So i've decided to buy new rims and wanted 18 inch rims, but don't know what would be the best 18 x 8 or 18 x 8.5 ( i don't know what the 8 or 8.5 means exactly). I don't want to lower my car and was wondering if this will make a difference in the wheel gap or if it will look normal? I wanted black rims with a chrome polished lip (5, 6 or 7 spoke). Anyone have any suggestions? Your help would be appreciated. I also wanted to know if increasing the diameter of the rims will affect the performance of my car significantly?

 

Things to consider with larger diameter wheels.

The large the wheel dia the less sidewall on the tire.
The less sidewall the harsher the ride because there is less rubber to soak up the small bumps.
The wheel gap will appear larger due to less rubber and more wheel but it will be exactly the same.

The 8 and 8.5 you are referring to is the width of the wheel. 18x8 w/ 35mm offset will fit fine but a 8.5 w/ 35mm offset will not fit.
If you're going to go 8.5 you'll most likely need a spacer unless its a screwy offset.

Larger wheels also tend (not always) to be heavier and you're are moving the weight further from the hub and it will take more torque to move the weight so you'll see a decrease in performance. However my 18's were significantly lighter than the stock wheels and I broke even or gained a little.

 

The width of the rim will not noticeably affect wheel gap, it will affect how much the wheel sticks out in conjunction with the offset/spacers you use. Larger the wheel=smaller the tire therefore harsher ride but better handling (less tire sidewall to roll or flex). Larger wheels also affect rotational mass, the heavier/larger wheel you run the more you will see performance and braking negatively affected. 18's look OK on stock suspension if they are flush with the fender but look better lowered, 19's definitely need suspension adjustments unless you want your TT to look like a rollerskate IMHO.


^^^^redundant info, diehlryan beat me to it^^^^

 

Go to: http://edgeracing.com/2000/Audi/TT_(all)/wheel/106/ and take a look at that wheel. I think that might be what you are looking for and it is a hell of a good price. I have bought from these guys before and they send hub ring adapters, wheel studs, and every thing you need for a proper install.

 

So in otherwords. No performance decrease if I get a lighter rim to begin with. I've heard of the edgeracing site, but i didn't like any of the rims on there in my color. I want something that has the spokes set into the rim more so they don't curb rash.

 

[IMG]local://upfiles/46872/BC408C42FCF6447480BDCA84AB53B34B.jpg[/IMG]
These would look good.



These guys are in my back yard. How could you not find something you like?
http://edgeracing.com/

 

I like the hanabis from them myself, but i am still really leaning toward the oz 35th anniversary or the oz canova or ultraleggeras, i found a set of four ultraleggeras new, black that were like 700 but i waited on them because the bolt pattern was wrong( i know, adapters) and now they are gone. I am debating a set of the 35th's 4 18x8 et48mm offset 5x112 bolt pattern Oz 35th Anniverary wheel for 740 shipped. Downside havng to spend another 250 or whatnot on adapters, and then still dont have tires :-P. But still better than the 350 a piece new. I think they would fit and look well after the koni fsd/eibach drop too. I liuke the canovas and 35th because of the black and silver, since I have a silver car with black top and 3.2 valence, would like to continue the two color theme with the rims. thoughts?

 

I like these. Anyone want to chop these onto a red audi tt quattro 2001 coupe?? That would be excellent.

Wheelstudio.com has a lot of nice rims.

 

in would but you pic isnt showing up

 

damn gov't computers dont allow a lot of pics to show up... I don't think they would work for my car anyways... sad face because i'm picky with rims, and i liked these a lot. Here is the link with the pics of it.

http://wheelstudio.com/catalog/produ...5bf1ce8db76bd4