Replica 18s - worth it?

[andytran]

Hi all,

Im looking for some Monzas, but originals are too pricey!

Question is - are replicas worth having? Is the fact that they are 8J rim width instead of 7.5J a problem?

Additionally - Ive currently got the 17" version - will I need new bolts or can I use current ones?

Also, I have a choice of the following tyres within my budget - if I go for tyres, what do you recommend for a balance of grip/long life?

1. Kuhmo
2. Avon ZZ3
3. Falken
4. Nexen

Cheers!

Andy

[KentBladeboy]

Andy

Use this

http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp

It is essential to check the offset and larger width, to make sure there are no problems with clearance,
unlikely to need longer bolts, thats normally only necessary with spacers.

I'd choose the KU31's for tyres

[andytran]

Cheers mate,
Unbelieveably, I just found a set of genuine 18s on Ebay for £380 delivered!
They have 3 5mm pirellis on and 1 poor dunlop, so Ive bought em!

Seems a good deal and I will get most of my money back by selling my 17s 

Andy

[AlanD]

What proof did the ebay advert have that they where genuine ? That sort of money is replica money like these.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/18-VW-MK5-GOLF-GTi-MONZA-2-D-C-POLISHED-5-SPOKE-ALLOYS_W0QQitemZ370164477538QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Trims_Car_Rims_ET?hash=item370164477538&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1689|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/18-NEW-GTI-STYLE-AUDI-VW-SEAT-SKODA-ALLOY-MONZA-MK5_W0QQitemZ230327592705QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Rims_Car_Wheels_ET?hash=item230327592705&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1689|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

[andytran]

I sent a text and email to the seller (got his mobile no).
He's a performance car dealer - 100% guarantees they are genuine wheels.
Also, they are 7.5J wide....I understand almost all replicas are 8J

Andy

[No Golf Clubs at all]

if the seller is supersheen1 avoid he is a lying barsteward ask laserblue.

[No Golf Clubs at all]

real ones will be et51 and marked appropriately on the inside...search here for what to look for.
 

[andytran]

if the seller is supersheen1 avoid he is a lying barsteward ask laserblue.

No mate, seller is peak performance cars.
I will certainly be checking on authenticity - although Ive no reason to doubt them just now....

this is them..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250379179138&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=015

Hopefully link works? and they look genuine?

Andy

[T_J_G]

Budget for new centre caps too

[andytran]

Budget for new centre caps too

I will swap around with those I have curently and take the best 4!!

Also, have just texted the seller again to ask about BBS and ET51 stamps on the back, he confirms alloys have this, so they look to be the real deal!

Andy