NOOB wheel & suspension set up help needed...

[kaanage]

sorry, but can you explain how?
say if you had two wheels. same width, same offset, but one 19 and one 18, and ran tyres on both that had the same width and rolling diameter there would be no difference in rubbing. if one rubs, so will the other.

To maintain the load rating you almost always need to run wider tyres when going to larger wheels.

[johnc]

I'm not sure I understand how you got to your question from my quote, but anyway…

My comment was in response to 19" wheels alone. I didn't say anything about whether or not he would rub on an 18" wheel. My response was aimed at the OP's first post about whether or not to choose a 19" or 18" wheel. Both could be made to rub, quite easily, but as everyone knows, it's a hell of a lot easier to get a 19" rubbing at stock height, than it is to get an OEM tyre spec rubbing.

Yes, the theoretical situation you pose would pan out exactly as you describe. Those closest match being the 235/40/18 (I owned a set of Michelin PSC's at that spec) and they are very, very closely matched to my 235/35/19s. That was the reason I chose them. But that's another story no? Yes, an 18" will rub with 235 tyres (depending on offset/drop), but few people would choose to run that spec, and the OP had already noted that he'd run a 225/40/18 if on an 18" wheel. So why would I bother to address that?

I chimed in as I have the same car and run 19"s, so the info is based on my personal experience. It sounded like the OP wanted some feedback about 19"s, so I gave him the easy line. Especially as the 19" wheels he talked about buying, are the ones I currently run. Seems fair that I gave some feedback on ease of use/legal tyres etc. If he was any other way inclined he would get the 19"s and make them work like some have, no matter what, like myself.

I've gone through various heights/suspension/offsets/wheels/camber plates I've had offsets around ~30 on 19" 235/35/19 and 18" with 235/40/18 and the stock 225/40/18. There is still a small difference between them (the first 2 I mentioned that is), but it only takes a few mm for it to rub or not. Just like the fender screw mod saved a few people from rubbing. And what was the depth of that screw head – 3mm if that. Same with the fender roll. There's not a lot in the roll – about 2mms of extra width, possibly 3mm before you get to resetting the fender location or possibly flaring/custom body work. And for most who've done the basic roll with mostly normal offsets and legal tyres specs, the rubbing is only on the plastic wheel lining. I know I don't have a build thread to give me scene points for it, but I've been through it, so shared a small touch of advice, which I've now hopefully elaborated on. (Somewhat unnecessarily I think)

I'm sure I could make a whole lot of s*** rub with some 16"s, some bags and frame notching, but I don't think I need to cover that too.

[Buller_Scott]

I'm not sure I understand how you got to your question from my quote, but anyway…

My comment was in response to 19" wheels alone. I didn't say anything about whether or not he would rub on an 18" wheel. My response was aimed at the OP's first post about whether or not to choose a 19" or 18" wheel. Both could be made to rub, quite easily, but as everyone knows, it's a hell of a lot easier to get a 19" rubbing at stock height, than it is to get an OEM tyre spec rubbing.

Yes, the theoretical situation you pose would pan out exactly as you describe. Those closest match being the 235/40/18 (I owned a set of Michelin PSC's at that spec) and they are very, very closely matched to my 235/35/19s. That was the reason I chose them. But that's another story no? Yes, an 18" will rub with 235 tyres (depending on offset/drop), but few people would choose to run that spec, and the OP had already noted that he'd run a 225/40/18 if on an 18" wheel. So why would I bother to address that?

I chimed in as I have the same car and run 19"s, so the info is based on my personal experience. It sounded like the OP wanted some feedback about 19"s, so I gave him the easy line. Especially as the 19" wheels he talked about buying, are the ones I currently run. Seems fair that I gave some feedback on ease of use/legal tyres etc. If he was any other way inclined he would get the 19"s and make them work like some have, no matter what, like myself.

I've gone through various heights/suspension/offsets/wheels/camber plates I've had offsets around ~30 on 19" 235/35/19 and 18" with 235/40/18 and the stock 225/40/18. There is still a small difference between them (the first 2 I mentioned that is), but it only takes a few mm for it to rub or not. Just like the fender screw mod saved a few people from rubbing. And what was the depth of that screw head – 3mm if that. Same with the fender roll. There's not a lot in the roll – about 2mms of extra width, possibly 3mm before you get to resetting the fender location or possibly flaring/custom body work. And for most who've done the basic roll with mostly normal offsets and legal tyres specs, the rubbing is only on the plastic wheel lining. I know I don't have a build thread to give me scene points for it, but I've been through it, so shared a small touch of advice, which I've now hopefully elaborated on. (Somewhat unnecessarily I think)

I'm sure I could make a whole lot of s*** rub with some 16"s, some bags and frame notching, but I don't think I need to cover that too.

i think i get what you're getting at, but could you clarify/ expand on this a little please?

