Brakes Wheels 1st Gen Tires New tires and size....

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by ScottinBend, Apr 14, 2017.

  1. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Looking at getting 225/45/17's to replace my 215/45/17's.
    Looks to be less than 1/2" taller and wider. Just looking to fill the wheel well a bit more.

    Anyone run this size?
     
  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    You will have rubbing issues in the rear but it's just plastic and the tire will trim the space it needs.

    Also make sure under load you have space between on the inside sidewall and the coilover or springs on shocks. If not you will have to add a spacer at the hubs.
     
  3. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    I run that size on my GTI & it works perfectly.

    Scott I am not a fan of spacers although many seem to use them. One more failure point if you ask me. Buy good ones if you go that route.
     
  4. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Check both side clearances on my set and it looks to be good with the offset I have.
    Thanks
     
  5. Brian_NEOMINIAC

    Brian_NEOMINIAC New Member

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    I went with 225/45/17 on my stock height
    R56...

    It lasted about 3 days before I took them off because every slight bump I hit, rubbed like crazy. To make those work, I'd have needed lowering springs atleast to reduce the bounce, and probably have to run additional camber.
     
  6. Msfitoy

    Msfitoy Member

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    More than plastic Dave...when I installed 225 Nittos, they rubbed the wheel flange (rear) just inside the plastic fender...they are pretty stout where the inner/outer pieces of the chassis are welded and can't just be pounded or grounded down:(
     
  7. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Yeah I added a 5 mm spacer and for that metal part on the inside. For around the arch I took off the plastic and rimmed it then I also got out the old hammer and dolly from my body shop days and flared it out a good 5-8 mm. You have to be careful with the arch because of the welds and its painted but it covered by the arches. :ihih:
     
  8. Qik

    Qik Well-Known Member

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  9. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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  10. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Yea.....looks like it is going to be hard to fit those without some spacers and/or trimming. Was considering going with a 7.5" wheel too, but that is even harder to get with the proper offset.

    Looks like 17x7 215/45/17 is the way to go.

    Thanks
     
  11. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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  12. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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  13. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Already did the stud conversion years ago. Much better.......:D
     

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