17s on a GTi?

[LAN's GTI]

Does Anyone out there know if 17's will fit on a MK5 POLO GTi without rubbing? Also does anyone have a de-badged mesh grill on thier car and if so does the mesh match that in the front bumper? Thanks.

[harry]

Hi i have 17's on my mk5 gti, doesn't rub as much now only on full lock when reversing, before it rubbed on the inside of the drivers side wing but it was really low it has been raised by 10mm all round now makes a load of difference (still low though) as for the mesh if it's black then it will match the bumper inserts, i just got a black badge instead don't need to debadge it looks just as good, if you do get 17's you have to lower the car otherwise it will look like a 4x4 not good....

[KarlM]

if you get a Kamei grill i think they match the mesh of the bumper.

oh by the way

[LAN's GTI]

Cheers Guys. I Suppose I should introduce myself, I'm Mark, I live in Sutton in Surrey and I've had my GTi for about 2 months now. The car is owned by me and my wife, Tracy. It's a 2001 black model, with 22k on the clock. So far the only mods have been a Private Plate, Smoked Hella LED Rear Lights and a Venom Alloy Aerial, All of which came off our previous car- a mkIV 1.4 8v. New Wheels and a De-badged Grille are planned soon, and maybe an exhaust.

[harry]

hi mark get some 17's and a drop.

[thomas dibley]

Ok, so 17's will fit on my much loved new (to me) polo GTI. But what about the max width. I suppose there is also performance differences by having a large rim. 17's too harsh maybe? I love the wheels that come stock, but why oh why did they not make them 16's. Then i'd be happy. Anybody concour?

[polo2k]

bbs do a few wheels like the stock gti wheels up to 19" and with dish
as for width id say go for 7" using 195/40/17 or i think conti has just started making 195 35 17

[Speedlaw]

The 16" version of the standard GTI wheel is out there, but they're uber-rare. Found a set last week, but they went for over € 900!

Also,

17's may go on, but even with 195-40-17 tyres they tend to rub. It depends mainly on the drop (ask Harry ) and the ET.

[harry]

mine are 7x17 with a rare 195/40/17 pirelli pzero nero tyre (which cost a fortune.. ) and is not listed in any kwikfit store by the way ( had the cars tracking done by them thought would ask them how much they would cost from them they don't list them on their stock list, tracking is still not right...) and is dropped on the coilies just over the tyre now doesn't rub anymore only when reversing on full lock on the left side not the right wonder why that is? when it was really low it would rub on the right side where the bumper joins the wing but not on the left??? (the car can't make its mind up which side to rub) does not rub on the back even with passengers, when unicar tried 205/40/17 rubbed on the bottom of the front wing so if you can get 195/40/17 definately would recommend them, bbs do the same as the standard rim in 16's but they is costly £1400(although ask martin he might be able to sort you out) they also come on the mk4 golf cabriolet in 6.5/16 that might fit...got my porsche rims today yipeee..... oh and another thing the top speed suffers with 17's found that out today when went to pick the new rims..

[Josh_PoloGTi]

MK4 Golf Cabriolet uses a 4 Stud Fitment (as it is not a "true MK4 Golf... It's more like a facelifted MK3) and they come with the same BBS's as ours, only in a 16" fitment.

I think 7" wide is about the widest you can go on a polo without having problems.

Harry... I am SO jelous of you! I want those rims!!!

[harry]

josh feel free to loan them, i haven't got any adapters so if you can get a hold of any then be my guest..

[KarlM]

oh and another thing the top speed suffers with 17's found that out today when went to pick the new rims..

ermmm thats probably not down to the rims mate. a greater rolling radius should mean better top speed but reduced acceleration.

anybody else share some knowledge on this?

[thomas dibley]

Thanx guys, very interesting to know. I've heard bad things about putting wheels that are too big on a car. It may look cool, but I want my performance. I think i'll try and find some nice BBS 16"s, just not the split ones.

One more question....

Lowering. Let's say I keep my current stock rims. How much of a drop would you recommend and if adjustable gas shocks (pst...SHHH...pst) are the way to go. Who can I find them from and how much?
thanx guys...

[harry]

It accelarates really well, top speed still not too good but nowadays it's more show than go camera's everywhere . my friend go for the big wheels an inch makes all the difference

[Speedlaw]

Thomas,

I always hear you can go up to 40mm lower with standard shocks, butI'd go for no ore than 30mm to be on the safe side. "Just springs" is really an economic (and not 'best') solution.