Another Tire Question

[MarkP888]

Has anyone done a 235/40r18 or 240/40r18 or 245/40r18 on the OEM MK7 GTI Austin 18" wheels, which if I am not mistaken are only 7.5" wide? All of these sizes of course have a minimum width of 8", but I am curious if folks are pushing the specs at all. I am not lowered and do not plan to lower this car.

 

[snobrdrdan]

Why do you want wider tires and/or tires that aren't intended for that narrow of a wheel?
(the wider width wouldn't be utilized without a wider wheel to go with them)

 

[MarkP888]

Just looking for a bit more tread on the road for traction and stability.

 

[JerseyDrew77]

Just looking for a bit more tread on the road for traction and stability.

Then upgrade your wheels. If not, then the widest you can go on the stock Austin is 235, as other members have mentioned already.

 

[odessa.filez]

Autocrossers have tried 245 on 7.5 width, on tires with much wider actual tread than the typical street tire. In their case, avoiding wider wheels is a car class issue. Knew a guy who ran 225 on 6.5 to keep his miata in stock class. But this is a specific use and tires are not expected to last more than one autocross season.

If you go wider for street, you may want to increase psi to avoid rolling over on the outside. But really I doubt you'll notice much difference in handling on the street unless you drive like a loony all the time. A better choice might be a softer tire compound in 225.

 

[MarkP888]

Autocrossers have tried 245 on 7.5 width, on tires with much wider actual tread than the typical street tire. In their case, avoiding wider wheels is a car class issue. Knew a guy who ran 225 on 6.5 to keep his miata in stock class. But this is a specific use and tires are not expected to last more than one autocross season.

If you go wider for street, you may want to increase psi to avoid rolling over on the outside. But really I doubt you'll notice much difference in handling on the street unless you drive like a loony all the time. A better choice might be a softer tire compound in 225.

Excellent thoughts. Thanks.

 

[TCdaosithui]

I had 235/40-18 MPS4S on Austin for 24k mi, mildly lower on DG springs, no issue whatsoever

 

[MarkP888]

I had 235/40-18 MPS4S on Austin for 24k mi, mildly lower on DG springs, no issue whatsoever

Very nice. That is helpful. Any spacers?

 

[mrmatto]

I have 235s on my Austins right now and they fit fine. It's going to depend on the tire -- some are narrower or wider than others in the same size.

 

[TCdaosithui]

Very nice. That is helpful. Any spacers?

15 front, 20 back; flush

 

[MarkP888]

I have 235s on my Austins right now and they fit fine. It's going to depend on the tire -- some are narrower or wider than others in the same size.

And what tire are you running currently? I am between Michelin PS4 A/S or Pirelli P Zero Plus A/S. I don't care about snow traction at all. I won't be driving this in the snow. I have the MPS4 on my Audi and like them a lot, but they are a little loud. I am thinking the Pirellis might be a bit more compliant and quieter on the GTI. Let me know if anyone has further thoughts.

15 front, 20 back; flush

Very nice. That is exactly how I have my Audi SQ5 set up. Which spacers are folks using on their MK7s? I used H&R on the Audi, but I know they are overpriced/overkill. I will do something more affordable for the GTI.

 

[mrmatto]

And what tire are you running currently? I am between Michelin PS4 A/S or Pirelli P Zero Plus A/S. I don't care about snow traction at all. I won't be driving this in the snow. I have the MPS4 on my Audi and like them a lot, but they are a little loud. I am thinking the Pirellis might be a bit more compliant and quieter on the GTI. Let me know if anyone has further thoughts.

I'm running Yoko v601's because I needed a summer tire that would also hold up at autocross. They're not a particularly quiet or smooth tire, but they're good for a tire that doesn't fall apart on the course.

 

[TCdaosithui]

Very nice. That is exactly how I have my Audi SQ5 set up. Which spacers are folks using on their MK7s? I used H&R on the Audi, but I know they are overpriced/overkill. I will do something more affordable for the GTI.

I saw variety, from ECS to Neuspeed, find used sets if you can, cheaper.

 

[vt_GTI]

I run 245/40/17 on 17x17.5 wheels for autox with no issues.

 

[MarkP888]

I have 235s on my Austins right now and they fit fine. It's going to depend on the tire -- some are narrower or wider than others in the same size.

Since the specs on these tires say 8" min wheel, what type of tire shop do you have to go to to put them on? Will the average chain do it? Or do I need to hunt for an independent shop?