Dark Arrow (tmavá šipka) - an evolution.

**brad** · 21-09-2011, 09:01 AM

225 will fit perfectly on an 8.5" rim - it's just the smallest size you can go (according to the manufacturer). You can actually fit even narrower but it's not a look or practice that I like.
Because of the short sidewall, the tyre fitter might have a bit of a job getting the initial seal on the beads but you can slip a partially inflated tube into the gap with lots of Softly or tyre lube and as the tyre pumps up, the tube will pop out. Any good tyre fitter should know all the tricks.

Disregard my previous post with prices etc - I thought you were fitting 19" rims. 18"s will be even cheaper I guess.

re: XL tyres - a 92Y is an XL. non-XL in that size is 87 IIRC. You are right about the pressures but don't think about it too hard. Just run all four at 36psi+ (up to 2 or 3 passengers) and full load of 40F/44R & you'll be fine. If you don't want to be changing pressures every 5 minutes then just bung 38+ in them.

**Gti Dave** · 21-09-2011, 09:53 AM

Oops...thought we were still on the subject of 19" wheels. If its for 18's, then 225 will be fine in terms of load rating and will minimise scrubbing.

**bluefrog** · 22-09-2011, 01:09 AM

sorry guys for the sudden jump from 19's back to 18's with little explaination .. you can now call me Vacillator Vlad ; )

it was all Fab's fault .. he started me thinking about the pros of lightweight wheels/tyres/brakes with regards to handling, and after a little time spent googling unsprung weight and then rotational intertia I've now set my sights on 18's for less weight, and forged Volk Racing for even less weight - specifically VR G2's, matte black, 18x8 ET50, rolling on 235/40R18 95Y XL Asymmetric 2's (if not insanely priced).

I've since got an official quote from Micky at Tyrepower Hawthorn so I won't keep going on and on ... and on

... and back and forth

about wheels and tyres, hehe. Your advice here has been a huge help though, so thanks heaps, I appreciate it. If you want to check out some seriously quality wheels I'd recommend seeing these guys at Hawthorn for sure as they're definitely no ordinary tyrepower .. the brands they stock are on their site - Tyrepower Hawthorn

Do you guys happen to know whether I'll be able to lower with coilovers to whatever the maximum legal amount is, with minimal chance of rubbing??

Cheers,
Todd.

**dru** · 22-09-2011, 08:23 AM

Going for a set of 18's is a good choice when it comes to the performance side of things. Initially I was going to do the same, get a set of lightweight 18's but at the end of the day I thought about whether or not I was going to track the car etc, and being the missus daily I was more interested in larger rims for a smaller cost - aesthetics over functionality I suppose. If I had the money, I would have gone with some ultraleggas or something in the ADV line! At the end of the day, it's the future family car and when I get my garage - I'll hopefully be sticking a nice little mk1 or something in there for a race car build and then some seriously light wheels will be on order

Your looking at doing at of upgrades so I think you've made the right decision. Now hurry up and get them

**bluefrog** · 22-09-2011, 08:34 AM

hehe .. where is this damn boat?!? it's taking it's own sweet time that's for sure. Oh and I'd actually be able to answer my own question if the uncommunicative dealer would actually bother answering my questions

yeah the kids love a bit of a spirited, tight ride on the way to kindy (My 3yo yells out "Daddy - faster!!") .. and this will be my daily ride so it's a win-win ; )

**dru** · 22-09-2011, 08:36 AM

Exactly lol....if it were my daily - I would have budgeted another $1500 ontop for rims hehe

**bluefrog** · 23-09-2011, 12:57 AM

deposit for wheels is down, so here's what should be my last rims photochop.

.. the vision:

(thanks again REA, hope you don't mind me reusing your photo and car but it's one of only two top-notch pics of black FL Octy wagons that I've been able to find)

I've attempted some darkening of the grille .. in reality this will either be black, carbon-wrapped or possibly even wrapped with a tint shade like it appears in the pic. Lights will receive tint and eyebrows. Roof rail thingies will eventually be black too. And of course don't forget the flaming winged arrow! ; )

.. vroom, vroom!!