VW Golf Mk2 Owners Club

Can I have bigger tyres or should I stick to same size?

September 13, 2022, 07:44:24 PM

Hello - are any fellow Mk2 Golf owners able to help?
I have a 5 door 1990 mk2 golf with 7.5j x 15 et25 wheels.

I will be fitting Eibach pro lowering springs and Bilstien B4 shocks which will lower the car by around 20/40mm.

I am looking to replace my tyres (currently 195/45R15).

I was looking to find out if anyone else has the same set up and what tyres they might be riding? Be good to find out if I can go much bigger - I just want to ensure they wont rub when I fit the springs.

Thanks

Re: Can I have bigger tyres or should I stick to same size?

Reply #1 – September 14, 2022, 02:42:42 PM

Hi, I've got that exact setup on my red one.
They're only 6j wheels, but I'm running 195/50/15s with no fouling at all.
Untitled by Dave Ackerman, on Flickr

Re: Can I have bigger tyres or should I stick to same size?

Reply #2 – September 14, 2022, 03:25:57 PM

Hey

Thanks for replying - that's really helpful. Your tyres look like a great fit. Would difference would I see with my wheels being 7.5j instead of 6j?

Also how much of a drop did you notice from the Eibacj pros?

Thanks for the help

Re: Can I have bigger tyres or should I stick to same size?

Reply #3 – September 14, 2022, 07:38:28 PM

You might have issues with 195/50, I had ATS cups on mine 7x15 ET20 195/50/15 so similar, although you are 5mm more in the arch on the ET you have an extra half inch width so from centre out about 6.25mm so puts you around the same offset, I rubbed ever so slightly over crests when the rear came down, front was fine and it was only a small amount on the rear, i'd keep the 45's on for now and see how it goes

Re: Can I have bigger tyres or should I stick to same size?

Reply #4 – September 15, 2022, 02:15:38 PM

Hi,
That's helpful to know. Were you on the eibach springs as well?
 I am driving a 5 door - I wondered if that meant the car would end up being slightly lower.

Re: Can I have bigger tyres or should I stick to same size?

Reply #5 – September 15, 2022, 06:43:36 PM

No I was on new stock shocks and springs, boge, the rear as standard is quite soft, you may be ok with stiffer springs as it may not bounce so much but it will be tight, tyre to arch.

Re: Can I have bigger tyres or should I stick to same size?

Reply #6 – September 18, 2022, 10:42:30 AM

Thanks!

Given that Monkey was on similar shocks/springs set up then hopefully I will manage with the bigger tyres. I'm on the 195/45 at the moment so guess I could lower the car 1st and see what I think. Only issues is my front tyres are quite worn down and I'd worry about getting points if I was driving it about