[dylan8]

I'm not sure I understand how you got to your question from my quote, but anyway…

My comment was in response to 19" wheels alone. I didn't say anything about whether or not he would rub on an 18" wheel. My response was aimed at the OP's first post about whether or not to choose a 19" or 18" wheel. Both could be made to rub, quite easily, but as everyone knows, it's a hell of a lot easier to get a 19" rubbing at stock height, than it is to get an OEM tyre spec rubbing.

Yes, the theoretical situation you pose would pan out exactly as you describe. Those closest match being the 235/40/18 (I owned a set of Michelin PSC's at that spec) and they are very, very closely matched to my 235/35/19s. That was the reason I chose them. But that's another story no? Yes, an 18" will rub with 235 tyres (depending on offset/drop), but few people would choose to run that spec, and the OP had already noted that he'd run a 225/40/18 if on an 18" wheel. So why would I bother to address that?

I chimed in as I have the same car and run 19"s, so the info is based on my personal experience. It sounded like the OP wanted some feedback about 19"s, so I gave him the easy line. Especially as the 19" wheels he talked about buying, are the ones I currently run. Seems fair that I gave some feedback on ease of use/legal tyres etc. If he was any other way inclined he would get the 19"s and make them work like some have, no matter what, like myself.

I've gone through various heights/suspension/offsets/wheels/camber plates I've had offsets around ~30 on 19" 235/35/19 and 18" with 235/40/18 and the stock 225/40/18. There is still a small difference between them (the first 2 I mentioned that is), but it only takes a few mm for it to rub or not. Just like the fender screw mod saved a few people from rubbing. And what was the depth of that screw head – 3mm if that. Same with the fender roll. There's not a lot in the roll – about 2mms of extra width, possibly 3mm before you get to resetting the fender location or possibly flaring/custom body work. And for most who've done the basic roll with mostly normal offsets and legal tyres specs, the rubbing is only on the plastic wheel lining. I know I don't have a build thread to give me scene points for it, but I've been through it, so shared a small touch of advice, which I've now hopefully elaborated on. (Somewhat unnecessarily I think)

I'm sure I could make a whole lot of s*** rub with some 16"s, some bags and frame notching, but I don't think I need to cover that too.

I understand what your getting at. more the way it was written first time around made it sound like 18s will have less chance of rubbing then 19s. as you pointed out above, that comes down to a lot of things (offset, width, tyre size). the assumption would be that the 19s MAY be wider then the 18s, in this case yeah they could rub. but saying 19s alone will rub isnt exactly right...

my example is my 19x8.5et35 with 225/35s rubbed a lot less then my 18x8.5et30 225/40s. obviously the factor here is the offset, but thats not in question, its the diameter of the wheel the OP is asking about

[johnc]

All true, but the OP said his 19" options was 235/35/19 on a 19x8.5 ~ET45, so we were dealing with specific specs. Rather tried and tested specs for 19"s and Golf MKV/IVs – especially as they with load ratings stuff. Based on that, I felt the rest was assumed knowledge and that I didn't have to factor in a bunch of variables that weren't initially tabled. If you move away from his tabled specs, it has scope to change like your example.

But yeah, loads of variables if you get into it. A guy in the US drew up an estimated basic table for various drops/offsets which maybe be a decent guide.

MkV wheel/tire fitment guide

[BIGPOCKETS]

Hey there...
I've just realized the specs for the wheels are:
19 x 8 et42 with 235/35-19 tyres....will these specs still cause rubbing?

[dylan8]

check the above link, gives a good reference.
id go a 225/35 on a 8 personally, will keep your rolling diameter closer to stock. but i believe its a big no no with the mk5 guys

[johnc]

I couldn't comment either way with certainty as I've never had the springs you plan on getting. You should speak with people who have.

I can say that… at stock height, with no modifications to the fender, yes, it'll rub – Even at ET45. Even after basic modifications (screw mod + rolled fender) and depending upon the ride height, there is still a good chance it'll rub, just not as often. It will come down to the ride height, driving style and road conditions.

