Help choosing alloys

ShayK1

I bought one of these:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Leon/1.9-S-TD/200940195358947/advert?channel=CARS

Not that one, but very very similiar. I'm getting her on Jan 5th and I want to change the alloys as I don't like the ones that are on it. Trouble is, I can't decide what to get.

I like the idea of a 5 spoke split, along these lines http://img13.imagehosting.gr/out.php/i268677_model5.jpg
or maybe a multi spoke wheel. I'm playing with the idea of white alloys but I'd really need to see them on it before I could make up my mind.
Link: http://www.car-care-centre.co.uk/OZ_files/racing/07_big.jpg
I think the standard alloys are 16" and I'll be putting 17" on it.

What do you guys think would look good on it?

Note to Mod: If you want to move this to "Modified Cars" that's ok. I just thought it'd get more opinions in here.

Neilw

Go for genuine vag alloys or a decent brand like bbs, oz and so on. Your car is 5x112 fitment so plenty of choice. BBS ch's would look class on that or the oem seat sport bbs rims.

ShayK1

These?

http://img337.imageshack.us/i/whitefrmockbbschwm0.jpg/

colm_mcm

I think rounded alloys like on an Alfa Romeo would suit the Leon.

regular Alfa wheels wouldn't work as the PCD is way smaller, but a similar style would be class. maybe Golf GTI replicas.

ShayK1

colm_mcm wrote: »

I think rounded alloys like on an Alfa Romeo would suit the Leon.
http://cdn-www.rsportscars.com/images/alfa-romeo/2002-alfa-romeo-147-gta/alfa147gta02_w800.jpg
regular Alfa wheels wouldn't work as the PCD is way smaller, but a similar style would be class. maybe Golf GTI replicas.

http://www.alloywheelspin.co.uk/ekmps/shops/unrealwheels/images/vw-golf-gti-style-18--115-p.jpg

I'm not really a fan of the alfa wheels. I do like the Golf ones though.

Matt Simis

ShayK1 wrote: »

I bought one of these:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Leon/1.9-S-TD/200940195358947/advert?channel=CARS

Not that one, but very very similiar. I'm getting her on Jan 5th and I want to change the alloys as I don't like the ones that are on it. Trouble is, I can't decide what to get.

I like the idea of a 5 spoke split, along these lines http://img13.imagehosting.gr/out.php/i268677_model5.jpg
or maybe a multi spoke wheel. I'm playing with the idea of white alloys but I'd really need to see them on it before I could make up my mind.
Link: http://www.car-care-centre.co.uk/OZ_files/racing/07_big.jpg
I think the standard alloys are 16" and I'll be putting 17" on it.

What do you guys think would look good on it?

White Alloys look good only if the rest of the car in someway complements it. Here was the OZ Racing white alloys on our old Beetle:




The OZ Racing are also very expensive and knacks used to rob the valve caps (I spray painted black metal ones white) like no business. They were dirt cheap (the valve caps) on ebay, but it became annoying.

bazz26

Maybe replica Leon FR alloy wheels:

ShayK1

Matt Simis wrote: »

White Alloys look good only if the rest of the car in someway complements it. Here was the OZ Racing white alloys on our old Beetle:

The OZ Racing are also very expensive and knacks used to rob the valve caps (I spray painted black metal ones white) like no business. They were dirt cheap (the valve caps) on ebay, but it became annoying.

they look great!! Really nice. If I went with the white ones I'd be working the black on white contrast but I'd reallly need to see them on. The guy I'll be going to would probably let me but a white one on the front and a normal one on the back so I could choose but man, I really like that bettle. Nice job.

colm_mcm

I don't think white wheels will look good on it TBH. maybe if it was a Civic or a Glanza or something like that.

ShayK1

bazz26 wrote: »

Maybe replica Leon FR alloy wheels:

Very nice. They tie in with my first thought of 5 spoke split or Twin 5 spoke as some people call them.

homer90

BBS FTW

They look very well

TheColl

not to everyone's taste i'm sure, but i like them!

ShayK1

TheColl wrote: »

not to everyone's taste i'm sure, but i like them!

I do like the wheels. I don't like the colour. My brother had similar on his integra and I never liked them.

