RS246.com Forum :: The World's #1 Audi R, S and RS Enthusiast Community

Just bought some 19" rial nogaros..... what would you advise....18s and lower it or just 19s???? would my handling and performance be affected with 19s??? cheers guys.....

bought my s3 with 19s on. very soon after i swapped for eighteens - very hard ride and didnt do a great deal for handling. Have been told they can slow acceleration/top end speed but didnt really notice a huge difference.
hope that helps

The s3 is a fairly harsh ride any way and the 19s have 35 profile tyres on . would it make a difference if i lowered it. seen some H&R springs, lowers by 20mm and say they are not that much stiffer... would i get away waith a 20 mm drop on 19s....

not sure about clearance chief as mine is not lowered.

cheers guys. Me n 'shineydave' did a rolling radius estimate for a 19" wheel with a 35 profile and is nearly exactly the same as a 17" with a 45 profile tyre (5mm either side difference) which is practically tyre wear. I was worried as i thought the 19" would slow the car down but is hardly bigger than the standard (bit harsher ride as less flex in the side walls) But dave saves the day again...... cheers matey

scott_johnson wrote:cheers guys. Me n 'shineydave' did a rolling radius estimate for a 19" wheel with a 35 profile and is nearly exactly the same as a 17" with a 45 profile tyre (5mm either side difference) which is practically tyre wear. I was worried as i thought the 19" would slow the car down but is hardly bigger than the standard (bit harsher ride as less flex in the side walls) But dave saves the day again...... cheers matey

Most folk use 235/35/19's with 19" wheels so the rolling radius does increase. To be honest, I find that with mine it makes the speedo accurate instead of over-estimating.

The handling is affected due to the increased unsprung weight, especially as its adding weight to the outer rim - worst place (think of holding a spinning bicycle at the axels and trying to twist it). However, its not too dire. If anything the car feels smoother on the motorway. Harsh on country roads.

I've lowered mine on Eibach coilovers (-35mm) which doesn't help with the ride. The wheels are 19x8.5 et35, 235/35 R888s, and 10mm spacers all round - I get rubbing on full lock and under heavy compressions but otherwise its fine.

wow mate ur cars lookin ace. Thanx for the post. Ill stick some pics on when i get the 19" nogaros on....