That's why I suggested (it's just my own personal opinion based on what you've said) should you go for 18"s with 225/40/18 ET45. Especially if you're getting springs. If you were getting coils or bags with some kind of adjustability in height and/or damping/rebound, I might say otherwise. If you don't mind ignoring the load ratings, you have even more options like Dylan8 says. I want to go for 225/35/19s, but I've already had a fun little argument with a highway patrol cop just outside of Canberra. He felt like looking over my car, and commented in particular on the diameter of my wheels after I gave him some back talk. Who knows, maybe nothing would have happened if I hadn't painted my spacers to match the wheel and stuck with 235/35/19s – but I'm clearly just another MK5 pussy without scene points. I love how people think they know me, even when I don't have a thread saying how epic I am. Anyway…

With 18"s (and let me be clear about saying 225/40/18 this time) it will just be easier and you can drive the car harder and with more confidence. They usually weight a little less (you should include the tyre itself and there is less of it on an 18" – don't base it solely on wheel weights). They have less rolling resistance so fuel economy is a small part of it also. Tyres are (generally speaking) cheaper (cost seems to be an issue since you're choosing springs alone – perhaps and unfair assumption on my part). A smaller rotational mass will also improve handling, lightened steering and allow for slightly better launching (due to weight – not the contact patch).

You should should really do some reading before making your choice. Not just base your decision upon what any 1 person or forum thread says. Especially a no-scene point motherf**ker like me. Like Dylan8 says, do a search as there's a lot of info already out there on this topic. And it needn't be specific to the MKV (except for answering your questions regarding rubbing). It should be specific to a FWD car though.

On top of that, a few have said my car looks stupid with 19"s. Just putting it out there. I'd never use the 19"s at a track day, so that might be worth something.

Also, remember that the above chart is based on NA ride heights (not Euro/Aus heights which are lower – can't recall by how much exactly).

[BIGPOCKETS]

G'Day johnc....Thank you for all your input!!
I've been thinking that I'm going to go with a 18 x 7.5 et48 wheel w/ 225/40-18 & then look at KW springs (KW STREET COMFORTpossibly coil overs - later)....

[Rxticle]

I couldn't comment either way with certainty as I've never had the springs you plan on getting. You should speak with people who have.

I can say that… at stock height, with no modifications to the fender, yes, it'll rub – Even at ET45. Even after basic modifications (screw mod + rolled fender) and depending upon the ride height, there is still a good chance it'll rub, just not as often. It will come down to the ride height, driving style and road conditions.

That's why I suggested (it's just my own personal opinion based on what you've said) should you go for 18"s with 225/40/18 ET45. Especially if you're getting springs. If you were getting coils or bags with some kind of adjustability in height and/or damping/rebound, I might say otherwise. If you don't mind ignoring the load ratings, you have even more options like Dylan8 says. I want to go for 225/35/19s, but I've already had a fun little argument with a highway patrol cop just outside of Canberra. He felt like looking over my car, and commented in particular on the diameter of my wheels after I gave him some back talk. Who knows, maybe nothing would have happened if I hadn't painted my spacers to match the wheel and stuck with 235/35/19s – but I'm clearly just another MK5 pussy without scene points. I love how people think they know me, even when I don't have a thread saying how epic I am. Anyway…

With 18"s (and let me be clear about saying 225/40/18 this time) it will just be easier and you can drive the car harder and with more confidence. They usually weight a little less (you should include the tyre itself and there is less of it on an 18" – don't base it solely on wheel weights). They have less rolling resistance so fuel economy is a small part of it also. Tyres are (generally speaking) cheaper (cost seems to be an issue since you're choosing springs alone – perhaps and unfair assumption on my part). A smaller rotational mass will also improve handling, lightened steering and allow for slightly better launching (due to weight – not the contact patch).

You should should really do some reading before making your choice. Not just base your decision upon what any 1 person or forum thread says. Especially a no-scene point motherf**ker like me. Like Dylan8 says, do a search as there's a lot of info already out there on this topic. And it needn't be specific to the MKV (except for answering your questions regarding rubbing). It should be specific to a FWD car though.

On top of that, a few have said my car looks stupid with 19"s. Just putting it out there. I'd never use the 19"s at a track day, so that might be worth something.

Also, remember that the above chart is based on NA ride heights (not Euro/Aus heights which are lower – can't recall by how much exactly).

Nope. The 19s, look fantastic. Those Alpils are expensive, but look great.