what to mod next..... ?

[85turbo]

Hi all.

i have been thinking about the next (1st major) mod for the golf.

i would like some opinions on what i should do first.

the three things i am considering are (in no particular order):

1. Hella Xenon Dynabeam upgrade.
2. set 0f 17" wheels + tyres (undecided on style)
3. Oettinger reflash.

by Xmas, i will have enough saved to do only one of the above.
i do a lot of night driving (hence the dynabeams being on the list)

i would like a bit more grunt, but i fear that the car is already under tyred with the factory 15's and 195 rubber, so a reflash is not gonna help there.

alternatively, putting 17's on it as is, i will loose some of the torque, due to the higher gearing....

what are your thoughts on where to start ?

Jason.

[mikinoz]

I think 17" is the best option. Your rolling diameter will be the same if you go to an OEM 17" size and won't lose any torque.

17" rims can be had for cheap. Hunt about and you will find heaps out there now.

[85turbo]

thanks.

i am leaning towards the 17's (or the reflash).
i think the wheels first, then possibly reflash later.

i will have about $1500 to spend when the time comes.
would be looking for something like the RS4 reps (i know, i know...)
or maybe R8 reps.....

what size rubber would be best on these ?
215/50/17 ? 205/45/17 ?

Jason.

[Buller_Scott]

if you're not used to 'fast' cars [not saying that a chipped-only diesel is 'fast'], the first time you run from 35-40kmh to the limit on a free way onramp, you will cry. its HUGELY different.

however, the single most significant handling improvement you can make, is better rubber. check out kumho ecstas- for the price i paid for my bf goodrich sports, (215 aud per corner), you can get kumho semi-slicks.

btw, and sorry if this is peeing anyone else off [but im all for knowledge sharing on these forums], if deniro is abit of an issue, an oettinger reflash will set you back roughly 2000aud for a polo tdi for example.

chipped uk costs 800aud. and you get to have 3 maps that are switchable at your leisure. if you're okay with just having the remap and not necessarily having that flexibility of choosing what map to use when/ having to go back to the oettinger rep every time your car is serviced and flash set back to stock as a result of updates, the switchable map thing wont matter anyway.

but yeah- go the wheels and tyres. best thing i've done- my 'track' map would be a pain in the ass if i was still riding on 'continental conti eco tourers' lol.

[85turbo]

yeah, the wheels and tyres are looking likely.

my last car (300HP twin turbo soarer) was really nice, quick too
but nothing like the golf. the golf is SO much better in so many ways.

obviously it's not as quick, but im over that now.
as my car is not under any form of VW warranty, i don't have to worry about re flashing anything when it's serviced
(esp as it's not serviced by VW)

i was quoted $1595 for the oettinger flash.
im not overly keen on the idea of overseas operations, for support reasons.

im thinking wheels + tyres for the short term, then a reflash shortly there after, then the lights. but these will be long term goals.

money will be an issue, as like most here im on a budget.
ill have to save for each and every mod.

now to decide what style of wheels.....

Jason

[Buller_Scott]

fair enough- if its local support, i'd also check out [read not 'instead', but as well] giac and revo- they both come with map-switchable handsets if you fancy that sorta thing. giac had some good numbers on their website, too, from what i recall.

as for wheel design- check out www.tirerack.com for a really cool ''see these wheels on your car'' feature with heaps of wheels for your mk5 fitment.
get something original!

[85turbo]

yeah, i will definitely check out all the options before making any decisions.
but, it will likely be at least 6 - 8 months (if not more) before i can get a reflash, if i go with wheels + tyres first.

been looking at a tyre calculator, and it seems i need 205/50/17 for the closest match to stock. that works out at only 0.36% larger than stock.

thanks for the link to tire tack, no doubt ill spend heaps of time there.

Jason.

[Greg Roles]

What about a set of OEM golf wheels in 17"? I only ask as GTI wheels often go for less than a grand and the GT sport types would go for less again even with reasonable rubber. That would leave you half your money to spend on the next thing!

[85turbo]

Yeah, I have considered some OEM wheels.
Unfortunately, im not a fan of the GTI wheels.

I don't mind the sport wheels though, and if presented
with a set at the right time for the right money, I would take them.
I also like the namib's in 16" too.

Problem is, I don't know what all the factory wheels look like,
and which ones will fit.

I do know that I don't want anything bigger than 17" as too much comfort
is lost with lower profiles. A 55 series 16 would probably be nice.
The 50 or 45 series in 17" is my limit though.

Is there an easy way to find all the oem wheels ?

Jason
(posted via iPhone, please forgive the formatting)

[gldgti]

dont go 50 series tyres, you'll lose out in handling... always go for 45's if you can you find that the numbers can only get you so far with tyres - especially in todays market with large wheels, and many different factory rolling diameters. just for example: a 185/60/14 firestone wide oval is 20mm larger rolling diameter than a 185/60/14 conti premium contact.... same tyre, very different rolling diameter.

back you your size of things, a 50 series tyre is these days not really even low profile, and you will find that the actual rolling diameter of a 205/50/17 when compared with a 205/45/17 likely wont be 20.5mm, it will be more.

HTH

also, on your upgrade ideas - dont go crazy on tyres straight up, because your stock suspension wont get the most out of big wheels/tyres in the handling department.... but if its only looks your worried about.... go nuts