Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2000 09:32:01 -0800
Reply-To: pokey@VANAGON.ORG
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Christopher Gronski <pokey@VANAGON.ORG>
Subject: 15" or 16" Alloys and Big Brakes
Content-Type: text/plain
I'm in a situation where I'm now shopping for new tires. Initially I wanted to stick with the stock 14" wheels and go with 205/70R14 Michelin MXT's (or LXT's if they are available). Now I'm thinking about larger wheels so that I'd have the option of installing a big brake kit. Has anyone had any experience with these kits? Are they any good?
My next question is about 15" or 16" wheels. It seems like speedometer and odometer error would start being a big problem. I was on www.fastforward.ca comparing circumferences. The formula for which is radius x 2 x PI (or alternatively diameter x PI since diameter = radius x 2).
The rule of thumb is that cirumference should be within 2% of stock. Stock 185x14's are listed with a 65cm / 25.6" diameter (x PI is a cirumference of 204.2 cm / 80.4 in). The smallest diameter 15" wheels (the 205/75R15's) have a diameter of 68.5cm / 27" (x PI is a cirumference of 215.2 cm / 84.8in). This is about a 5% difference. Isn't this a problem? Can you adjust the spedometer / odometer settings? Do you just live with it? What width can you go up to with 15" wheels? Is 235/75R15 the max? Are there 205/70R15's for the Vanagon? Any comments from 15" owners?
Incidentally http://www.hrps.demon.nl/jwbus/T2-tires.htm listed the cirumference of 185/82R14's as 207 cm which would be a bit closer at 4%. I understand that manufacturers specs would vary but I wonder which one is closer?
Thanks,
Chris Gronski
'80 Westy "Pokey" - SLOPOKEY
'87 Chevrolet Sprint - Ice Racer
'91 Pontiac Firefly - Convertable
www.vanagon.org
www.gronski.com
www.nineelven.org
On Sat, 18 November 2000, Benjamin Tan wrote:
>
> Hey Gang,
>
> After spending time with my favorite VW parts guy, I persuaded him to offer
> special pricing to those interest in the RSA big brake kits.
>
> He's not making a lot of money on these. I looked at the wholesale pricing
> myself.
>
> Big Brake kit for Syncros is $475.
> Two wheel drive vans (86-91) $575
>
> Better package deal if you are willing to buy the SA 15" Starburst alloys w/
> the brakes. He does not sell factory seconds on the wheels. In other words,
> no scratches or blems.
>
> If you just want the alloys, they run $625 for 4. I'm sure scratch wheels are
> cheaper but why buy new if you're going to get ones w/ scratches to begin
> with.
>
> OK, I am making the usual disclosure. I have NO FINANCIAL interest in these
> deals. I am simply passing the benefits of my business relationship with this
> vendor to the list. If you are from the SF area, all the better. You won't
> have to pay for shipping.
>
> BenT
> San Francisco
