RS 18'' Alloys for GT TDi

[Maka]

Alright everyone,

first time poster, bought a MK4 GT TDi PD 130 a few weeks ago, love the car, great power, the difference from my Astra is amazing.

Anyway, I've got the 15''s on at the minute and wanted to know if I fitted RS4 or 6 18'' alloys, would this reduce the ride quality as I hate a hard ride.

Really loving the RS alloys for the golf, seen a set from Wheelbase with tyres for £475 all in.

Cheers guys

[Ridg]

the ride quality will be reduced and you'll notice bumps in the road more, due to the fact you'll have less rubber between the road and the rim.

however its going to make the car look much nicer and you'll have a more precise drive again becasue there is less rubber to 'flex' when you put the car into a turn.

18" 's with low profile tyres should be about the same rolling diameter as your 15" 's so your spedo will still be 'accurate' but i don't know what affect if any there would be on economy

[>>Mart<<]

i have found my 18s fine but i avoid bumps
the handling is better and ona diesel like yours you will not even notice any difference in fuel economy

[Flipmode]

18" RS6 pn my GTI T and you notice the steering is a bit heavier, but ride quality is still good, economy virtually no change, looks loads better

[arnoldlog1]

i put 18" new style r32 alloys on mine gt tdi 130, and i lost about 5 mpg on average, but it does look a lot nicer 

[Maka]

Thanks for the comments guys,

Had them fitted a day, I'm loving the looks and get so many looks while driving,

The steering is heavy, I've not noticed any decrease in mpg as its only been a day, but it doesn't seem as powerful as to when I had the 15''.

Will try and post a picture...

Which tyres would you all recommend, I've got cheap tyres and thinking of going back to change them, they said I could for £100.

Cheers

[Flipmode]

see how u finfdthe budget tyres and if u aren't going to be scresming round corners in the wet they may be ok? i got budget Kumo Ecsta tyres with my 18", think they are a sub brand of pirelli, and the tyres have been great, no concerns. that way u can save that £100 and put it towards a bit of extra poke to compensate for the big wheels u got.

[Maka]

Hey flipmode,

I've had the same tyres fitted, they are the budget Kumo Ecsta, I'm not sure about performance tyres, have you had any problems with these tyres, I'm not a mad driver and I wont be doing the corners fast in the wet, what are they like for everyday tyres, Wheelbase said I could change them today for an extra £100. I'm not too sure about this tyre in the wet.

The car feels just as fast, but you can feel the weight behind it now.

Here's a picture:

[Ridg]

the RS4 rims do suit the car well which is why i think they are so popular, from your pic looks like it could do with a slight lower, but still looking very nice.

i think the thing you'll find with the kumo's is the life span, i don't think they will last as long as say michellin pilot sport, but then they are going to be atleast half the price.

I wont be doing the corners fast in the wet

IMO you wouldn't want to take a corner too fast in any of the GT TDI's (130 & 150) as they have too much torque and even with the traction and decent size rims / rubber you're going to be getting under steer.

[PaulMK4GTI]

I too have these wheels and Khumo Ecsta tyres (and i also bought them from Wheelbase). As others here have said you will notice a decrease in comfort - just try and avoid any major bumps! As for life span, i've had mine on for about 18 months and they're nowhere near needing to be replaced and i am fairly heavy with the right foot so the tyres do get some use! They do suffer a little bit in the wet but only if you nail it.

If you're just after some decent everyday tyres i'd keep them and spend the £100 elsewhere.