Quote Originally Posted by johnc View Post
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.