Choosing Some New Wheels?! Help, Need info!!

[Nickfowke86]

Need advice from u guys!

I want to put some alloy on my 51 plate 1.4 Polo, Currently has standard 13" steels.

If i go for 15" will it tramline or affect the handling drasticly?!
Would 14" be a better choice?!

Will i encounter any problems?

Nick

[Tris]

If anything, it'll handle better because you'll have lower profile tyres (they look thinner when looking at the wheels side on)

Ideal tyre size for the 15s will be 195/45/15

It's what everyone seems to use with 15s.

This is the size I have on my mk4, and I have no problems, even though its on coilovers.

You shouldn't encounter any problems, I'm sure others will confirm this too.

[Nickfowke86]

Thanks for the info Tris!

Anyone else got any info on fitting 15's? (195/45/15)?

[Si_GTi]

Not a lot you don't already know really! 15" rims were fitted as standard on the GTi and I think the 16v 100bhp models too (the Indianapolis alloys?). They will go on with no modifications need to the arches and you can lower the car as far as you want to almost with the 15s on. 195/45/15 is the way to go, definitely. There is no way, once you have fitted the wheels and had the car checked for tracking, that you should be tramlining. The handling, as Tris says, will be greatly improved even as standard

[Nickfowke86]

Cheers guys! Great Help! Hopefully i'll get some pics up soon!

[Tris]

At the top of the mark 4 forum there's a topic called "the official mk4 FAQ", and this info is contained in it:

Wheel sizes

The stock wheels were either 175-65-13's (base model), or 185-55-14's (16v), or 195-45-15's (GTI, see first pic). Similar (or nearly equal) in diameter is 195-40-16", which of course was not an OE wheel size. This means that if you stick to these sizes, you're good to go. Aim for an offset of 35 - 43. Offsets are explained here. Any other sizes means you're more likely to run into trouble. The Mk4 is prone to rubbing if the diameter is increased even slightly, for instance if you're fitting 195-45-16 wheels + tyres, instead of the correct height of 40. This is also the case, if you're running 195-50-15's instead of 45-series. Get the right size, you'll be glad you did.

Smaller, wide wheels are popular too. For instance, 195-45-14 looks small and wide, but if the car is lowered enough, it has that cool rollerskate look to it. Keep an eye on the ET though, even small wheels rub if they're poking out enough.

this should be the same for your mk5 I believe.

[polopowah]

indianapolis were 14's
they do look big for 14's though because the spokes go right to the edge
get 16's not too big not too small
-Ben-

[Tris]

Are yours 16s mate?

[polopowah]

Are yours 16s mate?

yep they sure are

-Ben-

[jon_poloV]

There was another polo that came with 15's not just the gti.
Jon

''16V
The 16V is the first 'sporting' model. It features a 1.4 100 bhp engine with equipment levels boasting: manual air-conditioning, interwoven upholstery and 15" 'Spa' alloy wheels. This makes it better value against the outgoing model, when specifications are equalised. ''

[loud]

my 16v had 15" 5 spokes as standard

[loud]

that was a lie, they are 8 spoke