Wheel advice needed - Polo GTI 2007

[earth2dallas]

Hi Everyone,

I just picked up a 2007 Polo GTI & I'm still learning my way round the considerations for changing wheel/tyre size & need some advice please.

It currently has stock:
WHEELS:
16" x 6.5 (5 x 100) 'Denvers'
38mm Offset
TYRES:
Size: 205/45ZR16 87W XL (KHUMO)

I'm considering the option of changing to 17" wheels, since the stock 16"s are pretty trashed & the cost to repair the wheels v a 2nd hand set wheels seems in the same ballpark.

I prefer the OEM look, so was looking at finding some:
WHEELS:
17" x 7 (5 x 100) 'Denvers' (Mk5 Polo GTI)
46mm Offset
TYRES:
Size: 215/40/R17

From what I gather, this offset & width change would reduce the clearance on the back side by 12-15mm & retract the wheel face by 2mm or so. Also increasing the total wheel/the diameter by about 1cm.

Question 1:
Would this size change introduce clearance issues?

Question 2:
Is an 8mm change in offset from 38 to 46 a no-no? Too drastic? Need spacers?

Question 3:
In what way might this size & offset change affect the cars handling?

Would be grateful to hear from anyone with experience using 17" wheels on a 2007 Polo GTI - especially the 17"x7 Denvers...

Please excuse my lack of knowledge & thanks heaps for your time

[shortshifter]

I've got this setup on my polo, I really like the OEM+ look of them. Whilst the size difference is noticeable against the stock 16's, it would be hard for anyone other than an enthusiast to notice you've changed them.

1. No. I'm running coil overs and still no issues.

2. Depends how often you look at your car in side profile. A bit more poke would be nice but not necessary in my opinion.

3. Not that i've noticed. There was a significant reduction in wheel spin though (thankfully).

[noone]

Lots to consider.

You can go upto 8" wide without any issues, if the offset is correct.
The wheels you're looking at may be much heavier, unsure if this bothers you.
There are other Audi/VW options, I used to run some nice TT rims.
Don't forget that offset is relative to rim width, if you've not used a calculator, try the one on 1010 tyres.
Lots of ideas on what rim size / offset is best. I like the idea of wider and more stance is good (and I have my Polo like that).

Happy to catch up if you want to see.

[earth2dallas]

thanks heaps guys for the great info & 1010 reference. that's cool. I look forward to learning heaps more here. shortshifter do you have a pic of your polo?

[earth2dallas]

Just following up... If I found some 17" Denver's & wanted to widen the stance a little - would I use spacers like this..??

http://pages.ebay.com/motors/link/?nav=item.view&id=261470891252&alt=web

Are there better ones you would recommend?
Thanks

[noone]

Bad link.

I wouldn't touch them if they're not brand name, if they break you're pretty screwed.

The Forge spacers can be reasonably priced if you are buying a reasonably volume of kit, for 1-2 items, its cripples their ability to compete on price.

[earth2dallas]

Thanks again for your help, will check them out... Jst wanted to make sure I was on the right track before looking in to it.

[earth2dallas]

Hi... I've now been looking the prospect of getting some 18" wheels & am seeking some advice again regarding width.

It was mentioned I could go up to 8" if the offset was "correct"... by "correct" do you mean 8" may fit OK at the SAME ET38 (stock)? Or is there a better "correct" number?

I ask this as I've seen some wheels (below)...

*** one which has ET38 (EXTEND an extra 19mm in both directions from stock)
18" VW GOLF R Replica Wheels: Golf IV, Passat (1993-1996), Beetle | Wheels, Tyres & Rims | Gumtree Australia Whitehorse Area - Mitcham | 1057727022

***and another which has ET45 (EXTEND an extra 12mm from stock on outer side & 26mm less on inside)
BRAND NEW 18" AUDI TTRS STYLE WHEELS SUIT VOLKSWAGEN POLO AUDI A1 | Wheels, Tyres & Rims | Gumtree Australia Darebin Area - Preston | 1039274271


I like the idea of a wider wheels (8" vs 6.5") & bigger diameter rim (18" vs 16") & slightly wider stance - but I'd like to know which (if any of these wheel specs would work OK for my car???

I know there's probably better/cheaper options - but I'm just interested in making sure I'm looking at the right specs.

Thanks ever so much...

[ForceFed]

I'm running 18x7.5 Oz Aristo from a mk4 r32 on my Pog. They look magic. Rolling on 215 35 18. No fitment issues whatsoever.

[noone]

35 profile is to thin IMO.

The correct offset for 8" wide is around 38. Lower will give poke, higher will clash with suspension components.
215 is the widest I've seen fitted without poke, camber adjustment (topmounts) or other alterations.

35 is relative to the width of the rim, FYI.

There is more to get correct, you also need to know that the center bore is larger and get spiggot rings, if its smaller, you'd need to get the wheels altered.

Lots of details I know... Much easier if it were PCD of 112 like the newer VW/Audi.

As those wheels are after-market, likely to be heavy and could be questionable quality.

[earth2dallas]

Thanks again for the great info - really helps.

Ok, so I think I'm narrowing this down & I should be looking at 18" x 7.5 (5x100) ET35-42ish (38 ideal).

My 16"x 6.5 stock wheels look about right on 205 width tyres.... so would 215 tyres have that 'stretched' look on 7.5" wide rims? I'm not a big fan of that look really. Is 225 width too much? Does that depend on tyre brand also?

Thanks a million...

[noone]

215 is as wide as is practical to fit between the suspension and the arch. Offset is relative to width, go back to 1010 for a comparison between the 2. 205 is a safer width.

Not stretched. Just in case you want to go there, there are technicalities to the legality of changes to the rim size.

Please don't take my words in this thread as all the info you need, there are many threads on rim size, offset, tyre proportions, handling, etc in the Polo section.

[earth2dallas]

Hi shortshifter, just wondering if the tyres on your 17" Denvers are 205 or 215 width? Do you have any photos of your polo with these wheels? thanks....

[seangti]

Thanks again for the great info - really helps.

Ok, so I think I'm narrowing this down & I should be looking at 18" x 7.5 (5x100) ET35-42ish (38 ideal).

My 16"x 6.5 stock wheels look about right on 205 width tyres.... so would 215 tyres have that 'stretched' look on 7.5" wide rims? I'm not a big fan of that look really. Is 225 width too much? Does that depend on tyre brand also?

Thanks a million...

I've only heard negative feedback from people who've ran 18's on the polo, many have later reverted back to a 17. Might look cool, but handling and ride were heavily compromised. Just putting it out there to consider.

[ForceFed]

They do look cool.