going from 17" to 18", would like some feedback and advice :)

[CrusadeR]

Hi all,

I've had my Golf MKVI GTI for a year now and am ready for some mods done to enhance looks + performance. As this is my first venture into any sort of mods, I'd really appreciate any advice and feedback

I've done 30,000kms on the stock 17" Bridgestone RE050s and would like to swap them out and fit 18" wheels. Been checking some out on tirerack and am planning to go with the Enkei EKM3 paired with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT.



Has anyone had any experience with the dunlops? How does it compare with the RE050 in regards to noise, handling and ride comfort?

I've learned (from lol) that going from 17" to 18", I will want to lower my ride height. Is this purely aesthetic or is there another factor to consider? I'm planning to lower via a lowering springs kit by KW.
Are they sort of a good starting point without going into more expensive options like coilover suspensions? What will these springs do to the handling and ride comfort?

Phew~ sorry for the bombardment of questions guys lol hopefully someone can enlighten a newbie!

Cheers!

[Beowulf]

Well I've got the 18" GTD rims on mine and comparing my cars ride against the dealer GTD's running on 17" (granted I know how my car has been treated, but mine has 8,000km and the dealers ~1,000km). I've found that the 18" steering is more responsive but the ride feels slightly lower plus you feel the bumps a little more.

The 18's fill the wheel well more and look nicer IMO. Not sure why you would need or want to lower the car AFAIK they don't change the springs between the 17" and 18" from factory, but hey who knows

[nat225]

18", if u go for a conservative width and offset, ie: OEM Detroit 18x7.5 offset +51 to OEM Karthoum 18x8 offset +50, imo the Mk6 GTI will look just fine without the need of lowering.

18x8 offset +45 will not look right as at stock height..

factor 1: there is not enough front camber to tuck the tyres inside the fender (when u look at it from above), when lowered there will be a bit of camber to fix this issue.

factor 2: aggressive wheels just look better lowered

factor 3: the lower the better the look aesthetically

factor 4: too low will render the car impractical :p but looks fully sick!

factor 5: too many to keep going and there will be too many reasoning on this topic

also for tyres, i think there are better options than Sports Maxx GT. why not go with Michelin PS2 at only US$183 each fr tirerack? or Pilot Super Sport US$213 each?

and another thing, 18x8 +45 will rub at the front if lowered unless u do fender screw removal mod at minimum, and up to rolling guard, just ask people who actually own and drive a Mk6 GTI to confirm this. i use 18x8 +50 lowered without any dramas.

for ride quality, obviously the thinner the wall the harsher the ride, but better steering response.

[rvan.lim]

cheap OEM Karthoum!... it will look good!
EOI : 18*8" Genuine VW KArthoum rims

[CrusadeR]

Hi guys! Thanks for all your input! Didn't realise that the +45 offset will cause some issues when lowered. Looks like its back to the drawing board for me

Beowolf, just with the stock 17" I already feel quite a bit of the bumps during my daily drive. I'm not sure if I would want to feel 'more' lol I'm not sure if that's due to my tyre pressure (usually at 37 PSI) or just that the RE050 gives a harder ride.