Optional tires for 1.8T

[Greg Spark <sparkg@wave.co.nz>]

Excuse lateness of this post - been away for three days in the A4
with 4 sets of golf clubs (including trundlers) and four people.
Impossible I hear you say? Not with a Thule roof box! Who needs
a wagon/SUV with this setup? And its still an awesome drive. The
extra weight allowed a 325i to get away though :-(

The US version of the A4 1.8T is clearly aimed at the enthusiast
who wants to order up aftermarket performance mods. It is incredibly
cheap - especially compared to many other markets, and comes with 
very low interior spec and wheel specs. 
This really suits the enthusiast who wants to put his dollars into
mods that make a difference to performance/handling/looks without
having to scrap/trade high cost OEM items, such as the 16 inch 
5 spokers.

If I was starting from the 15 inch wheels with <gasp> 195/65
tires I would jump straight to 17 on 225/45 or 245/40 tires, accepting
the slight drop in wet/gravel grip for awesome dry grip and looks. But
the car *must* be lowered at least 1 1/2 to 2 inches too. Add a front
bumper/spoiler from MTM, *no* rear spoiler and you have one stunning
A4. Oh , and also don't forget the 210hp MTM upgrade (the 286hp is
pushing it a bit unless you accept a boggy bottom end).

---------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Date: Sun, 6 Jul 1997 20:56:48 -0500 (CDT)
> From: loren01@ix.netcom.com (Scott Bermes)
> Subject: Optional tires for 1.8T
> 
> Hi Folks,
> 
> I was taking my first closer look at a 1.8T over the weekend and think 
> the stock 195/65HR/15 are pretty wimpy.  Have any of you new 1.8T 
> owners gone with a different size without having to go the the sport 
> package route? What lower profile and/or wider size can it take?  Did 
> you work a deal with the dealer or go to a local tire shop?  Appreciate 
> any info.

-- 
Greg Spark
sparkg@wave.co.nz
Hamilton, New Zealand
'96 A4 1.8Tq 5sp MTM/Remus 200hp