[venr122]

Aside from change in rolling radius (speedo error) is there any reason I can't put a higher profile tire on the stock 18inch Huff wheels? Trying to give more cushion for potholes for the wifes GTI here in the northeast, she has managed to get 3 sidewall bubbles in a year. (I got two over two years when I drove the car) I have had good luck with the 45's on my 17 inch huffs on my car, thinking about going 45 or even 55 on the 18 i nch rims.

Thoughts?

 

[turb0mikey]

Suspension compression will cause the tire to rub fender liner/fender lip, made worse with passengers or cargo. Just drive more carefully.

 

[Steve516]

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Personally I would go for a 17" wheel and be done with it. If you are really worried, a 16" is the best for bad roads, and most VW wheels will clear the GTI standard brakes. Tires are far cheaper too...

225/40/18
225/45/17
205/55/16

are all fairly close as far as circumference and outside diameter...

the calculator linked above is a great tool for seeing the numbers.