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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: maxamus on 01 November 2007, 15:32

Title: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: maxamus on 01 November 2007, 15:32
I know the GTI's and the R32's have an offset of ET51 but generally the replicas have offsets of 35/40/45/48.
Has this affected your ride in any way?
Have you had any issues with not having the standard offsets ?
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: PabloGTI on 01 November 2007, 20:01
Hi,

I have had some replicas from rochdale tyres with the 45 offset.

They do stick out a little further, but not really noticable. The ride as far as I can tell is unaffected. But the quality of the finish was crap, and didnt last a winter without the laquer peeling. You may need to factor in tha cost of getting them powder coated after a year into the cost of ownership.

Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: T30GUE on 01 November 2007, 20:08
Just fitted a set of 18'' Monza reps from Rochford tyres. they are 8x18'' ET 45 offset fitted with  225/40/18's. I have noticed that the wheels sit out a little further in the arch but looks like they are filling them a little more to me. (I used to have an S3 and a Mk4 GTi Anni, everyone put 10mm hubcentric spacers on these cars to give cars a wider chunkier look.)  

Correct me if I am wrong but ET51 wheels are only 6mm different, so I guess my whells are sitting out a further 6mm each than before. Don't see any harm in that.

Not really noticed any change in handling or steering to be honest , car looks much better on the 18's though!  

Finish and quality of wheels is excellent, most will not be able to tell they are reps.  

As for the weight issue, they did seem fractionally heavier that the 17's that came off, but the new alloys are wider and bigger, so as expected really.

Don't think it will make as much difference to the car as the holiday weight I am still carrying!

 

 :tongue:
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: maxamus on 01 November 2007, 21:12
Thanks guys.

Did yous get the diamond cut ones with the darker insides?

They are the ones im opting for. Local shop can do them for £340. I was going to get some Perilli Russo tyres for them but they are like £120 each so im going to have to go for a cheaper option.

Which tyres are you guys using with your replicas?

Isnt the difference from ET51s to ET45's that they sit more closer to the axle by 6mm? or is 6mm the difference they stick out of the arch by?

If they stick 6mm further out then that wount even be noticeable. Its neither here or there.


The only thing that worries me about the two-tone ones is that if i end up kerbing them they will not be able to be refurbed. And im sure i will eventually end up kerbing them  :embarassed:

PS. Whats the difference between the polished finish and the diamond-cut ones?

Rochford are doing:
4 * Brand New 8x18" Golf GTI Style Polished Alloy Wheels. Fitted with Brand New Premium Performance 225/40/18 Tyres. Fitments available 5x112/57-1 et45. Price includes bolts, caps & badges. for £455 which is damn good.
Its £215 for just the alloys.


Which package did you guys choose from Rockford Tyres?





PS. I would be grateful if you guys could post some pics of your replicas
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: Incitatus on 01 November 2007, 23:48
I got my wheels from Prestige Wheel & Tyre (www.lovethosewheels.co.uk) in Birmingham. They are ET45 which means they stick out 6mm further than standard but are still well within the arch. I'm using Eagle F1 tyres and frankly the handling and ride is absolutely fine. I am concerned about corrosion but I've waxed them and applied a protective sealant and we'll see what happens over the winter. I figured that even if they corrode I can buy four more new wheels and still only approach half the cost of the OEM wheels that corrode anyway.
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: datracer99 on 02 November 2007, 05:37
18x8 Audi Reps, ET45. Wearing 225x40s.
No impact on ride or handling, and fill out the guards perfectly.

(http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/attachment.php?attachmentid=1003&d=1188691221)
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: T30GUE on 02 November 2007, 11:02
Went through the upgrade tyres with the guy from Rochford. they seemed to be pushing Avon ZZ3's for an £80 upgrade. I have seen these on friends cars and would not pay extra for them. Also offering Toyo TR1-R as upgrade but I felt they were too soft. In the end I went for a kumho which apparanlt came 5th in EVO's tyre test on a GTI. I managed to negotiate these in the deal for £480 delivered. Pleased with them so far!

If the wheels corrode you can purchase more for the cost of a refurb (about £200) and maybe powder coat them!

If you are anything like me the wheels will end up with the odd scuff within 18months so replacing them for another set will be the best option for me.


Good luck.

Will try to get a pic up for you later. (Still a nOOb!)
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: maxamus on 02 November 2007, 11:08
Thanks T30GUE

Very helpful. I think i might get the same package as you did as £480 is a good deal. I might have to pay another few bob to get them fitted.

Are the replicas the two-tone ones with the slightly darker insides (as the originals)?
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: maxamus on 02 November 2007, 14:58
But the quality of the finish was crap,

which alloys did you get from them?
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: joesgti on 02 November 2007, 15:19
just letting you know that kumhos are ca@p!! ive had them on my gti as i got some replicas and they are utter sh!t. goodyear eagle f1's or michellin piolet would be the best bet!! there is no control and just front wheel spin in the wet with kumho tyers!!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: maxamus on 02 November 2007, 15:54
just letting you know that kumhos are ca@p!! ive had them on my gti as i got some replicas and they are utter sh!t. goodyear eagle f1's or michellin piolet would be the best bet!! there is no control and just front wheel spin in the wet with kumho tyers!!  :smiley:

the michellin's are like £170 per tyre!!!!!!!

Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: joesgti on 02 November 2007, 16:10
sooooooo??? you bought a gti!! surley ur not going to put sh!t boots on her!!  :angry: also you will loose so much power through sh!t tyers!! ul regret it with kumhos, especially in winter wet roads!!  :tongue:
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: Horney on 02 November 2007, 16:19
just letting you know that kumhos are ca@p!! ive had them on my gti as i got some replicas and they are utter sh!t. goodyear eagle f1's or michellin piolet would be the best bet!! there is no control and just front wheel spin in the wet with kumho tyers!!  :smiley:

the michellin's are like £170 per tyre!!!!!!!



What price do you put on your safety and that of your passengers. If they're crap under cornering they'll be the same under heavey braking and that's not good!

Nick
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: maxamus on 02 November 2007, 16:26
I think i mighrt settle on some 225/40R18 FALKEN FK452 92Y

They have some good ratings.....
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: WutangRZA on 02 November 2007, 17:46
I think i mighrt settle on some 225/40R18 FALKEN FK452 92Y

They have some good ratings.....

Have used these on several Beemrs including an M3, absoloutely amazing tyres, and brilliant value for money, starting from around £70 per tyre. They last long, give great handling and are not noisy at all :)
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: T30GUE on 02 November 2007, 19:44
I must admit I have not tried the Kumhos in the wet yet. (not looking forward to it now either) Never mind I won't grumble at the price I paid I cannot expect much else. Just have to take my time in the rain.

If you can get the Falken 452's for a reasonable price then I would have them personally. Rochford were out of stock on these when I ordered.

Their replica wheel colour is the same as original - dark painted insides and polished spokes. They look very smart and it would be difficult to tell the difference between these and originals.

Chucked my GTI around a bit tonight, handling is as good as before if not a little better due to the wider track.

Overall I don't think you will be disappointed for the anount of money you are parting with - do it!

Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: maxamus on 02 November 2007, 20:53
Thanks guys.

Ive made a decision and will order the 18" monza's with the Falken's. Will give them a ring on Monday and see what kind of deal they can do for me.... Dont want to pay over £500 including delivary
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: Manu_R32 on 03 November 2007, 02:12
Just to add...had some Michelling PS2's fitted today on both front wheels...it was 495 Euros, around £260 for two tyres, fitted, balanced and labour included...i must say a MASSIVE difference compared to the eaten out conti's i had one :)....deffinatley worth the money ;)
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: jools on 03 November 2007, 17:22
Hi Guys, my 1st post but have been lurking in the background for a while!

Anyway I have recently upgraded to the Monza 2 alloy and after reading the reviews decided on the Falken FK452 tyre. Big mistake!  Despite what others say this is a noisy tyre worse than the Dunlops that were fitted from the factory. Also there is absolutely no rim protection on these tyres- the wheel  almost sits proud of the rubber.

They do seem to grip well though which is the most important thing, but they are just too noisy especially from the front- even on smooth road there is a constant whirring sound. I have only had then 1 month but am going to change the fronts for Michelins next week.

Thought it might be worth passing this on.

Great forum by the way
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: maxamus on 03 November 2007, 20:11
these Falken's are getting mixed reviews from the members here  :embarassed:

Back to square one  :cry:
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: Manu_R32 on 04 November 2007, 18:35
these Falken's are getting mixed reviews from the members here  :embarassed:

Back to square one  :cry:

Go for the michellinsss :)
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: maxamus on 04 November 2007, 21:30
How does the wheel size affect the speedometer?

Wount the speedo read slower from going from 17" to 18"'s as the axle will turn less so to speak?

And how can this be corrected?
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: duzza on 04 November 2007, 21:38
How does the wheel size affect the speedometer?

Wount the speedo read slower from going from 17" to 18"'s as the axle will turn less so to speak?

And how can this be corrected?

 :lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: KentBladeboy on 05 November 2007, 14:07
Just replaced the original Bridgies RE050A's, they were good, but the Pilot Sport 2's are a different level, super levels of grip, very neutral steering, within the levels of an 18" wheel, fairly quiet, (similar to the Bridgies), if the RE050's were 8 out of 10, then the PS2's are 9 or 9.5/10.

Also got a BM with Eagle F1's GSD3, very good but not as fluid as the PS2's

Apart from your right foot, only 4 small contact patches keep you alive, I know where my money was well spent.

£148 fitted each by E tyres outside my house, used them a couple of times, and fantastic service each time.
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: joesgti on 05 November 2007, 14:53
i wouldnt settel for falkon or kumho's, they are both just budget tyers with a name!! michellin, goodyear or bridgestone are probably your best bets. id go mith the michellin piolet ps2, 225/35/18 or 225/40/18  :wink: there the best bet, if your wanting to keep your car for a while then spend a bit of money on some good boots!!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Only post if you have or had 17"/18" Replica Alloys on your GTI/R32
Post by: maxamus on 12 November 2007, 09:29
Well i finally did it. Ordered the 18" Monza Reps from Rochford tyres setting me £240 (Incl Delivary) back.
Managed to get some Goodyear Eagle F1's for £380 (includes balancing and installation).

Total Cost = £520

Alloys arrive on Wednesday and the tyres are in stock. Car is going in on Saturday morning to get them installed. Cant wait.

Going to give the alloys several coatings of wax to help protect the laquer. Hopefully it should harden and give the alloys some protection in the short term.

Pictures will follow once they have been installed.