18" vs 19" wheels

[keninblaine]

I'm seriously thinking of getting 18"x8.5" Neuspeed RSe10 wheels (hyper black) for summer tires, and moving to Michelin PS4S in place of my original 19" Pirelli tires, even though the tires only have 12k miles on them. I'm leaving my winter tires on the factory blade wheels, so need another set of rims for the summers. I've read numerous posts about the improvement in ride with 18" wheels and 235 x 40 x18 Michelins. Curious if others can speak to the benefits (or downside) of this approach.

I had thought I'd put 19" Hartmann rotors on the car with my Pirelli summer tires, but the Hartmanns are currently out of stock and I'd like to move ahead with getting summer tires back on the car. Thoughts appreciated.

[shivaswrath]

I'm seriously thinking of getting 18"x8.5" Neuspeed RSe102 wheels for summer tires, and moving to Michelin PS4S in place of my original 19" Pirelli tires, even though the tires only have 12k miles on them. I'm leaving my winter tires on the factory blade wheels, so need another set of rims for the summers. I've read numerous posts about the improvement in ride with 18" wheels and 235 x 40 x18 Michelins. Curious if others can speak to the benefits (or downside) of this approach.

I had thought I'd put 19" Hartmann rotors on the car with my Pirelli summer tires, but the Hartmanns are currently out of stock and I'd like to move ahead with getting summer tires back on the car. Thoughts appreciated.

235 will be too stretched.

245 should be minimum.


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[keninblaine]

235 will be too stretched.

245 should be minimum.


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Thanks. I hadn't noticed that the 245/40x18 tires are still close to the diameter of the factory 235/35x19 tires (+0.8%). The 235/40x18 are -0.4%. Tire price is same for both the 245 and 235. Will give it some thought.

[RSKYBET]

235 will be too stretched.

245 should be minimum.


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Too stretched based upon what information? 235’s fit on an 8.5” wheel just fine.


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[Potatohead_RS3]

Too stretched based upon what information? 235’s fit on an 8.5” wheel just fine.


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Not only fine, it is ideal.

[keninblaine]

Not only fine, it is ideal.

Agree. Both sizes are good on 8.5" rims. My main concern with 245's is if they may generate a little more noise. I've been happy with the performance of 235 tires all around, and don't track the car. I'll likely stick with the 235's.

[mezgermischief]

I run 225 alpine 4s for the winter on my 18x8.5 rse102s, I love the setup. Think im going to switch the tires to pilot sports for the summer instead of going back to the stock rims and pirellis. Why wouldn't one do 235 all around? Are the alpine 4s tires narrower than pilot sports (in terms of actual size)?

[OE2]

lightweight 18in wheels make a HUGE difference in our cars. Switching to 18's was one of the best all around mods I did. Steering is lighter (even in dynamic), and the car is more comfortable with more sidewall. I run 255 all around but honestly you can't go wrong with 18's (assuming the wheels you are getting are lighter than the stock boat anchors)

[keninblaine]

lightweight 18in wheels make a HUGE difference in our cars. Switching to 18's was one of the best all around mods I did. Steering is lighter (even in dynamic), and the car is more comfortable with more sidewall. I run 255 all around but honestly you can't go wrong with 18's (assuming the wheels you are getting are lighter than the stock boat anchors)

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I believe the Neuspeed RSe10 weighs about 21 or 22 pounds, which is one reason I'm selecting the Neuspeeds. (Just noticed that my first post said RSe102, which isn't available in 18" size).

[RSKYBET]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I believe the Neuspeed RSe10 weighs about 21 or 22 pounds, which is one reason I'm selecting the Neuspeeds. (Just noticed that my first post said RSe102, which isn't available in 18" size).

My winter wheels are 18x8.5 RSe10 with 225 Blizzaks, Neuspeed actually quotes them at 19.2 lbs.

Also, as previously mentioned, using a tire size that results in a slight stretch is generally ideal as it improves lateral stiffness. This can provide a sharper turn in and greater stability.

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[keninblaine]

My winter wheels are 18x8.5 RSe10 with 225 Blizzaks, Neuspeed actually quotes them at 19.2 lbs.

