I'd like to see if anyone out there with a B5 is currently riding ona set of 18" HP Racing Evos, and what your experiences are/were.

I just got off the horn w/wheelsnext.com, and they informed me that the offset on these rims (18x8) is 38 and that they recommended using a 5mm spacer. Heindicated that the ride and fitment wouldn't be that great if i bought these rims and incorporated the spacer. He suggested looking at another set of mesh's.

I appreciate the guys honesty, and i truly don't think this is an instance of them trying to suck more money out of me by going with a more expensive set; i'm too wise for that.

Thoughts? Suggestions? I'm really looking for a set with a lip.

Here are some other options: (anyone know off hand what the offsets are on the below rims?)

RPM R-505



AZUL Speedmesh (Hyperblack)



..and of course

ADR M-Classic (do the ADRs really come with the uni-lug pattern on them as in the pic?)

 

Definitly make sure you have a lip, if you go with non-HP

 

Go with the top one (RPM R-505). The clean look is best. I cant stand the rivit/bolt thing they do to wheels now. Just doesnt look right on a classy car like an audi looks cheap. IMO. Like the lip to.

 

Unless the bolts are real, of course... Can't knock three piece wheels!

 

I'm not too worried if they have bolts or not, i'm more concerned if i will experience any fitment or ride problems if i go with anything other than a 35 offset for an 18", 8x18 rim.

I know you other B5 owner's have rims on your car that aren't a 35 offset. They don't neccessarily have to be the HP Evos; so what are you experiences with your particular set? What size and type are they, and didyou have to utilize a spacer? Any problems? Yadda, yadda, yadda.

I've got money to burn, and rims are next on my list. Thanks guys!

 

I cracked up when I saw this post, I litterally just bought a pair of the 18" HP evos yesterday. Got them used with tires for $550 so I am pretty damn happy with that considering they are in good condition. I had no trouble with fitment, put them on the car yesterday and rubbing isnt an issue, and it seemed to easly clear the stock calipers. Make sure you get the hubcentric rings if you do go with HP because they are a little larger than the stock hub. Obviously I havent had them on the car for long, but so far they seem great to me... Unfortunately I am still deciding on what I want to do with my suspension so at the moment I am in true monster truck form. I'll get some pictures up tonight after I wash the whip, but I say go for them, they are great looking wheels.

 

Thanks Klum - that really eases my mind. My heart about sank when the guy told me i shouldn't get the Evo's.

Now,the hubcentric ring you speak of; is this something that wheelsnext.com should be able to provide? I'm assuming this ring, correct me if i'm wrong, is a hubcentric spacer? If so, what size spacer are you currently using? I'm an f-tard when it comes to rims, so any education you can give would be much appreciated.

How are they riding?

Sorry for the Spanish Inquisition.

 

to be honest I dont know what size the hubcentric ring is. The guy that sold me the wheels included them. I'm sure hp or any reliable wheel/tire shop online would be able to tell you what size you need. Its just a rubber ring that sits on the hub so that the wheel centers on that instead of you having to center it just by the lugs. But, Im sure you already know all that.

The wheels are riding great, again I have only had them for a day but so far so good, and looking damn nice I must say.

 

Update your sig, wanna see them

 

The HP's are likely a 73mm bore, and Audi uses a 57.1mm bore... so you need a 73 to 57.1 hubcentric ring -- they will know for sure the size of the HP evo, and will also verify the VW/Audi centerbore size for you.

The spacer will just make it look better. I run 32mm offset all around, so if you get 38mm and use a 5mm spacer, you'll be at 33mm, which is just about perfect. You'll need longer bolts though.

Also, most people will tell you to use a hubcentric spacer, which is quite a bit more money... for 5mm, it isn't all that necessary. For the most part, hubcentric rings are a convenience item, allowing you to easy hold the wheel where it needs to be, centered on the hub when you tighten it.
I was driving my new wheels for 3 weeks with no rings (just put rings in today) with no issue at all. You just have to torque them while the wheel is in the air, which can be a PITA.
With a 5mm spacer, the wheel will still be able to rest on the hub while you tighten it. I'd still try and torque them in the air, though. Or... if you want... spend more and get hubcentric spacers.