17" rims - what tyre size '97 GTI

[Foreveryoungaus16v]

After all I guess the Mk3 never came with 17's out of factory.

[andy_k]

After all I guess the Mk3 never came with 17's out of factory.

when did that ever stop anybody?

Manufacturers look to save money at every corner - 15" rims are cheaper to manufacture than 16" rims

[Foreveryoungaus16v]

Everyone knows that Mk3's handle far better with 15s or 16s my friend

[Rossco250]

I've got 215/40/16's on mine and with a 40mm drop they rubbed on the arches like f#ck on the slightest bump! The tyre ended up catching one of the rivets and bent it which then shredded the side of my brand new £80 tyre! Raised it 10mm and it's ok now 

[Foreveryoungaus16v]

Yeah I hear 30mm drop all round is the way to go

[hobbiniho]

iv got 205/40/17 and coilovers and  it only rubs a tiny little bit on the inner wheelwell on full lock but then my wheels  are only 7j 

[VW BUSH]

After all I guess the Mk3 never came with 17's out of factory.

when did that ever stop anybody?

Manufacturers look to save money at every corner - 15" rims are cheaper to manufacture than 16" rims

Not much in it in manufacturing costs, main cost is material.
Believe it or not people liked the wheels when they came out and the stance of the car

[Foreveryoungaus16v]

What you running mate?

[VW BUSH]

What you running mate?

Vr6 bbs and standard height suspension, spend my money pies and slippers these days

[Wayne]

I think I'll just pass on those rims and stick with the idea of running 16's as I don't want to be getting down to 35 profile tyres to keep the same diameter.

You don't need to, 40 profile will be fine, 16" is still the better option however