17's or 16's

[Speedlaw]

Will 17" 205/40/17 with a 40mm spring reduction really be ok on my 1.4
se mpi , got to mail order the wheels and cant send them back.

I dont want to carry out any mods if i can help it.

Cheers ........ Norton.

Hi Norton, and welcome to the forum.

The size you're after is not a 'safe bet' by any means. Whether you end up with rubbing wheels is a matter of the ET and/or the type of tyre you select. Some tyres have a tendency to be wider than others, even if they're the same size. Also, some tyres are more rounded on the corners, giving you just a bit higher margin. Coilovers help too, because they tend to be a lot more solid than regular springs and dampers.

I think Harry is one of the few that has had zero problems with his 17's.



Let us know how you get on.

[norton]

Thanks guys but your comments don;t answer my Q !!!


Will 205/ 40 /17 with a 4cm spring reduction go on my mk5 1.4 se
without mods.

please advise b 4 i spend loads on mail order wheel deals.



Regards....Norton.

p.s
I have fitted a peco rear box ..twin 3.5 exit pipes it sounds great at low revs but at speed it booms and hurts yer ears. ANY ADVICE ?????

[Speedlaw]

Good point, but it's down to Cojones I think. I wouldn't even consider 17's because of the size, but if you must have them then be prepared for arch modding. Which, btw, isn't the end of the world. And if it turns out that you're fine and no modding is needed, than that's a bonus I reckon.

I do know for sure that they are too big, so it's not a guaranteed fit. Especially if you've lowered the car using just springs. I opted for 15" wheels they were the ones I wanted - size didn't have too much to do with it. So if you really want those wheels in that size, then commit to it and do what ever it takes.

[harry]

hi norton if you want to go for 17's with a drop of 40mm then i would recommend you invest in coilovers as the suspension leg is slimmer compared to the stock springs and dampers so the inside rim of the wheel won't rub next to the suspension i would also recommend going for 195/40/17's as the tyre wall is more rounded compared to 205, the 205 will rub inside and around the corners have a look at my motor there is a a close up of the wheel and the arch and what it looks with 17 inch rims i would definatley recommend them.

[MYpoloGti]

they dont make 195/40's as ive been told by JBS VW and all the local tyre fitters etc

the only way ull get 17's without the rubbing is by mod'ing in the inside of ur archers, not alot of work really done it myself to my own car.

[Speedlaw]

Just checked on mytyres.co.uk:

Pirelli***
Summer tyres P ZERO NERO
195/40 ZR17 81W XL With mytyres.co.uk only £ 93,40

[norton]

Thanks for the advice, i have now fitted the 4cm reduced spax springs
{origional shocks retained).

I went to my local tyre /wheel custom shop and they let me try on
a set of 205/17s TOO BIG, they catch the dirt shield on the front arches.
On their recomendation i have ordered 195/45/16s when they arrive
i will post a running report.

cheers .norton.

[harry]

thats them speedlaw thanks. buggers were expensive but worth it for them not to catch..

[norton]

well got the 195/45/16 bk alloys fitted no scrubbing with the 40mm drop on spax springs and standard shocks thanks boys.