New tyres and/or wheels for my Typ85 CQ

[S2 PTH]

Every tyre on my CQ is different and they are all at different tread depths, so I'm planning on getting a whole new set. The current size are 195/60/R14, but Ive been told new tyres in this size won't be much better bcoz their just too small! So, people (S2forum) have been suggesting that I buy some 15s...

I've got some 15 steel wheels at home with some decent snow tyres on them. But they were for a 2004 clio... could they possibly be the same size hub fitting?

What is the ET on the CQ? Also, what would you guys reccomend, bearing in mind that I'd like to make the car as mint and original as possible?

Phil

[MikeNZ]

Stock offset for Type 85 CQ is ET45. Wheels from B3 and B4 Audis will generally fit, but clearance is not great so you'd be best sticking with 15" wheels. ET37 and ET 45 will usually fit, check before committing though. More extreme offsets are highly likely to have fitment problems and even if you can get them on the car, the sweet handling will be compromised. The difficult bit is finding wheels that look OK in 4x108 PCD.

Tyre size you can go with 205/50-15 which is slightly smaller (-1.5%??) overall rolling diameter than stock but well within tolerance (stay within 3% of stock rolling diameter for speedo accuracy and gearing - to see what I mean look at 20v.org website under "wheels and tyres"). Extra width might cause clearance issues at rear as these cars vary slightly but should be fine (I've known a couple of Type 85CQs with 7x15" wheels and 205/50-15 tyres and they've been fine according to their owners.

IMO the best size is 195/55-15 which is slightly larger overall rolling diameter than stock (but about the same as the 175/70-14 tyres offered as standard for the CQ on steel wheels in some non-UK markets), which will help a little bit with the lower gearing. The footprint is the same as stock, so the steering feel (often worse with wider tyres) and the clearance at the rear will be fine. You will get better steering response as the tyre sidewalls are not as deep so are stiffer and the car will look way better with 15" wheels on it (the best size IMO).

[amanda]

Watch tramlining if you go wider ........the red un does it badly but original size tires are now being ordered

[Isimmo]

IMO the best size is 195/55-15

Totally agree... Driven them on standard right up to 225/50/15's and 195/55-15's are spot on for handling feel.

[Jake Blight]

Originally Posted by MikeNZ

Stock offset for Type 85 CQ is ET45. Wheels from B3 and B4 Audis will generally fit, but clearance is not great so you'd be best sticking with 15" wheels. ET37 and ET 45 will usually fit, check before committing though. More extreme offsets are highly likely to have fitment problems and even if you can get them on the car, the sweet handling will be compromised. The difficult bit is finding wheels that look OK in 4x108 PCD.

Tyre size you can go with 205/50-15 which is slightly smaller (-1.5%??) overall rolling diameter than stock but well within tolerance (stay within 3% of stock rolling diameter for speedo accuracy and gearing - to see what I mean look at 20v.org website under "wheels and tyres"). Extra width might cause clearance issues at rear as these cars vary slightly but should be fine (I've known a couple of Type 85CQs with 7x15" wheels and 205/50-15 tyres and they've been fine according to their owners.

IMO the best size is 195/55-15 which is slightly larger overall rolling diameter than stock (but about the same as the 175/70-14 tyres offered as standard for the CQ on steel wheels in some non-UK markets), which will help a little bit with the lower gearing. The footprint is the same as stock, so the steering feel (often worse with wider tyres) and the clearance at the rear will be fine. You will get better steering response as the tyre sidewalls are not as deep so are stiffer and the car will look way better with 15" wheels on it (the best size IMO).

Hunting through old threads on the site and found this.. Any further thoughts? This is the answer I was hoping for..

[quattrostyle]

I agree with 195 55 15 being the best for looks and feel IMO.

[Isimmo]

I've moved on a considerable way since 2008 and the Rally Quattro is running 20vT five pot with over 300 bhp on 195/55/15's and its still more than enough tyre and grip.... Especially gravel starts... Over sized tyres and quattros are not necessarily a good compromise...