Author Topic: Experience with 18” Belvedere Alloys  (Read 577 times)

Offline A-Kai

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Experience with 18” Belvedere Alloys
« on: 31 May 2025, 15:39 »
Hey all,

I’ve got an opportunity to buy a set of Belvedere alloys for my GTI PP (non-DCC). Before I pull the trigger I wanted to check if anyone had any advice/experience with that alloy? I’m currently running the 19” inch Brescia alloys which look great but can be harsh ride. The Belvederes look to be approx. 5kg lighter per wheel, which should improve the handling and ride quality if paired with something like a Michelin PS5.

Would they actually make a noticeable difference or am I being sold a dream?

Would appreciate any advice on this. Thank you!

Offline MinchCS

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Re: Experience with 18” Belvedere Alloys
« Reply #1 on: 31 May 2025, 17:14 »
No experience ( mine is on 19 Prets) but a move I have considered. IMO these are the best wheels on a GTi.
2017 black Clubsport S

Offline Paul70

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Re: Experience with 18” Belvedere Alloys
« Reply #2 on: 31 May 2025, 18:27 »
Belvederes are great imo - definitely impact the ride and handling in a positive way. If they’re in good condition then I would highly recommend them.

I think they really suit the MK7 GTI - I put them on my MK8 R and they looked terrible.
2016 MK7 Clubsport ED40
2013 MK7 GTI Black 5 Door (Non PP)
Long gone -1984 Helios Blue Campaign MK1 GTI

Offline A-Kai

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Re: Experience with 18” Belvedere Alloys
« Reply #3 on: 01 June 2025, 18:54 »
Given the weight saving, Belvederes do seem to be a logical choice. The only other consideration I have is maybe fitting Pretorias. However, I’ve seen a lot of threads stating that they crack/buckle relatively easily. I think I’m selling myself on the Belvederes as I’m typing this message 😂

Offline EB2019

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Re: Experience with 18” Belvedere Alloys
« Reply #4 on: 02 June 2025, 21:15 »
Hey all,

I’ve got an opportunity to buy a set of Belvedere alloys for my GTI PP (non-DCC). Before I pull the trigger I wanted to check if anyone had any advice/experience with that alloy? I’m currently running the 19” inch Brescia alloys which look great but can be harsh ride. The Belvederes look to be approx. 5kg lighter per wheel, which should improve the handling and ride quality if paired with something like a Michelin PS5.

Would they actually make a noticeable difference or am I being sold a dream?

Would appreciate any advice on this. Thank you!

lots of things are improved with the lighter Belvedere wheels but its all subtle, I don't think you are being sold a dream, its just that its not a massive effect, more an incremental improvement. I think the comfort feeling will be coming from 19" to 18" the fact the Belvederes are 5kg lighter is a worthwhile bonus as the forces working against the suspension, brakes and steering is where the 5kg shows.

I have 18" Milton Keynes with PS5 and 18 Belvedere wheels with GYAS6. The Miltons I run in the winter, and they feel more solid, steering feels slightly heavier to turn. Subdued would be a good way to describe it after the switch to the heavier Miltons.  This could mostly be the damping effect of the PS5 compared to the GYASM6 but the weight is felt on the steering. Switching back to Belvedere's the car feels lighter more nimble, initial parts of braking and turning are better. I could be wrong but lift off engine braking feels ever so slightly different with the Belvederes. (that could be my mind playing tricks on me)

These are the things I notice, not everyone is the same, but I notice a few psi drop in tyre pressure, but after a day of driving you get used to it, until you change back to the Miltons again for winter.   
« Last Edit: 02 June 2025, 21:22 by EB2019 »

Offline MinchCS

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Re: Experience with 18” Belvedere Alloys
« Reply #5 on: 03 June 2025, 12:49 »
Given the weight saving, Belvederes do seem to be a logical choice. The only other consideration I have is maybe fitting Pretorias. However, I’ve seen a lot of threads stating that they crack/buckle relatively easily. I think I’m selling myself on the Belvederes as I’m typing this message 😂

Prets are lovely wheels, but you have to careful with them due to the low side wall.
If you don't buy the Belvederes, please send the vendor my way ;)
2017 black Clubsport S