Neilw

ShayK1 wrote: »

These?

http://img337.imageshack.us/i/whitefrmockbbschwm0.jpg/

Yep, bbs ch's.

Go for original wheels if you can, will suit the car better.

ShayK1

The bbs ch's or the Leon FR are winning so far. I think the bbs' might be a bit too much for mine though. Its standard as in, no kit or skirts or anything, so maybe the FRs might be a better choice.

EPM

BBS CH's or CK's look best imo. The FR wheels linked above are nice too but are 18's and I really wouldn't go bigger than 17's on a Leon. Really ruins the ride. You can get a slightly different FR design in 17's though. You can also get 17 inch OEM wheels for the standard car. Have them on mine.

ShayK1

EPM wrote: »

You can get a slightly different FR design in 17's

Any links?
I wouldn't go for 18s. 2 reasons, 1 too big for the car, 2 tyres are too expensive.

ShayK1

I've just found this, it may come in useful to somebody at somestage.

http://www.avtogumi.com/sim/sim_en.html

Midnight_EG

OP, BBS RR's, finished in either black or gunmetal will suit the car down to the ground



Couple them with either 30mm or 40mm drop and the car will look sweet as

ShayK1

I don't like black alloys. Sorry.

Matt Simis

ShayK1 wrote: »

I don't like black alloys. Sorry.

What about gunmetal with the silver lip? Black can be too dark, but Gunmetal and the lip really liven up the image.

colm_mcm

No No No!

Just get silver alloys

Personally I think on such a new car you wanna make it look like the wheels are supposed to be on the car as opposed to being blatantly aftermarket.

ShayK1

Matt Simis wrote: »

What about gunmetal with the silver lip? Black can be too dark, but Gunmetal and the lip really liven up the image.

I can't imagine that there'll be that much of a difference between black on black and Grey on black. I'll see if I can find an example with a google image search but I don't think they are for me. I do appreciate the suggestion though. I am looking for other peoples opinions cause I really want to get the right wheels for this as I don't indeed changing her for 4 or 5 years

Midnight_EG

Lemme show you the difference it made to my car when I went from silver to black.
Before:

After:


I thought it made a huge difference, and I love it so much more now

colm_mcm

the original wheels were rotten though. and the OP isn't driving a Civic.

Black wheels with silver rims are so JDM.

Midnight_EG

colm_mcm wrote: »

the original wheels were rotten though. and the OP isn't driving a Civic.

Black wheels with silver rims are so JDM.

I didn't put em on


And I liked the edit you made :P

Matt Simis

colm_mcm wrote: »

No No No!
Just get silver alloys
Personally I think on such a new car you wanna make it look like the wheels are supposed to be on the car as opposed to being blatantly aftermarket.

Lol, but Seat's "halo" Leon comes with dark grey alloys, from the Factory!:cool:

ShayK1 wrote: »

I can't imagine that there'll be that much of a difference between black on black and Grey on black. I'll see if I can find an example with a google image search but I don't think they are for me.

Couldnt find a Seat, but here is a pic of a Golf, black car, gunmetal looking wheels:

colm_mcm

Yeah but would you actually drive something that looks that bad?

Midnight_EG

colm_mcm wrote: »

Yeah but would you actually drive something that looks that bad?

Before I take offense, who was that aimed at :P

ShayK1

Midnight_EG wrote: »

Lemme show you the difference it made to my car when I went from silver to black.


I thought it made a huge difference, and I love it so much more now

Lovely car but the black rims are not for me.
So far I think the Leon FRs are in the lead. I hope to jaysis they're not too expensive.

colm_mcm

I still reckon the MK5 GTI rims are the way to go.

ShayK1

Matt Simis wrote: »

Lol, but Seat's "halo" Leon comes with dark grey alloys, from the Factory!:cool:

You see that Leon has exactly what you described about your Bettle. The wheels compliment the stripe.

Thanks for the golf pic btw, I was struggling to find one.

Matt Simis

colm_mcm wrote: »

Yeah but would you actually drive something that looks that bad?

Midnight_EG wrote: »

Before I take offense, who was that aimed at :P

Lol, indeed!?
If me, Im not a hot-hatch fan anyhow so no, but I think the 2 I posted look quite good. If I was doing a hot-hatch, it would be kinda to the point visually (hot).

