18's on an FTO

[karlf]

I'm getting a new set of alloys soon and was told not to get them as 18's on an FTO is asking for trouble. The only reason I'm getting 18's is because they are not made any smaller. I'm am getting replicas of an audi R8 wheel. Anybody driving on 18's? Any problems? My car is also lowered would this make a difference?

[TopCat]

Had 18's on my old GS. I think the general opinion on the site is that 17's are optimal, but I didn't have any major problems with them. The ride suffered a small bit with the lower profile required, but not much. Handling wise, well it was a GS, so the handling limits of the chassis was rarely pushed anyway. Mine was lowered too, and there was a only very slight rubbing, but removing/modifying the wheel arch liner will sort this, but you'd need to bare in mind that a V6 engine will bring the front end a slightly lower than my 1.8.

(I've attached a pic below for reference, more pics here. Wonder where that car is now.. ).

[SmokeSolid]

Good luck with that mate. You will need to mod it for sure. Take pictures please.

[karlf]

Thanks for the reply TC will consider it before getting them so, the comfort issue is a big consideration. If I could get them in 17's I'd have them already. They have to be bored to fit an FTO so I cant even see how they'd fit/look before comiting to them. It is the 10 spoke y design I'd be going for. See here:
http://image.motortrend.com/f/26512447+w750/audi-r8-wheel.jpg
What do people think, Will they suit the car? Also will be changing to a facelift bumper if that makes any difference.

[TopCat]

If you have a side on picture of your car I'm sure someone could photoshop it for you. I'm finding it hard to picture them on an FTO, but they're certainly a very nice alloy.

What exactly do you mean by having to get them bored? Not sure I like the sound of that?

[Danny Kierans]

i had 18'' on my 96 gr that was lowered on apex spring kit .they rubbed abit on full lock.and if i remember on 225/40/18 they did rub off the inner metal wing liner on the front.but id still fit 18'' looks good but slows you down to.

[StewyD32]

Didn't JohnK have 19's on his?

[Aamir]

I have seen 20's on a FTO !

18's are fine, the key is offset & width.
Anything around ET35 should be fine & no wider than 8J.

[karlf]

If you have a side on picture of your car I'm sure someone could photoshop it for you. I'm finding it hard to picture them on an FTO, but they're certainly a very nice alloy.

What exactly do you mean by having to get them bored? Not sure I like the sound of that?

They dont make them to fit the fto, so they have to bore out the holes to fit. Sounds drastic but apparently its done more than you'd think, or so I've been told.

I have seen 20's on a FTO !

18's are fine, the key is offset & width.
Anything around ET35 should be fine & no wider than 8J.

I checked that out and he said he can get them in ET35 and they are 8J. Thanks for the advice.

i had 18'' on my 96 gr that was lowered on apex spring kit .they rubbed abit on full lock.and if i remember on <a href="tel:225/40/18">225/40/18</a> they did rub off the inner metal wing liner on the front.but id still fit 18'' looks good but slows you down to.

got a choice of 225/40/18 or 215/35/18 so I'll probably go for the 215/35 and hope they dont rub

[colm_mcm]

IMO the wheels are one of the less remarkable bits on the R8. don't seem like anything special to me


these?

[Aamir]

got a choice of 225/40/18 or 215/35/18 so I'll probably go for the 215/35 and hope they dont rub

I'd go for the 215/35's for maximum clearance, different brands stretch differently. Falken & Runway stretch nicely pulling the tyre wall in.
BUT the ride quality on 35's is quite harsh & you must drive carefully.

Also, get one of these..............

[crayzidane]

these?

no these
http://image.motortrend.com/f/26512447+w750/audi-r8-wheel.jpg

[colm_mcm]

Fair play for trying something different.

Hope these won't be on every golf and a4 now

[karlf]

I got them on tuesday, and am delighted with them. They look well on the car and considering I didnt get to see how they looked before commiting to buy them its a bit of a relief. Cant post pics yet as I'm on my phone but I will get some up soon. Thanks for all the advice much appreaciated, and there is no rubbing.

[CJ]

karl, how have the 18's affected ride quality, whats your suspension setup.

CJ

[karlf]

karl, how have the 18's affected ride quality, whats your suspension setup.

CJ

Haven't been on to reply sooner, sorry.
It feels a lot different, bumpier is probably the best way to describe it. You feel every little bump and lump on the road.
I had the car lowered on Tokico rsr I got off rory but other than that every thing is standard with regard to the suspension. Think I may need to invest in this area as its a lot less comfortable now.

[Muad_dib77]

It will remain uncomfy... sorry....

if you're experiencing tramlining and crashign about the place look at the following possible culprits..


droplinks
bushings
shocks (kyb come recommended)

looking forward to seeing the pics.. I remember when I was on 18s, quite liked the look... not so much the harshness of the ride, or the cost of the tires...

fun & games...

[karlf]

Whot do people think?

[Sebastian]

sweeeet

[paul2508]

saw them today, look savage, mean looking wheels for a mean looking car.

[karlf]

saw them today, look savage, mean looking wheels for a mean looking car.

sweeeet

Cheers lads.
I've had a few compliments about them by passers by. Good to know fellow Fto drivers approve. I think they're the bees knees, just need some silver centre caps to finish them off as there is an indentation where the audi badge should be and it just doesn't look right on a mitsi

[TopCat]

I love those alloys, and obviously I love FTO's, but, being totally honest, I'm not sure I like them together now I see the pic. Sorry Karl, no offence intended.
I think it might be the angular nature of the alloys against the smooth curves of the car, just doesn't do it for me.
But as you say, you're happy with them and that is the most important thing!

[Gerry]

I like them Karl,
I have something similiar on my fto,
Same sort of angular look.
They are 17" OZ Antares.

[Sebastian]

Karl ,
that FTO sooo needs some bits ( clear side repeaters , aftermarket spoiler , and get rid of that manik sticker ::) , fto-ireland.com is the one to have . )

[Bernard]

My first reaction was the same as Topcat's but the more I look at the wheels, the more they grow on me.

Karl ,
that FTO sooo needs some bits ( clear side repeaters , aftermarket spoiler , and get rid of that manik sticker ::) , fto-ireland.com is the one to have . )

I agree on all bar the spoiler, I think it looks well.
Blending the skirts would finish it off nicely.