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Author Topic: I think I want smaller wheels  (Read 465 times)

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Offline rocl444

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I think I want smaller wheels
« on: December 19, 2011, 08:29:05 PM »
I bought a V6 4Motion a few months ago. It has an 18mth old set of RS replicas 18x8. It handles very nicely, but....

I live in chch and the roads are really bad and the vehicle shudders and judders over the bumps and holes. I'm no longer young and ride quality has become a higher priority as the years go by.

Now I am wondering what my options might be. What size wheel would give a more satisfactory driving experience in these circumstances? I'd still like it to look nice, but be comfortable too.

What do you think? Thanks from a newbie.
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Offline AngleBox

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Re: I think I want smaller wheels
« Reply #1 on: December 19, 2011, 08:57:15 PM »
It's a difficult choice - 17's will still be fairly low profile, so the stock 16" Mk4 rims might be best for you, but it won't have that same crisp ride. I have always loved 18's on a Mk4, and would personally not go smaller than 17". If ride is number 1 - 16's; if handling is still important - 17's
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Online Filx

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Re: I think I want smaller wheels
« Reply #2 on: December 19, 2011, 09:05:40 PM »
FWIW I'm running 17x8 with 215/45s on my GTI. I was aiming for a nice all around compromise between ride and handling and it seems to have hit the mark. But my suspension is stock and soft as a cream puff as well.
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Offline Pinkmaggit

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Re: I think I want smaller wheels
« Reply #3 on: December 19, 2011, 09:55:45 PM »
I decided to go with 17x8s for a variety of reasons. There are plenty around, so perhaps look into something like that. Of course you will need 5x100 and et35ish.
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Offline GLIDN

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Re: I think I want smaller wheels
« Reply #4 on: December 19, 2011, 10:37:06 PM »
it will be largely down to the springs and tyres used.

on my 17" Bridgestones running factory MK5 GTI suspension, I tend to find the car a little crashy and hard on the road.
On Pirelli Nero Rosso's, I found the car buttery smooth, grip a plenty and drove they way I thought it always should have.

If your car has been lowered, find out what springs, Otherwise go back to stock springs it will help some.
Lastly, try the likes of Toyo proxies 4. They should give you your supple ride you are after.
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Offline rocl444

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Re: I think I want smaller wheels
« Reply #5 on: December 19, 2011, 11:02:55 PM »
Thanks for all the responses. The car is standard from the factory but has what is referred to as "sports suspension" and is lower by about 25mm I believe. It has Pirelli P Zero's. It sits very flat when cornering. It was running the same size wheels from new and the wheels were replaced because the previous set had "had a hard life and were beginning to show signs of stress" according to the previous owner.
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Offline GLIDN

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Re: I think I want smaller wheels
« Reply #6 on: December 19, 2011, 11:43:02 PM »
do you have P Zero Nero or P Zero Rosso?

As the P Zero Nero all has a tendency to be rather hard.

If it's still "factory suspension" I don't think there a "non-sport" version of the 4 motion springs.

I do believe Vert80 had similar experience with his previous and current Jetta 4 Motion. Ended up swapping over to R32 suspension parts. It's all good now I believe. But you would be best contacting him and asking him details directly.
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Offline deedub

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Re: I think I want smaller wheels
« Reply #7 on: December 19, 2011, 11:50:21 PM »
I also have a mk4 in Christchurch.

I had 17x8" RPF01 wheels with 225/45/R17 Kingstar tyres, which rode very well even on coilovers lowered about 40mm. No issues at all driving around Christchurch. I currently have these wheels back on the car as of today because of new coilover rubbing issues ...

Anyhow, I also have a set of 18x8.5" BBS wheels with 225/40R18 Bridegestone RE001  Adrenalines, and the ride is a little harsher but not too bad either really. It doesn't seem to make a huge difference between the two wheel sizes.

My Enkei RPF01s are for sale if you do decide to try a smaller wheel.
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Offline Pristle

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Re: I think I want smaller wheels
« Reply #8 on: December 20, 2011, 08:19:28 AM »
I got some 15" pepperpots..... ;)
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Offline 80 Vert

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Re: I think I want smaller wheels
« Reply #9 on: December 20, 2011, 09:37:46 AM »
Tyres play a BIG role in ride quality / harshness, the Michelin Pilot sports that were on my old car were amazing and not hard riding at all (225/14/18) in fact at times I was amazed that I had 18" wheels as it didn't feel that way at all.
The  current car runs Continental extreme contacts again in 225/40/18, ride is a little harder but in fairness thats with coilovers and a lower ride height.
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Offline rocl444

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Re: I think I want smaller wheels
« Reply #10 on: December 20, 2011, 09:49:13 AM »
Thanks again. In rely to Glidin, the tyres are just P Zero's, no Rosso or Zero.

This is the 1st car I've had with low profile tyres, so it may be that I am just not used to them.
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Offline GLIDN

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Re: I think I want smaller wheels
« Reply #11 on: December 20, 2011, 11:37:40 AM »
I believe the P Zero's sidewalls are stiffer than the likes of the Rosso, but the P Zero Nero being the most stiff for a being a perfomance tyre.
In saying that they are still much softer on the road then the likes of Toyo T1R's which you can't get anymore.

perhaps going back to a 17" with the likes of P Zero Rosso's or similar maybe be more beneficial?

Do you know anyone else down there which has same size tyres but a different brand>?
You could try their wheels on your car, otherwise their tires on your wheels?

This could aid in getting a result you are after?
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Offline deedub

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Re: I think I want smaller wheels
« Reply #12 on: December 20, 2011, 11:54:31 AM »
rocl444 - Once I sort out fitment of my 18s, you are welcome to try my 17s for a couple of days to see if they  are any better.
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Offline rocl444

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Re: I think I want smaller wheels
« Reply #13 on: December 20, 2011, 12:11:12 PM »
Hi Deedub - that sounds great - it would give me a direct comparison. email me when you are ready.
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Offline GTI's

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Re: I think I want smaller wheels
« Reply #14 on: December 20, 2011, 06:02:45 PM »
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