Dave,
I totally understand where you are coming from. I too have been a
dyed-in-the-wool, keep it original  type of guy.  On the other hand, there
has not been a rash of posts on this list about non-OEM wheel failures.
That should count for something.

Ken Lewis

On Mon, September 14, 2009 9:18 am, Dave Mcneely wrote:
> Didn't see anything on the page supporting using non-stock wheels as a
> "good idea" (meaning, I assume, that there is something functional that
> the switch makes work better).  I did see that some of the "recommended"
> tires do not have the load capacity that VW specifies.  Load index of 95
> is simply less than specs.  Until I see objective data that support that
> putting modified wheels (bored to fit, installed with spacers, alloy
> rather than steel (steel stands up to the stress of back roads better)
> improves the safety of the vehicle, I remain skeptical.  I believe it is
> a matter of "fashion," and a propensity to keep tinkering, rather than
> an actual improvement.
<,snip>