215's on 03 TDI?

[professorxjosh]

Curious if anyone has done this? I found some treads where others asked if you could come no one responded with a yes or no? I know many say that it's not likely but I recently lifted my Golf and have quite a bit of clearance. Bought 4 215/70R/15 tires in new condition for dirt cheap and am willing to try it out. My concern is clearance of the strut tower.

Thanks

 

[professorxjosh]

Hard to believe no one has any input on this.

 

[bmwM5power]

Because it's kind of an odd size tires, tall and wide

 

[maxmoo]

Because it's kind of an odd size tires, tall and wide

tall and relatively narrow.

 

[bmwM5power]

tall and relatively narrow.

could be, for 15 inch rim, which is probably 6 inch wide 195 is the nominal width, I could understand doing like 205/60, but 215/70 will look beefy

 

[professorxjosh]

I want the beefy look. Which is why I lifted the golf (main reason was for more ground clearance though). I'll find out today if they'll fit. If they do I'll post a picture of them installed.

 

[poormanq45]

I went with 215/50-17 on my Jetta.

I parked next to a GTI with the same wheels but 225/45-17s. His tires looked like rubber bands compared to mine.

 

[professorxjosh]

I went with 215/50-17 on my Jetta.

I parked next to a GTI with the same wheels but 225/45-17s. His tires looked like rubber bands compared to mine.

I wonder how the difference in rim height compared to the 15's. I would think 215's on 17's would be a taller wheel

 

[bmwM5power]

I wonder how the difference in rim height compared to the 15's. I would think 215's on 17's would be a taller wheel

it all depends on the aspect ratio ( second number ). The bigger the aspect ratio the taller the sidewall will be. Tire width also plays role here. Aspect ratio is directly related to the tire width. 215/70 means the sidewall will be 70% of the tire width ( 215)

 

[professorxjosh]

So 70% of 215 is 150, and 65% of 195 (stock tire) is 126.75. So that means a total 23.25 increase in width or .92 inches. So about an inch wider and a little less than 2 inches taller. I think there's enough room to clear the strut tower. Will find out tomorrow as my buddy was busy at work today and couldn't fit me in.

 

[algirdas]

They should just clear the spring seat on the strut. But tire dimensions vs spec vary.
If they do come too close or rub from flexing sideways, easy fix is 5mm spacers

 

[professorxjosh]

They should just clear the spring seat on the strut. But tire dimensions vs spec vary.
If they do come too close or rub from flexing sideways, easy fix is 5mm spacers

I just wonder how much clearance I'll need to be able to keep from rubbing? I guess strut spacers are definitely an option that I'll consider though. I'll update the thread tomorrow after 6pm EST.

 

[maxmoo]

I just wonder how much clearance I'll need to be able to keep from rubbing? I guess strut spacers are definitely an option that I'll consider though. I'll update the thread tomorrow after 6pm EST.

I think he meant wheel spacers not strut spacers.......strut spacers will raise the car a little but will not add clearence between tire and the spring support on the strut.

 

[professorxjosh]

I think he meant wheel spacers not strut spacers.......strut spacers will raise the car a little but will not add clearence between tire and the spring support on the strut.

Yeah wheel spacers make more sense. Dumb question, but if the rear tires fit well, do I also need to space the rear tires to match the front?

 

[RichJetta]

245 fit fine in the back could probably even go wider. In front I have run 235's. thats on 18" wheels. Not sure on height but i have run 1.8" lower with those tires.

Richard

 

[professorxjosh]

245 fit fine in the back could probably even go wider. In front I have run 235's. thats on 18" wheels. Not sure on height but i have run 1.8" lower with those tires.
Richard

Sure hope you're right! I'll find out in a few hours whether they'll fit or not.

 

[professorxjosh]

Well they fit! There's very little room to spare on the front. I can just barely fit my finger between the top of the wheel and the strut tower. Really happy with how it come out though.

 

[jayb79]

hows the clearance at full steering lock?

 

[professorxjosh]

I'll have to take a picture to tell you honestly. It appeared to be close to be same as the picture above when it was in full steering lock.i was mainly just listening for rubbing of any kind.

 

[Jake_S]

I run 205/70R15 on stock (220k miles on it) with no rubbing issues

Jake

 

[professorxjosh]

I run 205/70R15 on stock (220k miles on it) with no rubbing issues

Jake

Yeah I knew the 205's fit easily under there but no one else could lend any advice on 215/70/15. But they do in fact fit. Not much room at all to spare but one could get some small spacers if they were worried.

 

[G Men 08]

im running 205 70 15 on mine with the 2-3 inch lift and its fine.