[s-cars] Wheels, wheels,wheels

[Sam Clarkson]

Hi all,
94 S4 6 speed
I purchased some A4 wheels so as to have 2 sets for summer/ winter 
tyres. The standard ones are 7 1/2" X 16 ET45. The new(A4) ones 7"X16 
ET 37. I put the 225X50/16 road tyres off the standard rims onto the 
A4's and fitted them... whoops snagged the calipers so fitted some 4mm 
spacers. The result was horrid to drive tending to weave all over the 
road in a straight line, but OK in a corner. In the mean time I have 
put my 205X 55/16 snow tyres on the original rims and fitted them. Damn 
I love driving on ice past all those stuck Subaru and SUV drivers who 
only know how to accelerate!
But I digress.
Before next summer when I will go back to road rubber....
I prefer the look of the A4 mags but definitely not the handling! So is 
the problem one of offset ( I am assuming that "ET 45" and "ET37" are 
the mm of offset) or is it putting 225's on a 7" rim? If it's offset 
can I fit 8mm spacers (without the wheels falling off) or do I need 
longer wheel bolts. Can I get longer wheel bolts and is it wise to do 
so. Which sadistic bastard opted for bolts instead of studs anyway???
Conversely the 205 snow tyres look a little skinny on the 7 1/2" rims, 
therefore I should probably put them on the 7" (A4) rims. But that 
doesn't solve my offset woes.
So has anyone else played these games and can advise me on how best to 
juggle my wheels and tyres?
Sam Clarkson
Edge to Edge
P.O. Box 27
National Park 2653
Ph 0800 800 SKI (754)
http://www.edgetoedge.co.nz