Experience with 18” Belvedere Alloys

[A-Kai]

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!

[MinchCS]

No experience ( mine is on 19 Prets) but a move I have considered. IMO these are the best wheels on a GTi.

[Paul70]

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.

[A-Kai]

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 😂

[EB2019]

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.   

[MinchCS]

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

[A-Kai]

Thanks everyone for the sound advice! I’ve pulled the trigger and ordered the set. While I love the look of my Brescia alloys, I know they’ll white worm eventually. Keeping them in the attic until it’s time to sell will likely work out more cost effective in the long run! I’ll feedback the changes and experience once they’ve arrived and have been fitted with some new boots.

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.   

Interesting comparison! I do think the switch down from the 19” might have an even more profound effect, given the increase in tire wall size alone. Hoping that the ride feels less “crashy”. As you mentioned, I’m doing all of this just to add to the steering response and overall nimbleness. I’m also considering the brake discs from the CSS to shave off some more unsprung mass. While I’d love some floating discs, I don’t think I can justify the £1.2k price tag. Might use the extra cash to get strut lower body braces! Might be the closest I’ll get to a CSS without stripping the interior 😂

[MinchCS]

Thanks everyone for the sound advice! I’ve pulled the trigger and ordered the set. While I love the look of my Brescia alloys, I know they’ll white worm eventually. Keeping them in the attic until it’s time to sell will likely work out more cost effective in the long run! I’ll feedback the changes and experience once they’ve arrived and have been fitted with some new boots.

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.   

Interesting comparison! I do think the switch down from the 19” might have an even more profound effect, given the increase in tire wall size alone. Hoping that the ride feels less “crashy”. As you mentioned, I’m doing all of this just to add to the steering response and overall nimbleness. I’m also considering the brake discs from the CSS to shave off some more unsprung mass. While I’d love some floating discs, I don’t think I can justify the £1.2k price tag. Might use the extra cash to get strut lower body braces! Might be the closest I’ll get to a CSS without stripping the interior 😂

CSS front disc hubs look good too.