Will fitting the RS5 20" Rotor really affects handling/ride?

[ixi_ixi]

Hi guys,

I have been offered to purchase a set of OEM RS5 20” Rotor wheels at a very hard to resist price. I know they are heavier by approx. 2-3kg (each) than the standard 19” RS4 wheels. Generally speaking, that’s not good particularly in a racing/track situation.

But what about in a normal or spirited street driving situation at more “sensible” speed? I understand that some fellow members have had the 20” Rotors fitted. Do you feel any differences in terms of handling and ride quality (and to a lesser extent, fuel consumption) on the road?

Appreciate your feedback.

[MikeFish]

I can't say I noticed any difference.

[Jules]

I can't say I noticed any difference.

Same, I've ran rs5 rotors 3 times on mine as I love the look of them and really noticed no difference

[ixi_ixi]

Thanks for the real world feedback

[Rw@@dy]

I know it's not the same wheel, but I've just moved to the 20" s5 wheels with 235 35 profile tyres and find the ride is better than the original wheels

[ixi_ixi]

I know it's not the same wheel, but I've just moved to the 20" s5 wheels with 235 35 profile tyres and find the ride is better than the original wheels

I think you mean 255/35 tires right? If that's the case, it is good to know they ride better This would be my choice too as this size match/exceed the OEM 96 XL load index. I am surprised to find out 255/30/20 and 265/30/20 tires have lower load index.

[Covkiller]

No difference here too
Useful site:
http://www.willtheyfit.com/

[y700suf]

OP: out of curiosity, what is the hard to resist price you've received?

[ixi_ixi]

PM sent y700suf

[ixi_ixi]

Hi guys, just an update.

I have test mounted the RS5 Rotor (they came fitted with 275/30/20 PZero XL with the correct load rating for cabby but not much tread left) and did a short, slow speed test run including full lock turns, bumpy road etc. No spacers used and my car has stock suspension, previous wheels were OEM 19".

The 275/30 tires seems fine and didn't notice any rubbing, no apparent changes in steering feel too but it was only a short drive.

The deep concave of the Rotor looks so damm good in person, much nicer than I have seen on various photos. Wow!

However, what worry me is the VERY tight clearance between the spokes and the caliper. I can't even jam in a credit card in there and I think there might be only 1mm or less clearance. Problem is spacers are illegal here downunder and I don't want to install them.

Do you guys think that tight clearance will cause any concerns?

The only option to gain more clearance might be to shave down a small part of the edges of the caliper, as I planned to repaint the caliper anyway........

[Ozzyz]

Wow 275 tyres on a B7, that is wide. I would just keep an eye or ear out in case it does start catching as that is a big tyre.

[Starry]

I had a similar clearance on my S3, never had any contact, could you not run 3mm spacer as this wold pretty descrtet?

[ixi_ixi]

Spacers are illegal here unfortunately....

and I heard 3mm spacer (even hub centric ones) will likely to cause vibration as there is not much hub contact left. The beveled edge of the wheel face contact is not helping either.

Starry can you tell me more about your S3 setup? Cheers.

[ixi_ixi]

Wow 275 tyres on a B7, that is wide. I would just keep an eye or ear out in case it does start catching as that is a big tyre.

Yeah they are wide but only 275/30/20 or 255/35/20 can match the OEM tire loading rating of 96 XL, which is an important factor for me as the cabby is a heavier car.

I am surprised that even the Rotor and OEM RS4 19" have the same ET and width, the 275 tire and the extra inch larger Rotor make the wheel/tire stick out much more than OEM 19". May be an optical illusion.

[Ozzyz]

Wow 275 tyres on a B7, that is wide. I would just keep an eye or ear out in case it does start catching as that is a big tyre.

Yeah they are wide but only 275/30/20 or 255/35/20 can match the OEM tire loading rating of 96 XL, which is an important factor for me as the cabby is a heavier car.

I am surprised that even the Rotor and OEM RS4 19" have the same ET and width, the 275 tire and the extra inch larger Rotor make the wheel/tire stick out much more than OEM 19". May be an optical illusion.

The ET on the 20" Rotor i thought was ET26 as apposed to the 19" OEM wheel which is ET29 - that alone will effectively give you a wider fit of 3mm each side.
I wouldn't worry too much about the load rating of 96, i would maybe go with 255/30/20 on the rotors as that will look nicest, i have those size tyres on my 20's and they are 10" wide as apposed to the Rotors at 9" so you should be fine.