrsealed:
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r301/hobbiniho/C360_2013-02-23-13-57-14_zps42d6f7bc.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/hobbiniho/media/C360_2013-02-23-13-57-14_zps42d6f7bc.jpg.html)
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After all I guess the Mk3 never came with 17's out of factory.
when did that ever stop anybody?
Manufacturers look to save money at every corner - 15" rims are cheaper to manufacture than 16" rims :)
Not much in it in manufacturing costs, main cost is material.
Believe it or not people liked the wheels when they came out and the stance of the car :grin:
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What you running mate?
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What you running mate?
Vr6 bbs and standard height suspension, spend my money pies and slippers these days
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I think I'll just pass on those rims and stick with the idea of running 16's as I don't want to be getting down to 35 profile tyres to keep the same diameter.
You don't need to, 40 profile will be fine, 16" is still the better option however
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Not much in it in manufacturing costs, main cost is material.
Believe it or not people liked the wheels when they came out and the stance of the car :grin:
material costs mount up - if we assume a 16" wheel would use 5% more raw materials then using 15" rims would save VW a lot of money over a production run :)
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if that was the case why didn't they just put 14s on the mk3? they put 15s on because during their research they found them to be the appropriate size.
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You can run 215/40 tyres. That is the maximum. I have a set sat in my garden.
If the OP had checked up in the info section he would have found this info!
And then not had incorrect advise from people who know nothing! (fakes)
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You can run 215/40 tyres. That is the maximum. I have a set sat in my garden.
If the OP had checked up in the info section he would have found this info!
And then not had incorrect advise from people who know nothing! (fakes)
I looked in the FAQ :)
how much of a compromise are 215 40 17s in terms ride - the fact they are in your garden is probably the answer :)
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I would stick with 205/40/17 if you are going for that size alloy Fred lol
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Ride was fine mate! Reason they are in my garden is the tyres are nearly shot, they are on a set of wheels I dont really want anymore and I just cant be arsed to get rid.
I still have the wheels they were originally fitted to some Momo 17x8's which I started refurbing until I realsied one wheel was bent!
that tyre/wheel combo was on my car when I first joined here, so must be a photo of it somewhere.
Car went to Cornwall with 3 or 4 blokes and luggage in several times (RTTS) on those tyres etc.
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Not much in it in manufacturing costs, main cost is material.
Believe it or not people liked the wheels when they came out and the stance of the car :grin:
material costs mount up - if we assume a 16" wheel would use 5% more raw materials then using 15" rims would save VW a lot of money over a production run :)
No Sheet :grin: