Changing the offset??

Ok, I know some of the early Polo GTI's came with a factory wheel offset somewhere around ET 43. The later model GTI's came with an offset of 35 (I cant remember the exact offsets, but you know what im getting at).

So the question is what is the difference between the early GTI and late model GTI that makes a difference to the offset? And is it possible to change from one to the other?

I ask because I have been searching for a nice set of wheels for a while and having the possibility of changing the offset would open the door to more wheel options. I dont like the idea of using spacers to get the right offset.

reading this: <http://www.twincam.info/index.php?showtopic=31531> seems like it is more a function of the wheels themselves, otherwise the hubs on later models actually stick out 8mm <edit: errmm if I count right is 5mm> more than early models.

So it depends on what changed, the wheel design or the hubs. I think this was answered in another thread.

Different offset on the wheels.Early are 43mm,late 38mm.
Nothing on the car changes.

the money you would spend on changing your offset you would much rather spend on finding a nice set of rims with a good offset to suit your car.... don't waste your money.

Also, for you (and me with an '06 model), we are able to run Subaru fitment wheels without spacers as Subaru's have an offset of +45.

Personally I like the 'Poke' look (but without the legal implication of having the wheel wider than the car).

Lower offset is good, the audi stock wheels have a lower offset, something in the high 20's or low 30's has been reported to fit, but will depend on your wheel and tyre width, stock or otherwise suspension and if you mind a little scrubbing or not.

I'm stuck between replacing with aftermarket 42 offset and audi stock 32 offset for the slightly wider look.

So there is no difference between the early Polo and later model in terms of set up. From what you guys are telling me the only difference is the offset on the wheel and no changes to the hub centerline.

Therefore later model wheels actually stick out 5mm compared to the early ones (calculated using 1010tires offset calculator and MACCAA's figures of ET 43 and ET of 38).