offset question

[nj_v-dub]

Do any TT, TTS or TT RS MKII owners have first hand experience with 18" wheels with et 35 (offset)? Any rubbing issues? Size tires? My ideal sized wheel for my RS is 18x9.5 et 45 but no find of anything like that at a reasonable price for track use. Any ideas anyone?

[bigstu]

I agree, there isn't much available in a high offset wide wheel for the TT regardless of diameter. I have been looking for a good 18" wheel for track use since October when I got my RS.

I am planning on going with the 1552 Tarmac wheel that is now available in 5x112 18x9.5 et 45 or a custom offset in from et 0 to 50. I am going with a 18x9.5 et 48 maybe 50. The Tarmac isn't a lightweight wheel, but it is a quality, well made and very strong wheel. Ken Block uses these on his gymkhana car. I have talked to the guys at 1552 and they are confident they will clear the TT-RS brakes.

17x8, 17x9, 18x8.5, 18x9.5
Custom offsets available from ET0 to ET50
Custom PCD available

The 18x9.5 et 45 MSRP is $319.52 per wheel. There is a preorder on right now that offers almost $100 off a set.





Ken Block abusing them: Full Link


Here is the back side of the wheels....quality:


1552 had a photoshop contest that I thought was a cool idea: Vortex Thread



A lot of guys in Europe use the ATS GTR wheels in 18x9.5 on there TT-RS. I can't find this model or size in the US though. I believe these are pretty lightweight and would be a great solution if anyone can track them down. ATS Wheel thread on TT Forum

[nj_v-dub]

Bigstu, thank you for your info. I actually found some interesting stuff on 1552. About ATS, have to be special ordered from Germany through a US middle guy and takes a while. Where are you located?

[mageus]

Yeah, it's a PITA that VAG used 52 ET on the A-chassis cars. I'm guessing it was to allow a wider suspension arm for the given track width. The 5x112 pattern isn't as much of an issue, since Mercedes also uses it.

Check out my thread here:
http://forums.fourtitude.com/showthr...ls-any-updates

Miro wheels, 18x8.5 ET 35 with 255/35 rubber. Dirt cheap, but seem to perform well on the track. Since the tire is ~1" shorter, I have no rubbing issues. I've heard that ET 35 with stock tire height will rub.

I went to several shops and test fitted the wheels. I couldn't find an 18" wheel that wouldn't rub the caliper at ET 45. In fact, most 18" wheels won't even clear the caliper at the barrel. The Miro's clear the barrel just fine, but only cleared the caliper face at about ET 38. Of course, much of this issue is the TTRS' Brembo caliper.

Another option is something like Forgestar, which mills their ET in-house. However, they wouldn't let me test any wheels to confirm clearance.

Be wary of 9.5" wide wheels. I tested some and they came frighteningly close to the shock damper with ET 45. And ET 35 would definitely rub the fender.

[Stevelev]

18 x 8.5 ET 35 with 245/40 Conti DW will rub (rear). Tweaking the alignment gets rid of rubbing except once in a while when going over large speed bumps ...

[thez19]

Steve, yes its offtopic but i was wondering how you felt bout your exhaust and the steering wheel. I am looking at both but not sure on whether to go with resonated or non and I cant find ANY pictures or decent videos of the milltek setup vs. stock exhaust anywhere which sucks. Curious as to how much of a difference noisewise the resonated exhaust is from stock, not really looking to mess with the dp as I dont want to go too crazy with engine mods with this car as its a lease and I just dont feel it needs much more as far as power anyways, id just really like to hear the sexyness a bit more n feel it. Same **** with the steering wheel, been used to the wheel in my bmw 135i which was thicker and had the aero holes on the sides like the R8 wheel

[Stevelev]

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