Any opinions on these wheels? Are these reputable companies? Which one do you like? Will I have any problems with 19" wheels on my 2001 A4 1.8T with sport suspension? Any tire sugesstions?

19"x8.5" or 18"x8" ALutec DEEP Kyro Wheels
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=43959

18x8.5" AUTEC "DELOS"WHEELS
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=43958

 

I'm gonna have to vote for the first ones. Although I have never heard of that company and can't speak to their integrity, I still like the first patter. Just make sure they are 5x112 bolt pattern. Then you should be ok.

 

Things you should look out for when purchasing wheels are size (obviously) and also the offset. The offset is what will nip you in the butt if you're not careful. Too much and they will stick out too far and likely cause a lot of paint damge from rock chips; but to little and you won't have enough clearance for the brake calipers. Try to stick to a +35 offset if you can (that's standard for the A4/S4). Things you gotta worry about with size are ride height and clearance:

18x8 or 8.5 wheels with 225(or 235)/40 tires is pretty much a sure fire bet that you will be fine and still be able to lower it without problems.

19x8.5 wheels with 235/35 tires is about as big as you can go. The only thing is that in order to get normal or aggressive ride height for this size wheel, you will have to lower your car cuz 19s with those tires will raise the ride height about an inch. It doesn't seem like much but it's still noticeable. Also when lowering your car with 19s you will have to roll your fenders if you don't want to contend with rubbing under hard cornering.

 

If you have any other questions you should just read one of the other threads cuz I too have been obsessed with these details. You can pretty much just look for any thread I started pertaining to wheels (I think there are two in thise section: one is poll the other is more discussion about options).

Hope that helps

 

Quote:

19x8.5 wheels with 235/35 tires is about as big as you can go. The only thing is that in order to get normal or aggressive ride height for this size wheel, you will have to lower your car cuz 19s with those tires will raise the ride height about an inch. It doesn't seem like much but it's still noticeable. Also when lowering your car with 19s you will have to roll your fenders if you don't want to contend with rubbing under hard cornering.

I'm not sure I agree with you here norcaltrojan.

I agree with all your points except that the 235/35 tires will not "raise the ride height about an inch". In fact, they will remain as stock height. The problem lies with their section width; they may be too wide for he fender/wheel wells and cause rubbing - especially if lowered.

On the original question from jedbass:
I think these wheels are over priced for one piece cast alloy wheels - especially since they are not from a well known reputable company.

 

Really?! So 18s with 235/40s would actually be about the same as 19s with 235/35s? I was, obviously, under the impression that ride height would increase...but then again that's why you put tires on with a narrower sidewall isnt it?!

This only makes my decision harder. I'm still totally on the fence about 18s or 19s. Damn it....Foiled again!!

 

They are practically identical in OD, but the sidewall height is reduced by 0.5 inches on the 19" tire. That's why the ride quality decreases and the performance dynamically changes.

 

dramtically changes for the better or worse?

 

Well, that's a relative question...

The shorter sidewalls may make the tires more responsive in turns or they could get sloppier - depending on the tire's capabilities. Ultra-high performance tires will be more responsive because the sidewalls will become progressively stiffer, whereas all season tires will get sloppier because the sidewall won't have the same reinforcements designed/built in to the tire.

Furthermore, road changes will translate directly to the suspension and steering hardware. The tires will not have the absorptive qualities of a tire with a taller sidewall. This will be irregardless of the performance rating of the tire. The lack of absorption will have to be translated and handled by the suspension and steering. If the suspension and/or steering are not capable of handling the additional stresses, then the performance will be degraded. The results can be a very unwieldy or "over-reactive" car.

This is why when making modifications to any one part of a car, it is necessary to consider the related systems. In this case, the tire change causes one to consider that that the steering and suspension need to be addressed to get the full benefit of the upgraded/upsized tires.

EDIT: An up-one size change in tires usually doesn't have the effect of an up-two or up-three change. It is usually too mild to have any noticeable effect.

 

I figured as much