GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: baz_4 on 02 April 2008, 11:23
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Not really new here but it's my 1st post... so be nice!!!
I am thinking about putting 225/45/18 tyres on the rear of my golf instead of the standard 225/40/18.
Would this improve my ride quality at all?
Would there be any problems associated with have different profile on the front to the rear?
Barry
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40 profile to 45 profile tyres with the same diameter rim measurement would increase the outer diameter of the tyre by around 22mm and so your tyres would be 11mm nearer the edges of your arches and would have around 70mm longer circumference.
This would in turn mean that your speedo would under-read from standard by 3.5%
I personally wouldn't do it and would stick to recommended tyre sizes, but it is doable :undecided:
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i wouldnt, i would just find a better proper size tyre , what tyre are you running now
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Its not about finding the tyre, i'm going to buy brand new. i have 225/40/18 on the car just now, i saw a mazda rx8 with 225/45/18 and it got me thinking!!!
I'm not too bothered about the speedo being out as the car came out the factory with 17" wheels on it so it's probably already out!!
my theory is that the extra rubber would
a) make ride softer
b) act as rim protector
c) might actually improve looks?!!
Its just a suggestion and i thought maybe someone here would have tried it!
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Its not about finding the tyre, i'm going to buy brand new. i have 225/40/18 on the car just now, i saw a mazda rx8 with 225/45/18 and it got me thinking!!!
I'm not too bothered about the speedo being out as the car came out the factory with 17" wheels on it so it's probably already out!!
my theory is that the extra rubber would
a) make ride softer
b) act as rim protector
c) might actually improve looks?!!
Its just a suggestion and i thought maybe someone here would have tried it!
Sorry mate but I would not go anywhere near a suggestion such as putting different profile tyres on the rear of a performance car, regardless of make/model. To do this safely you would need to change the wheel size to compensate - this means having different size rims on the front and rear :shocked:
As Hurdy has said, the rolling circumference will change and therefore you will have uneven tyre circumferences running on the front and rear. In theory changing tyres (all 4) to a higher profile will give you a softer ride but it would look seriously naff and result in poorer handling. If you are worried about rim protection, buy a tyre of the correct 40 aspect ratio that gives you this - there are several brands available - my Dunlop's have this and the tyres perform adequately for me.
Your speedo should be accurate on your current 18" wheels with the 40 profile but as far as not worrying if the speedo is out, then consider getting done by the law, failing an MOT and/or not being covered by your insurance should you have a bump :huh:
Personally, I find the ride with my own 18" Monzas very good - do you feel your's are too harsh ?
Performance tyres always have a trade off as they are designed to improve handling and grip, give more traction and braking power. On the downside, they often result in increased road noise, a harsher ride and have less resistance to aquaplaning due to the amount of rubber on the road. VW have taken all these issues into considering the optimim suspension and tyre settings for the GTI. No doubt Mazda have done the same for their car and feel that a 45 profile gives the best balance for the RX8.
My advice would be to do some proper research and speak to a professional tyre supplier before committing to any such changes.
Cass
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your bonkers, but we can save you :wink:
go get some vredestein unltrac sessanta...they are unique in design, soft compund but suprisingly durable and cheap at 100 quid a corner..i wouldnt use anything else if i got another golf...road noise is up slightly, but comfort, grip and composure are all increased so they in my book are exactly what you are looking for.
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would look stupid! the idea is to go lower profile to look more sporty such as 19" on 35 :drool: :drool:
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maybe a family Cruiser is needed... maybe a passat if the ride is too harsh :rolleyes:
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thanks for the opinion guys!
why do you guys think the bigger profile will look naf?
Cass - "Your speedo should be accurate on your current 18" wheels with the 40 profile but as far as not worrying if the speedo is out, then consider getting done by the law, failing an MOT and/or not being covered by your insurance should you have a bump"
I'm sure people who have gone from 15" to 20" have more to worry about than me increasing the profile by 5!!
I wouldn't call the ride rough but its not as smooth as the other cars i'm driving... maybe im just getting old (21)!!
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Only 21 - I wish :shocked:
Add another 29 for me. The 18 x 40 ride is still fine for an old git like me though :smug:
Cass
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and you have a tdi!!! surley the tdi is alot more "comfortable" than a gti?!? i suggest you dont get coilovers :grin:
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people are saying the fide with F1 eagles is more compliant ?, perhaps try them ?, what brand do u have now
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If its comfort you are after, I would recommend changing the wheel size DOWN to 17". You could use standard VW 17" rims and put 225/45.17 tyres on. They are an option for the GTI. I test drove a GTI with 18" monzas on and found it a tiny bit bumpy on rough roads. With the 17's the rides a little bit more composed, the extra rubber gives a better ride. I researched the GTI before I bought it, and in quite a few of the revies, it mentioned that the 18" wheels were only there as an option for appearance and weren't recommended.
In fact I found one of the reviews I used, extract and link below.
"Backroad driving is a blast, with plenty of grip and traction thanks to beefy standard 17-inch tyres (18-inch wheels are optional, though not necessary). "
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/volkswagen/golf-gti-2005.aspx?page=2
I hope this helps a bit, I have the 17s and they look fine. :nerd:
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I don't think you're bonkers for changing to the 45's, however I would do if you only changed the 2 of them!! You could perhaps sell your current tyres to offset the cost of the 4 new 45's??
The only things to watch, are:-
When you're speedo reads 60 mph, you'll actually be doing 62.1 & inform your ins. co. about the change, so you are covered. (Your policy could be voided if they spotted tyres & you hadn't told them).
HTH :afro: