19s on a MKIV

[smithy1776]

Considering the option of going big. Any one been there and done that? any tips before i start.

thanks

[gareth_oau]

I understand that going 19" is not so good for handling, more for show

also, the very low profile tyres you need makes the ride very firm.

So decide how important handling and ride comfiort is to you

[McCosker]

They will fit easy, if i were getting wheels again i would prob go for 19"s. im by no means part of the 'bling' wheel crew either, i just like wheels that fill guards.
the worst thing about them will be the cost jump over a set of 18"s, 19" isnt a common size, so tyres will cost more also. 18" or 20" are where all the current bargins are to be had. 20" looks dumb on a mkiv, so i wouldn't even consider that.

[smithy1776]

Good point. Maybe 18s will be a better option. I do agree with you in teh 20s though can look a little over the top Thanks for the advise.

[team_v]

I would go 18's.
Big enough to have the looks but not so big as to give an uncomfortable ride.

Plus the cost of tyres is a help.

[gareth_oau]

the overall rolling diameter of the wheel/tyre combo for 18" vs 19" (vs standard) wont change, therefore the 19" wont fill out your guards any more.

you will need to lower your suspension to do that.

If you buy 18s, the money you ssave could go towards some lowered springs.

In addition, and a dfferent challenge - some people put 19 or bigger wheels on, and the standard brakes look rediculous and puny behind them. an 18" wheel will not make this look as bad.

also suggest you consider a heavier spoke on the rim so you arent showing off the standard brakes to much (or buy a set of bigger brakes to match the wheel!!)

[smithy1776]

I agree on the small brakes situation too. On other cars I have had in the past this has always been a consideration. As long as the guards are full and the stance is right I think I should be right. Have found some pretty nice wheels in the UK which I might go for and the offset is listed as fitting a standard guard

[TazzyVR6]

also suggest you consider a heavier spoke on the rim so you arent showing off the standard brakes to much (or buy a set of bigger brakes to match the wheel!!)

This is what puts me off getting OZ Ultraleggeras, they look beautiful and are light, but very thin spokes/little brakes... ew

[dylan8]

Theres heaps of guys running 19s on there boras/golfs
even with 18s the brakes look small, so get something with a full face to hide them.

[Manaz]

the overall rolling diameter of the wheel/tyre combo for 18" vs 19" (vs standard) wont change, therefore the 19" wont fill out your guards any more.

The overall wheel/tyre combo doesn't get any closer, but the wheels themselves do - they come closer to the guards, with less tyre profile wrapped around them.

[gareth_oau]

true, but the gap from the tread to the wheel arch remains exactly the same, still a big ugly gap!! LOL

[Manaz]

true, but the gap from the tread to the wheel arch remains exactly the same, still a big ugly gap!! LOL

Yeah, the Mk4 does ride a bit tall as standard. Bigger wheels take the attention off the tyre-arch gap though to some degree.

[VWEAPN]

im running 19's on my mk4 225s at the front & 245's at the back, traction is great! yes handling isnt the greatest. IMO 18's are too small.
after having these wheels on for 4 years the bumps are finally starting to annoy me so i will be going back to standard any time soon.

[Manaz]

im running 19's on my mk4 225s at the front & 245's at the back, traction is great! yes handling isnt the greatest. IMO 18's are too small.
after having these wheels on for 4 years the bumps are finally starting to annoy me so i will be going back to standard any time soon.

Handling or comfort isn't the greatest?

I'm probably going with 235/45R17s for my next set of tyres (standard on 17x7.5" wheels is 225/45R17). Tyres are much cheaper in the 235 width than 225 as 235 is much more common due to Falcons/Commodores using it on their 17" rims. There's a 2-3% increase in rolling diameter, but that'll cancel out the speedo error nicely!

[BL33SU]

you get used to the ride comfort, if you want good looks get 19's..
20's were fine for me.. as long as u dodge the massive pot holes its all sweet.