ShayK1 wrote: »

You see that Leon has exactly what you described about your Bettle. The wheels compliment the stripe.

Yeah, I suppose that is true, its a factory package.

ShayK1

colm_mcm wrote: »

I still reckon the MK5 GTI rims are the way to go.

Closest i can find. If the link works
http://www.avtogumi.com/sim/sim_en.html

colm_mcm

that simulator makes the car look much bigger than it is! (even with 20" wheels under a Colt you could go bigger)



Definately the only way to go

Walter De Silva designed the Leon, he also did the Alfa 147 and 156, these wheels definitely compliment the lines of the Leon

ShayK1

when I get the Car (Tuesday 5th. Can't wait ) I'll bring the car here: www.tallonwheels.com
and see if I can put the GTI on the front and FR on the back so I can judge. I think that's the only way I'll be able to make my descision.

Midnight_EG

No matter what you choose OP, get a drop on it straight away!

Cars never look well when they get new alloys and are left stock height

ShayK1

can I drop it without buying lowering springs ?
Please don't suggest cutting the ones that are in it.

Midnight_EG

Well seeing as it's a brand new car, cutting them would be ok, although I'd recommend lowering springs, or for comfort and variation go for coilovers

colm_mcm

you can get lowering springs that allow you to keep the factory shocks. see how it looks with the new wheels first.

What size are you going for?

ShayK1

colm_mcm wrote: »

What size are you going for?

17s

Midnight_EG wrote: »

Well seeing as it's a brand new car, cutting them would be ok, although I'd recommend lowering springs, or for comfort and variation go for coilovers

She's 2008. 2 years old today
What are coilovers?

Midnight_EG

ShayK1 wrote: »

17s


What are coilovers?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coilover

colm_mcm

a coilover is a spring with the shock inside it and are generally one unit.

It's possible to change the factory components individually - i.e just changing the springs and keeping the original shocks.
Coilover kits are generally very expensive and harder than original shocks.

ShayK1

right, We'll start with the wheels first.
I'll post up a few pics when I get them. Maybe next Saturday, maybe Saturday week.

Neilw

These any good to you?

http://www.reallymeansounds.com/forum/private-sales-vehicle-parts-sale/95024-seat-sport-bbs-18s-vag-fit-5x112-200-a.html

ShayK1

Neilw wrote: »

These any good to you?

http://www.reallymeansounds.com/forum/private-sales-vehicle-parts-sale/95024-seat-sport-bbs-18s-vag-fit-5x112-200-a.html

They're a really nice wheel but I don't want 18s. I'd have to get too low a profile tyre for irish roads.
Thank you though.

EPM

ShayK1 wrote: »

Any links?
I wouldn't go for 18s. 2 reasons, 1 too big for the car, 2 tyres are too expensive.

Apologies for delay replying. Was away for a few days. These are the 17 inch FR wheels I was on about.



Thet aren't very kerb friendly though. Thet stick out a lot more than the 18's or even the 17's for the standard car.

ShayK1

thanks for the reply. I still prefer the other FRs though.

EPM

They're the best looking oem wheels alright. You should check out seatcupra.net for pictures. I prefer my wheels to the standard FR wheels. They can look wrong in the skin. My Sig has pic's of them

ShayK1

EPM wrote: »

They're the best looking oem wheels alright. You should check out seatcupra.net for pictures. I prefer my wheels to the standard FR wheels. They can look wrong in the skin. My Sig has pic's of them

You think I haven't looked at your car already? It was you know told me what to look out for when taking her for a test drive remember?
Gearbox, Direction of Air from the AC, smooth power flooding mirrors... ringing any bells?

Anyway, I looked at your after that post. The 17s look good on her. Still think the FRs will look better though.
Did you lower your at all?

Just looked again. Being a "Sport-Up" she probably came with "Sports" Suspension?

EPM

Ya sports back shocks is the main change really. Pain in the arse literally about town. I remember alright....just didn't think the for sale ad was up then. From reading about a stylance without the sport-up pack on 17's is a good compromise. If you want PM me the wheels you're interested in and I'll get you a price. A guy on seatcupra works in a dealer. His deal is 20% off cheaper UK retail price for accessories plus free delivery.