Also, as previously mentioned, using a tire size that results in a slight stretch is generally ideal as it improves lateral stiffness. This can provide a sharper turn in and greater stability.

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19.2 pounds is even better than I expected. Your comment on slightly stretched tires seems appropriate, and makes me wonder why Audi didn't put the 255 tires on 9" rims instead of 8.5" rims, as 255 is the "maximum" recommended size for 8.5" but not "ideal".

[RSKYBET]

19.2 pounds is even better than I expected. Your comment on slightly stretched tires seems appropriate, and makes me wonder why Audi didn't put the 255 tires on 9" rims instead of 8.5" rims, as 255 is the "maximum" recommended size for 8.5" but not "ideal".

I believe if you look up the actual dimensions of the Pirelli 255/30, it’s a very narrow 255. It’s actually a weird tire in several respects. The contact patch is nearly 2 inches narrower than its section width. I’m not sure why Audi would pinch it. Tire Rack measures the static bead-to-bead at 9”.

https://m.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.js...=53YR9PZ4XLNCS


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[Potatohead_RS3]

19.2 pounds is even better than I expected. Your comment on slightly stretched tires seems appropriate, and makes me wonder why Audi didn't put the 255 tires on 9" rims instead of 8.5" rims, as 255 is the "maximum" recommended size for 8.5" but not "ideal".

OEM's pretty much always use the narrowest recommended wheel size for a particular tire, until you start getting into exotic type stuff.

[cseaman]

Does anyone else have any feedback on moving to 18s? I am planning on running a square 18x9 set up right out of the gates. Can't figure out exactly what tire size I want to run...I'd like to go as wide as possible, but again, staying square.

[shivaswrath]

I'm seriously thinking of getting 18"x8.5" Neuspeed RSe10 wheels (hyper black) for summer tires, and moving to Michelin PS4S in place of my original 19" Pirelli tires, even though the tires only have 12k miles on them. I'm leaving my winter tires on the factory blade wheels, so need another set of rims for the summers. I've read numerous posts about the improvement in ride with 18" wheels and 235 x 40 x18 Michelins. Curious if others can speak to the benefits (or downside) of this approach.

I had thought I'd put 19" Hartmann rotors on the car with my Pirelli summer tires, but the Hartmanns are currently out of stock and I'd like to move ahead with getting summer tires back on the car. Thoughts appreciated.

Just did these...it's tight.

And about credit car width between wheel weights...

Enkei PF01s that are 18x9 and 245/40-18 Toyo r888s. Normal tires could probably fit 255 or 265 there is a lot of clearance between wheel and strut. But these are my track setup.


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[keninblaine]

Thanks for sharing. Is the ride noticeably smoother on the 18's? I deferred going to the 18's since my factory 19" Pirellis have at least another year or two left on them, and I found a nice set of Black Optics blades for them last month. They look good on my Florett silver car, and I've grown to like the factory blade wheels over the past 2 years. I may consider going to 18" rims for summer tires when the Pirellis are worn out.

[shivaswrath]

Thanks for sharing. Is the ride noticeably smoother on the 18's? I deferred going to the 18's since my factory 19" Pirellis have at least another year or two left on them, and I found a nice set of Black Optics blades for them last month. They look good on my Florett silver car, and I've grown to like the factory blade wheels over the past 2 years. I may consider going to 18" rims for summer tires when the Pirellis are worn out.

I have 19" Michelin PS4S on light BBS for daily...so these 18s arent a fair comparison. The Toyos are louder. Ride feels the same.


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[S3DUDE]

I just ordered RSE10 18" x8.5 " in bronze. I can't stand the heavy 27lbs oem. Besides that, ham going with fatter profile(235/40/18) for more comfort.

[mezgermischief]

Changing to 18 x 8.5 RSE10s has been the best mod I could think of doing to my car. I originally bought the nuespeeds to solely use in the winter. I mounted them with Pilot Alpin 4s and the car did amazing in the winter. The improved ride mixed with the looks made me buy a set of pilot sport 4s for the summer which I now have installed. The car handles better, is quieter, has less body roll, is better in the rain, is far more comfortable and most important to me, is far less susceptible to to potholes etc. I run 245/40 R18 pilot sport 4s tires and love them! I will say the RSE10 in 8.5 et 45 does not have the most flush or clean look. Lots of fender overhang.

