1996 8v gti questions...

[ronaldbiggs]

Hi

I have just got a 1996 8v 3 door GTI, it currently has 205/40/17 alloys, the first problem I have come up against is the tyres rubbing on the plastic wheel arch (or at least I assume its the underside wheel arch). I have found ways around this from posts on this forum (by reducing the size of the arch). I am looking at changing the wheels back to the standard size 195/50/15, which I assume would solve the issue of rubbing.

I have also been quite shocked by the ride qulity of the GTI's having never had one before I did not realise that I would feel every bump and pothole.. If I changed back from 17"s to 15" would this also improve the ride quality ?

I would like to keep the car but in its present state it is of no use as I have a family and now struggle to carry passengers.


Regards

Ron

[Wayne]

Welcome to the site.

Yes the wheels will not be helping the ride.

[whiter_than_white]

change of wheels will deffo help, have you checked the suspension?? is it standard? worn out??
p.s welcome buddy

[ronaldbiggs]

Thanks guys

Yep I think its standard suspension, just passed MOT 3 weeks back so I assume its not gone, have check by pushing car down and it springs back and is steady with 1 - 1.5 bounces. Just not certain about changing the wheels dont want to waste money

Thanks

Ron

[Wayne]

Thanks guys

Yep I think its standard suspension, just passed MOT 3 weeks back so I assume its not gone, have check by pushing car down and it springs back and is steady with 1 - 1.5 bounces. Just not certain about changing the wheels dont want to waste money

Thanks

Ron

Loads of s/h alloys around, so will not cost loads.

[whiter_than_white]

you could always offer someone a swap?? there are always peeps looking to go from 15's to 17's
                                                                                                                                                               

[ronaldbiggs]

Thanks,

So I assume that I would see a diference if I swapped the wheels, I will start to have a look round at S/H alloys, it also feels a little unsteady at higher speeds it almost feels like you have got to oversteer to keep it in the same direction, should the camber have been adjustded when the 17" alloys were put on. ?

[ronaldbiggs]

Yep a swap sounds like a good idea, I have just replaced one of the tyres, so all 4 are in very good condition, think I will take some pics and put them on the classifieds

Ron

[whiter_than_white]

if there rs4 reps then give us a shout 

[Wayne]

The unsteady at speed could be down to the very poor standard susp.