17" monza vs 18" monza..pics of my car now uploaded

[jonathonturner]

seem to remember in Evo that when they did the tyre test, the golf running the 17" wheels was miles faster round a track than an car wearing 18" wheels,

so i think i am gonna get a set of 17" wheels and get the painted matt black..anyone on here changed either way and what were the differences for you ( journalists exagggerate stuff) i am looking for other users experiences and whatg there thoughts are on the positive and negatives?

i think it'll drive better, handle better and be more comfortable day to day.

what you reckon

[JonnyG]

I had 17" and 18" Monzas on my last GTi, both for around 5,000 miles, and both sets with Conti sport tyres.

I found the difference in comfort / ride etc. marginal, and not as big as you'd think, but the 17"'s were slightly more cushioned & quieter, but only noticeable on some surface types.

IMO the GTi looks so much better on the 18" Monzas, I would never go back to 17"'s by choice.

Not sure myself if black 17"'s would look that good either  

I now have Michelin Exaltos on my 18" Pescaros and the comfort / ride / noise levels are all better than the Contis ... so if thats what you want you could try just swapping tyre type ?

[jonathonturner]

my 18's wear vredestein ultrac sessanta's...they are excellent, but i was thinking about the 17's using the same tyres for improved comfort performance and handling...

my cars sits 20mm lower than stock on eibach prostreet coilovers, i have also widenened the track on the read by 12mm per side...it looks quite a but different from a stock gti( much better in my opinion), its also grey, so i think the smaller dark wheels will compliment the car with the current mods.

thanks for the feedback on the size/comfort comparison...am gonna give it go...

Jt

[gazbutmk5gti]

you got any pictures Mr Turner, why have you only used spacers on the rear, would the fronts rub?

[jonathonturner]

2 fold benefits basically fills the rear arches perfectly, combined with the lower suspension gives it a fatter harder stance...widening the track also gives extra stability and improved body control..

not going near the front at the minute, and if i do it will only be 6mm each side as i dont want to put any additonal stress onto hubs/bearings...

i'll do the pics in a bit 

[Peskarik]

wanna see how spacered gti looks, thinking about 12mm on the rear myself..

[jonathonturner]

right then..here she is....eibach prostreet suspension and 12mm eibach spacer on each side of the rear, so effectively 24mm..

subtle but effective..as i like it to look as stock as poss.






i think it looks just right as is, the front wheels dont need a spacer..what you lot reckon?

Jt

[JonnyG]

i think it'll drive better, handle better and be more comfortable day to day.
what you reckon

Based on the EVO tyre test I think you'd be right 

The 17"'s rims were 2.5 seconds quicker round the track compared to 18"s and the Ultrac Sessantas were the choice of both testers on the road being praised for their absorbent, quiet ride and smooth, nicely detailed steering      Awesome wet weather performance too !! 

Your wheels look great in your photo (particularly liking the last photo and the way the rear wheel just fills the arch evenly).

Will be interested to see the black 17"'s  -  are you talking Monzas ?   -  still not convinced on how they would look myself   

[2007GTI]

re: 17s, I would put a vote in for them.

re: Ultrac Sessantas tyres, I've never heard of them, can anymore shed any light?

[JonnyG]

re: 17s, I would put a vote in for them.

re: Ultrac Sessantas tyres, I've never heard of them, can anymore shed any light?

Heres a few links for a bit more info

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2007-evo-tyre-test.htm

http://www.vredestein.com/Banden_Bandtypes.asp?UsersessionID=60131037&BandgroepID=1&BandtypeID=3

http://bbs.scoobynet.com/trader-announcements-363/640103-tyres-vredestein-ultrac-sessanta.html?showfull=1