[degraffb]

I went 18 RSe11R with 245 tire width. I’d recommend. IMG_1289.jpgIMG_1291.JPG


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[TK42ONE]

I did the RSe52 18” x 9 with 265 front and 245 rear.


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[RSKYBET]

Changing to 18 x 8.5 RSE10s has been the best mod I could think of doing to my car. I originally bought the nuespeeds to solely use in the winter. I mounted them with Pilot Alpin 4s and the car did amazing in the winter. The improved ride mixed with the looks made me buy a set of pilot sport 4s for the summer which I now have installed. The car handles better, is quieter, has less body roll, is better in the rain, is far more comfortable and most important to me, is far less susceptible to to potholes etc. I run 245/40 R18 pilot sport 4s tires and love them! I will say the RSE10 in 8.5 et 45 does not have the most flush or clean look. Lots of fender overhang.

My recommendation for anyone looking to change wheels is to try and stay close to the +46 offset of the front stock stagger performance pack wheels since that likely represents the suspension geometry Audi Sport had in mind when developing the vehicle dynamics.

It is also likely that these cars come from the factory with a negative scrub radius because of the MacPherson strut front end. Moving to a substantially lower offset will then move you towards zero scrub radius. This can result in the car feeling less stable in the front end.

In order to maintain stock-like scrub radius, but still fill out the fenders, your best bet is to fit 9-9.5” wide wheels at a +45 offset.

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[SlackerMN]

I went 18 RSe11R with 245 tire width. I’d recommend. IMG_1289.jpgIMG_1291.JPG


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Hi, what are the exact dimension of the wheels? 18x9? +40? Thanks

[degraffb]

Hi, what are the exact dimension of the wheels? 18x9? +40? Thanks

I actually went 18x8.5 +45. Tires are 245/40.

I’m really liking the handling on this setup and the weight savings is amazing.


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[TK42ONE]

Forgot photos

[TheContrarian]

My recommendation for anyone looking to change wheels is to try and stay close to the +46 offset of the front stock stagger performance pack wheels since that likely represents the suspension geometry Audi Sport had in mind when developing the vehicle dynamics.



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I went from the stock front 46 offset to 35 on an 8.5 wheel and did not notice any handling difference during autocross.

[Acerxz]

Forgot photos

Looks great. Anymore pics?

[cseaman]

well, i committed..going square and gonna see what i can get away with in the rear. planning on neuspeed springs as well.

18x9 neuspeed rse52 (bronze)
265/35/18 hankook ventus v12 evo2
68mm black race stud kit by motorsport hardware

[Blue Smoke]

I will say the RSE10 in 8.5 et 45 does not have the most flush or clean look. Lots of fender overhang.

What would you recommend for the wheel size, offset and tire size to achieve the flush look?

[Rocketsauce16]

Now I came from a little bit different setup with OEM R8 fronts (19x8.5 et42) as a square setup with 255/35/19's in PSS then back to OEM diameter (with tires) with 255/30/19 PS 4S's I noticed my car definitely more nimble with the setup and more consistent on launches. I would mainly be concerned with OEM diameter (with tires) rather than tire width.

Now I have the Rse10's in 18x9 et45 with Firehawk Indy 500's 255/35/18. Ride is back to the smoothness of the 255/35/19's, I haven't tested the launches but will find out in the coming weeks. I can push these tires just as hard as 4S's or PSS's in the dry. They definitely aren't as strong as the 4S's in the rain but those tires are monsters in the rain and did a lot of stupid things that would have turned out differently with the PSS even. However bang for the buck and mostly caring about dry performance I love the Indy 500's and 100% do again. They aren't 4S good all around but just as good where it counts.

