Hi from Australia - Help with Wheel selection?

[GRNADE]

Hi Guys,
I have a new Polo GTI, and am just begining to modify it. - Originally the car was purchased as a run around for the better half , But I've decided to modify it since I sold my last toy, a 302rwkw XR6 Turbo ute. - So far the polo has a BMC filter in it, Enlarged the air box snorkel opening and I have removed the fog lights to get some meaningful air flow to the intercooler.

Ive just ordered a PD160 intake set up from spain, which should be here in 4 weeks, I also have an APR tune planned and a wheel & tyre upgrade planned.

What wheel & tyre size do you guys recomend? I have been thinking 17's or 18's, But I don't want to lower the car, unless I really have too.

If any one has pics of wheel & tyre combos, that would be great!

[BeezerDiesel]

There are plenty of pre facelift 9N Polos in the gallery in that section, which will give you a bit of an idea, and there is also a good gallery on a German website called Polo9Ninfo.
Apparently the Polo GTI went down a storm in OZ and due to the demand for RHD cars we Brits had to wait an extra few months last year for the release of the car.
However due to the amount and quality of the competition, including stuff from the VAG stable such as the Fabia and Ibiza, which are much cheaper than the Polo, the Polo GTI is a very rare sight in the UK (one of the reasons I got one).

I've had an Ibiza PD130 and a Fabia vRS too so am very familiar with what fits this chassis, and would recommend that you don't go for 18s. They make the car look like a rollerskate and the handling is definately not improved. Go for a 7x17 if you can, or a 7.5x17 if not, and I would recommend that you go for 215/35/17 tyres if you can get hold of them. This will keep the correct gearing and provide some rim protection from the tyre. 205/40/17s will also keep the gearing spot on but you may find you take chunks out of your rims on high kerbs. Many people also fit 215/40/17 tyres as they are mid way in price between the 205/40s and the 215/35s. These will very slightly alter the gearing but are still within tolerance.