Existing tyres on new wheels

[Dutch77]

Did you end up going down this route? If so, how did it end up?

I'm still toying with a few options for my car. I'm keen on the VMR 710 look, but as above these are 8.5 wide, ET 45. I can't seem to find a definitive answer on whether there will be rub issues or not once lowered (VWR springs, 25mm drop). I would be looking to use the same 225/40/18 tyres I have with the Detroits now (x 7.5 wide, ET 51).

The calculators spit out 7mm less inner clearance, extra 19mm on the outside, which by the sounds of it is where the issue may lie.

Or, as I debated on a separate wheels thread, do I forget lowering and leave it with stock GTI suspension and accept there is some wheel gap there. I understand that the above wheel fitment is unlikely to cause any issues at stock height.

Alternately I can leave the stock Detroits and just do the drop, I don't mind that look either. I could always upgrade wheels later if I wanted and look at 7.5 or 8 wheels (eg. OZ Superturismo LM comes in 18 x 8 ET48, resulting in 3mm less inner and extra 9mm on outside).

Another OEM look would be picking up a set of black Talladegas from the R, but wasn't really looking to go to 19s at this point.

Any advice or comments welcome.

Managed to find a red mk6 with 710s, probably at stock height, and a side profile of the GTCs at stock height, as below. It's not sooooo bad, and I guess stock ride is maintained..

[dylan8]

225/40 on a 8.5et45 is fine on a mk5 so id imagine it will be the same on a mk6
Keep in mind there is a few on here with 18x9et35 all round, they are slammed and dont have massive rub issues

[Dutch77]

Thanks mate.. buggered if I can find the page now (pretty sure it was a vwgolf.net.au link) but there was a nice summary that said x8.5 et45 on stock no probs, lowered should be ok, add in 235 rubber and then may need to consider camber/guard rolling etc.

Part of me thinks I'll gamble it, the other part of me says to save some pennies and look at the BBS CH in black, the OZ Ultraleggera in black, or the OZ Superturismo in black or graphite.. they're all x8 wheels. Do like the BBS, just not sure I love the polished lip.. although it does help give the black wheel some definition.

Or I will probably spend another six months changing my mind.

[Martin]

I think both those photos look great

You would only need to drop it ~20mm and she would be perfect

[Dutch77]

I think both those photos look great

You would only need to drop it ~20mm and she would be perfect

It's the 20mm drop that worries me.. seems a mixed bag as to whether there would be rub or not. I am guessing if it's minor it can be solved with guard rolling or similar, but really do not want to head down that path.

Managed to locate a red GTI with the BBS CHs on, albeit I would want the normal centre cap, not red.

[XQUIZT]

Hey fellas

So here's the latest. My friend drives and Audi and wanted a set of VMR's so i asked if i could try them on my car before I commit.

Lucky i did because the photos speak for themselves.







As you can see, the VMR ET45 with 18 x 8.5 sticks out fair amount from the front. With the VWR drop i would think it will rub when the wheels are at full lock....

So for me its back to the drawing board, but this time i'll be looking at either 18 x 8 or close to et 50. I'm liking the look of the BBS CH's Dutch...

[Dutch77]

As you can see, the VMR ET45 with 18 x 8.5 sticks out fair amount from the front. With the VWR drop i would think it will rub when the wheels are at full lock....

So for me its back to the drawing board, but this time i'll be looking at either 18 x 8 or close to et 50. I'm liking the look of the BBS CH's Dutch...

Wow, did not think it would be quite that much.. thanks a heap for getting those pics up.

I think I've got my choice down to either the BBS CH, or a couple of the OZ wheels - all quite different in style, which is why the choice is so hard. Still trying to decide whether the black CH with polished lip is right for me on a red car.. I guess I could just stay plain alloy/silver in that wheel. They're a little chucky around the middle, particularly in 18.. but the more I look at it the more I don't mind it - the Detroits right now are pretty chunky themselves!

I note the importer of BBS lists prices as 18 x 8 black $663, silver $585. The OZ Superturismo LM in graphite 18 x 8 $540. I assume a bit of shopping around can sharpen these up a little.

[Martin]

As you can see, the VMR ET45 with 18 x 8.5 sticks out fair amount from the front. With the VWR drop i would think it will rub when the wheels are at full lock....

Awesome feedback - just in time for Dutch also

So, how much was it poking out?
Looks like more than 1/2" to me (but hard to say from a photo)
Or to put it another way, will an 8" wide wheel ET45 fit inside the guard?

[Dutch77]

Awesome feedback - just in time for Dutch also

So, how much was it poking out?
Looks like more than 1/2" to me (but hard to say from a photo)
Or to put it another way, will an 8" wide wheel ET45 fit inside the guard?

Good point. 18 x 8 ET 45 should be same inner clearance, and extend an extra 12mm over stock Detroits.. which surely should be ok, when I look at my car there is a reasonable amount of clearance there. However the 18 x 8.5 ET 45 should extend an extra 19mm only - to me those VMRs seem to be further than that?

There is an option to to go with the same style in 18 x 8 ET 45 with TSW as below.. not sure on their reputation though, and is starting to get pricey ($440 direct).

BBS CH in 18 x 8 is ET 50, so 5mm less inner, 7mm on the outer - so no problems.

[XQUIZT]

I think 18 x 8 et 45 will sit flush (pretty close to). I've seen this in a set of Lenso rims on a Golf and the front was bang on!!