As for the 18's and weight savings cutting rotational mass is huge and just as maybe even more productive than removing the rear seats and trunk gear. Next for me is Girodisc or Neuspeed 2 piece rotors as I've always noticed the immediate difference in doing so with my B8 S4 and 8V S3. Hope a little bit of this helps you

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[RSKYBET]

What would you recommend for the wheel size, offset and tire size to achieve the flush look?

It will depend on your definition of flush and how big of tires you would like to use.

[chriscarrera]

I also run the firestone Indy 500 in 255 on 18 inch neuspeed. Great on the track, and wallet 😄

[Nardo_RS3]

I’m one of many running RSE10’s 18x9 245/40/18 square though I’m thinking about switching to 275/35’s up front to stagger again. I've had this setup with Neuspeed springs since like week 3 of owning the car so I don't recall in detail how the OEM setup rides in comparison...

I do remember thinking the 18's are more comfortable and I switched mainly because I wanted to run all-seasons (Michelin Pilot sport AS3+ are amazing btw) and I wanted to keep the OEM wheels 100% flawless for if/when I sell the car. The RSE10's look/weight/price add up to a smart decision.

In my opinion, this size/color/style/ride height looks aggressive but can pass for OEM - it blends in nicely.






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[Wils]

I'm switching from 18's to 20" wheels on my A6, probably with 255/35's. I got the Titanium matte 5 double spoke OEM wheels with 43mm offset and would be grateful for recommendations on tires. I'm thinking Michelin PS4, or possibly Bridgestone SO4's. I don't track the car but drive somewhat spiritedly around town and across the desert to Nevada from SLC. Any suggestions would be appreciated! PS- I HATE noisy tires.....

[Blue Smoke]

I’m one of many running RSE10’s 18x9 245/40/18 square though I’m thinking about switching to 275/35’s up front to stagger again. I've had this setup with Neuspeed springs since like week 3 of owning the car so I don't recall in detail how the OEM setup rides in comparison...

I do remember thinking the 18's are more comfortable and I switched mainly because I wanted to run all-seasons (Michelin Pilot sport AS3+ are amazing btw) and I wanted to keep the OEM wheels 100% flawless for if/when I sell the car. The RSE10's look/weight/price add up to a smart decision.

In my opinion, this size/color/style/ride height looks aggressive but can pass for OEM - it blends in nicely.

@NARDO_RS3 -- looks good. What's the offset for your RSE10 18x9 245/40/18? +45? Any rubbing?

[Nardo_RS3]

@NARDO_RS3 -- looks good. What's the offset for your RSE10 18x9 245/40/18? +45? Any rubbing?

+40 offset - no rubbing but it’s pretty much the limit at the rear as it’s close to those rock deflectors. Still, it’s a safe fit.


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[Paul@SupremePower]

+40 offset - no rubbing but it’s pretty much the limit at the rear as it’s close to those rock deflectors. Still, it’s a safe fit.


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This.

A Michelin A/S 3 + or PS4S 245/35 on 9 +40 is just about the limit lowered to avoid rub at stock camber in the rear. You may be able to squeeze a narrow 255 but you’d really have to pay attention to the shoulder.

[scavokRS3]

Hello!

I'm in the market for new wheels and tires. Would a +42 offset fit fine? I plan on lowering my car, but only about an inch or so. I too plan on getting all the same size tires.
Btw...in your signature, your tire size shows 248.

[VargasTurboTech]

18x8.5 ET32 255/35/18 all the way around. H&R Springs. Going with a smaller offset means NO SPACERS for a perfectly flush fit. The car handles so much better and feels more crisp.

IMG_20190615_0621003.jpgIMG_20190615_0620489.jpgIMG_20190615_0619251.jpg

[scavokRS3]

18x8.5 ET32 255/35/18 all the way around. H&R Springs. Going with a smaller offset means NO SPACERS for a perfectly flush fit. The car handles so much better and feels more crisp.

IMG_20190615_0621003.jpgIMG_20190615_0620489.jpgIMG_20190615_0619251.jpg

Really nice setup! I was thinking about going with a ET42, but after seeing how flush the ET32 is on yours, I think I may go that route. Looks great! I just don't know if I'll go with 255's.