MK2 GTI Wheels/Tyres - Stock Look

[ozvino]

Guys, I know im going to get pounded for this but.....im sticking with the stock steel 14" wheels. My objective is to have a factory stock Mk2 GTI as delivered in Australia (well as close as I can). I've got other outlets for spirited driving, this car is for cruising only......Im keen to keep a stock Mk2 on the road

Anyhow, can anyone suggest a decent tyre for the 14" wheels ? I was thinking of retaining the factory profile, I believe that's 185/60/14. I think if I changed the profile it would alter the look and screw with the speedo (correct me if im wrong).

I had Pirelli P600's on an Alfa GTV back in the 80's; they were decent tyres then, I was surprised they still sell them, they seem to be around the $160 mark. Ive looked around online and they get pretty average reviews despite the fact that they are an upgraded design; ive also looked at the P6's (very cheap tyre, $100 mark) but im looking for a little more grip/better looking tread pattern.

Any suggestions on tyres for someone wanting to maintain the stock look ?

Regarding the wheels, ive asked around regarding powder coating; seems like the price is around $20 to sand blast, $35 to powder coat and $15 to clear coat - bloody expensive, puts it up around the $100 mark per wheel if the wheel needs any work or repairs !!

Any recommendation on wheel painting or powder coating in Melbourne ?

Cheers

Dave

[mikinoz]

Sorry to hijack, but Rob, where abouts?

I think stock cars, really are important as a historical record and good on you Dave for keeping it 'real' so to speak.

[sports racer]

I think if I changed the profile it would alter the look and screw with the speedo (correct me if im wrong).

My speedo is out by 7%. At an indicated 107 I'm really doing 100 so bigger tyres (higher profile) would bring it back down to a true road speed. I'd be surprised if your speedo is accurate too.

[VwJunkie]

My four spares are the orig 14", i got the pirelli p600's on them and they grip like crazy, alot more grippy then my 17" low profiles I think they were around 140-170 each... this was about 2 yrs ago though...

[ozvino]

Rob, agree regarding decent tyres hence the question; I like the look of the Potenzas; quick scan of the net and they get really good reviews and they are only $130 on special at the moment in my size/profile, seems like a great buy, thanks for the tip. Might grab a set and put them aside while I get something done with the wheels.

I'll look around for other powder coaters see if I can get a better price. Ive found another place that does two-pac painting of rims, but its more expensive

If your getting stock steel rims powdercoated what are you doing about the plastic centre plate; the guy I asked suggested they would need to be two-pac painted (as you cant powdercoat plastic)

Cheers

Dave

[benough]

Yo ozvino. Props to you wanting to keep it stock. That's what we are doing with our GTI.

LINK

We had the choice of Adrenalins or the Conti Premium Contact 2's. We went with the conti's for $150 a corner.

I have Adrenalins on my GT TDI and they are excellent in the dry but not much chop in the wet.

The Conti's in the dry are about 80% as good at the Adrenalins but they carry the same grip into the wet.

If you're just gonna cruise though go with the cheapest of the two.

[ozvino]

Benough, I must confess that I have lurked and looked at your car before; very nice indeed, far better condition than mine and I love the MK2 in red...I think they (MK2) are getting so rare you settle for what you can get thats reasonable and complete, hence the fact I grabbed mine.

Ive settled on the Bridgestones, shes booked in Monday to get them fitted, I think for the money and what I need they are a great option

Regarding the wheels I might clean them up and leave them for now I think

Cheers and thanks guys

Dave

[Jarred]

Nothing a few hours, couple bits of sand paper and a couple of spray cans can't fix/improve

[benough]

Dave.

Ha great. I'm not bothered by that.

Yeah my wheels were filthy. I took them off and scrubbed each wheel twice.

Does your car idle?

[gldgti]

i dont know if they do them in 14's, but the P6000's are fantastic. Bob Janes had them on special recently and i scored them in 195/50/15 for $132 each. They are marvallous tyres, my mk3 handles better on the 50 series 15" with these Pirelli's than it does on good 45 series 16".