Mk 3 Tyres and Wheels

[Len]

Got 17 x 8 alloys with 215/40 tyres.

Want to fit 225/45 tyres as i think the rolling circumferance is wrong with the existing tyres.
Now i am told that in order to fit 225/45's i have to have spacers as well.

Anybody know if this is correct?

Got another set of alloys - 17 x 7's that i can put the 215/40's on.
Also the current combo gives no protection to the wheels so have done a few kerb scrapes!

[Overseer]

i know on 17s that 205 / 40 will give you the right rolling radius

beyond that i dunno

[nogama3]

you shouldn't need spacers unless your wheels are the wrong offset. 225/45's should fit but be wary of your tyres rubbing against the arches because they will bw wider. Your ride should be smoother as well, i suppose these tyres will cost you a lot more than 205/40's.
check out thses sites:
http://www.etyres.co.uk/ or

http://www.mytyres.net/start.html

[Len]

Can get Toyo Prox's for ?80 ish each, probably from one of those sites, think it was mytres i looked at.

My concern was not the arches, i was told that size would rub the strut, hence the need for spacers.

Dont know what the offset of my wheels are - bought them off ebay. They were supposedly for a Golf.

[jv]

you should stick to 205/40/17s and just get a set that has a rim protector edge to the tyre. much better than messing about with spacers as you are sure to start catching the arches

[Len]

Thats the problem - coz its 215 being stretched over 8" wide rims, even tho i have rim protector tyres they are too stretched to give any protection!!!!

Also i find that with this low a profile tyre the ride is harsh, bumps in road etc. there is no give in the tyre.
I know someones gonna say no give is good, but its not to my taste.

My 405 Mi 16 is on standard tyres and wheels but handles far better due to lower/stiffer suspension.

[jv]

I have got 7.5 by 17's and the 205/40's on them have a protector edge that works pretty well. Maybe have to switch to narrower alloys

[Len]

Have got some 17x7's which the existing 215/40's will go onto.

Its these 17x8's that i have the problem with and the only solution i can find is to go up to 225/45's but was told i will need spacers for this size trye!  

Surely someone has done this?

[jv]

have you done major work to the arches?

7.5 by 17 with 205/40's catch the rear arches on plastic arch mk3's!

if you put wider wheels, wider tyres and then push them out further with spacers you are going to need to pull the arches out a fair old amount.

unless the offset on the wheels is odd, i don't get why you need spacers in the first place?

[Len]

No have not needed to do any arch work. Current combination is fine - the car is not lowered.

Reason for spacers - was told that increasing to 225/45's the inside edge of the tyre will rub against suspension struts.