Polo GTI tyre question

[VWindahouse]

I am getting some 17x7" rims and was going to fit some 215/40R17 rubber but have heard that 205/40R17 are a better option. Help you would great. PS will be fitting Bilstein PSS9 adjust coilovers if that makes a difference. Cheers :)

[Tim]

there is a handy tool at http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html check it out.

what is the stock size? 205/45/16? if thats the case the bigger size will make your gearing slightly taller.

[william]

vw put 32psi in all standard hatches and sedans 40psi in Lts and t5s i would put maybe 38 to 40 psi that is what i put in commonly for low profile tyres

[william]

also dont go to big with the wheels as the speedo will read wrong

[VWindahouse]

Sorry my bad. I was mainly concerned with width more then rolling diameter. I just not sure about clearance with the wheel guards after lowering the car with the coilovers. Dont want to scrub at all.

[Tim]

the width does make a difference to the diameter of a tyre.

in a 205/40/17 the 40 is 40% of 205 which is the width in mm. Thats why it would be a better option that 215/40/17.

40% of 215 is greater than 40% of 205 obviously

Im sure the width probly wouldnt be a concern with the standard suspension. Id look up the details on the PSS9s tho. I have pss9s on my mk3 and they reduce the inner clearance substantially on my car. I had to run a spacer.

The other factor in all of this will be the offset and width of the wheels youre planning to run. thats probably where u need to do your research.

[william]

have the new wheels on it prior to getting suspension fitted to get ride height spot on they will measure it out anyway how low are you going 2 inches? are the width of the tyres front and rear wider than standard ,front wont be a problem as plenty of room under the arches may rub on full lock either side but back is fairly narrowand you dont want the wheels rubbing into the plastic arches above the filler neck

[VWindahouse]

the width does make a difference to the diameter of a tyre.

in a 205/40/17 the 40 is 40% of 205 which is the width in mm. Thats why it would be a better option that 215/40/17.

40% of 215 is greater than 40% of 205 obviously

Im sure the width probly wouldnt be a concern with the standard suspension. Id look up the details on the PSS9s tho. I have pss9s on my mk3 and they reduce the inner clearance substantially on my car. I had to run a spacer.

The other factor in all of this will be the offset and width of the wheels youre planning to run. thats probably where u need to do your research.

Are you sure I thought 215 was the width/ 40 was the profile/ 17 was the diameter of the rim. The profile change (rolling diameter) will throw out your speedo but width wont at all???

[Tim]

40 is the profile. But its not 40mm its 40% of the width

[VWindahouse]

40 is the profile. But its not 40mm its 40% of the width


Cool thanks mate! Learn something new every day.

Can anyone who has a current model polo gti give me there advice?

[VWindahouse]

have the new wheels on it prior to getting suspension fitted to get ride height spot on they will measure it out anyway how low are you going 2 inches? are the width of the tyres front and rear wider than standard ,front wont be a problem as plenty of room under the arches may rub on full lock either side but back is fairly narrowand you dont want the wheels rubbing into the plastic arches above the filler neck


Sweet as thanks for the advise!

[Guy_H]

We couldnt get 215's on either set of our 17" Polo rims without rubbing somewhere - and we are only lowered 15mm

Stick to 205's to be safe or try them on the car first before you buy to check for clearance ;)

[VWindahouse]

We couldnt get 215's on either set of our 17" Polo rims without rubbing somewhere - and we are only lowered 15mm

Stick to 205's to be safe or try them on the car first before you buy to check for clearance ;)

No worries, thanks mate! Will let you know how i go tuesday night after I get the package put on.