Wheels n lowering...is it worth it?

Is it actually worth lowering mk1 gti's?
Does it make them handle better, or does it jus look better?

Also what is the optimum wheels size for the handling of the mk1s or is this just a case of personal preference?

Lowering ANY car will have the advantage of lowering it's center of gravity and changing it's roll point.
A lower center of gravity means that the car will not be so "top heavy", resulting in reduced body roll when cornering, keeping a more even weight balance on the four contact points (the tyres).

As for wheel/tyre size, the smaller the better for handling purposes, though obviously you can't go too small due to the size of your brakes, plus it will have the effect of exaggerating uneven road surfaces.

If you must go for "Big" wheels, then go no bigger than 15" with the standard 50 profile tyres, or even 45 profile if you wish to reduce the rolling radius (lowers top speed but increases acceleration). I have 14" wheels with 50 profile tyres which work really well!

My point of view anyway!… Hope that helps.
AL.

Depends on how many bulging tescos bags/ dead bodies/ fat people you want to be able to transport without wheels rubbing.

In fact it depends on what you do with your car full stop, if you only take it to shows on a trailer you can have square wheels if that's whats in vogue.

Peter

I agree with Al

Lowering does improve handling, you'll need to adjust the camber though..

increasing the rigidity of the car with strut braces (top and lower front and rear) will stop the chassis from flexing when thrown into a corner.. I've been told the Mk1 benefit's greatly from front braces!

Mk1's in my opinion look best on 15' or smaller.. anything larger and you'll have issues with rubbing arches (my Fiesta suffered from this… take sthe fun out of cornering when you've got to slow down)..

and of course the wider the wheel, the more tyre meaning more grip (with the right tyre choice)

cool, thanks so far. In response to the question it will either be my only car so i will use it to get to and from work etc!

junglist said

i will use it to get to and from work etc!

OK - so what were you think of going for?

If it is a daily drive, I would go for a max of 60mm drop, Unless you can afford to go for coilovers which will give you the flexibility to choose.

As for wheels - it depends what type/make/design you want as you may not get certain types in 14", so may be restricted to 15" minimum.

Personaly I would either go for 15" with 195/45/15 tyres or, as I have, 14" with 185/50/14 tyres. the smaller profile will give less side wall flex, though it is not rubber band small so your ride quality won't suffer too much.

dunno yet….im torn between ATS classics which are 13's and Ronal Turbos which are 15's….
But, first things first gotta get the car first! (visiting three tomorrow so fingers crossed)
The reason i asked the question is two have modified suspension and one is completley standard, but looks quality because of it!

junglist said

im torn between ATS classics which are 13's and Ronal Turbos which are 15's

   I have this same problem.. will be getting some new wheels in the next few months but just can't decide which to get! both look great!

Tak a look at kins MK1 - slightly lowered and on ronals - saw it up close at E38 on Sunday, looked sweet!

how do i look at it??

If I was going to modify, I'd put 15"s of whatever style if only so I could have bigger brake discs.

What good are fancy wheels when you've just rear ended someone beacuse of the standard dodgy brakes!

15" and lower it (just a bit!)

Cheers

I have my 1300 lowred about 70mm but you do loose the ride softness , but with coilovers you can set them to just how you want them so well worth the cash if you can afford it , in performance VW there are a few mail order companies who do coilovers for about ?360 but I'm unsure of the quality .

hey junglist its me here just to let you know i've got 15" Ronals with 45 profile tyres, H&R coilovers and Eibach antiroll bars i think you can get H&R pretty cheap now. as for ride comfort it's fine and round the corners it sticks like sh*t well worth it in my opinion.
heres what mines set up like