Wheels upgrade questions...

[Flipmode]

hello all,

i'm new to the forum and only had 1.8T 1999 for couple of months so new to the whole VW scene as well. Currently have standard VW 16" wheels and considering upgrading to 18" but don't know how this will effect ride/handling. With 18" wheels is it essential to change the suspension set-up or will standard factory suspension cope with cornering and multiple passengers? Will the bigger wheels effect fuel consumption and will the larger size cause problems for the standard VW on-board trip computer? this is probably a very basic question but feedback very much appreciated,

Thanks.?

[Rally_Chris]

Having just put my GTI back onto 16" wheels from 18s, I can say that the handling and feeling of the car is much better with 18" wheels and it feels far too bouncy and lacking in grip now!

The correct tyre size for 18" fitment on the Golf mk4 is 225/40, which will give only a negligible change in rolling radius from your current 205/55 16" tyres, so your speedo and trip computer will not need alteration. What you will find however is that the fuel economy of the car drops by a couple of MPG, as the 18" rims are normally quite a bit heavier (and have more inertia).

Hope this info helps - just another point that may be of interest is that if you change from OEM (ie VW/Audi) wheels to an aftermarket wheel (including Audi copies/replicas)  then you will need to change the wheel bolts as OEM wheels use a spherical seat and non OEM use a conical taper. If you are buying new aftermarket wheels then you will usually get new bolts with them, but make sure that you get yourself some decent locking bolts (eg McGards) to protect your new rims!

Chris

[Flipmode]

thanks mate,
will keep that info in mind when i head to the shops,
cheers.