9N3 wheel options

[GRP]

It will soon be time for some new tyres on the 2007 GTi so I need to make a decision re upgrade to 17" or stay on the stock 16".

Stock is 16 x 6.5 5 x 100 38 offset.

Stock suspension height.

Use of an online calculator shows easy fitment for say 17 x 7 with up offset into low 40s.

No doubt some of you have already worked out what how far you can go on rim width and offset together with tyre sidewall/width that will fit.

Can you please post as to what you know will fit. A standard format like 17 x 7 - 45 offset, 215/40/17 would make it easy to follow (we all know we are talking 5 x 100 so no need to say).

Thanks.,

Grant

[noone]

16, 17, or 18.

IMO, I don't think 18's are generally a good idea and I think anything larger than a 16 looks a little odd for stock height.

You can go wider with tyres and wheels. In a 17", 215 40 17 is about the largest you can go. As for rims, I think getting the offset right is important.

Common upgrades are Mk1 Audi TT wheels. They weigh more but fit well.

For me, offset for 7" should be mid 20's, offset for 8" 35-40. On ebay, Subie WRX wheels come up, they normally have a much higher offset (I'd pretty much rule them out as a whole).

Keep an eye on the classifides section, feel free to ask if they fit.

Compatible vehicles are: Mk3 (VR6 only), Mk4 (all), S3 (the original) and A3 (not A4). Audi TT mk1.

VR6 has the same tyre size, all others are larger.

I've posted links to pages of OEM 5x100, there's many options.

If you are keen and want to do it OEM but look awesome, Fat5's (very few sets here).

[Stuwey]

I've had 17x7.5, et38, and I'm currently running 17x8, et35. Both times, 215/40/17.

Interestingly, the Bridgestone RE001s never scrubbed, but my current Pirelli P Zero Nero's do, ever so slightly on the front left.

My BBS 7.5s will be up for grabs soon.

[flashpixx]

I've posted links to pages of OEM 5x100, there's many options.

Links please?

[noone]

God knows where they are now, here's one that was easy to find from google (well 3);
one, two, three

[nightphotographer]

I'm currently running 17x7.5 ET28 which is sits flush. I've run 17x7.5 ET15 on the rears before and that poked and scrubbed heaps before I even lowered it properly.

Just picked up some wheels that are rare in Aus - 2 piece, 17x8 5x100 ET40 - I'll space them out to about ET30 before taking the back out to 17x9 unspaced.

Bflat is convinced there's room for 9.5's on the rear, I'm going for 9 though. Apparently 8 is the widest you can go on the front without scrubbing and losing your turning circle. And you can work out offsets from me saying ET28-25 is flush on a 7.5

Edit: - I'm running 195/40/17's on my Cayennes and on the new secret wheels will probably go to a 205/215 when the rears are 9's.

[GRP]

Thank you all.

Exactly what I needed so I can safely make my own calculations.

[kaanage]

What's the goal? Handling or "stance"?

[GRP]

Aesthetics, but do not want to sacrifice grip. A little harsher ride is OK. Having come from a V8 HSV I am so impressed by the light balance of the Polo and I do not want to destroy that.

Not interested in the stretched tyre look.

Looking at move to 17" x 7/7.5/8 but no further. Car is regularly driven by my P plater son so I do not want fat rims outside the guard, stretched tyres, chrome bling etc which will only draw the wrong attention to the car.

[kaanage]

Personally, I hate the steering feel/response of reducing offset so I'd try borrowing some spacers to us with your stock wheels. Then you can see if you want to go that way.

Others seem to like it so I won't rule out that you and your son will.