Larger wheels on standard suspension

[TDI Andy]

Hi guys,

I really want to change my 16" alloys on my TDI mk1 leon. Using the standard fitted tyres for each size wheel (17" 215/45, 18" 225/40) it looks like the overall circumference of the wheel will be reduced and i'll be left with a big arch gap.

I dont want to go down the lowering route as i'll end up throwing loads of dosh at the car (the reason i sold my s14a and bought a TDI). I just want a better look.

Can i overcome this arch gap problem by fitting larger profile tyres? Maybe fit 17's with 50 profile tyres? Or will this not work?

Im also toying with painting the standard alloys black, not sure if it will look stupid. Mine arent the starfish ones or the multispokes, the other ones (cant really explain them, lol)

Any help on the subject would be great.

 

[TllEWL]

It's the smaller diameter/circumference you want to go for - what you end up doing is effectively lowering the car (albeit only by a small amount) but yeah, as a trade off you also increase the gap around the wheelarch

The choice of wheel/style has a massive effect here, so research and choose carefully

Things to look for are - spokes that go right to the tyre, thinner rims to the wheel etc etc


....also, square-shouldered tyres in the same fitments will make the overall size look bigger

 

[auq]

i have 18's on 30mm springs, sits sweet, see my pics

 

[GMH23]

I've switched from 195/65/15's up to 225/45/17's and the overall diameter is exactly the same, down to the mm. It's a 110 SE so sits ok to begin with, doesnt look too bad on 17's but am considering dropping subtley by around 25/30mm, could send pics if that would help?