Date:         Sun, 6 Oct 2002 02:56:35 -0700
Reply-To:     James <tornadored@HOTPOP.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         James <tornadored@HOTPOP.COM>
Subject:      Re: Bigger Wheels and Unsprung Weight
Comments: To: Damon Campbell <damoncampbellvw@YAHOO.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <20021006091038.30585.qmail@web13115.mail.yahoo.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

> If your only concern is accelleration, then yes, you should go with a super
> light weight wheel, with little itty-bitty thin tires, with none of that heavy
> reinforced sidewall junk either.  Take the valve caps off, too.

Uh...Sorry, I guess I should clarify:  I was just trying to consider the
possible drawbacks of a heavier wheel.  Getting to 60mph in 18 sec instead
of 17 or whatever probably wouldn't bother me much either.


> Where the v-dubs
> really shine is their handling, and the larger wheels/lower pro tires
> accentuate this.

Agreed.  Which is why I was wondering about the affect of unsprung weight
(the worst kind!) on our canyon-carving vans.


> To answer your "seat of the pants" ride quality impression Q, though, my
> synopsis is that little bumps are a teeeeny bit harsher.  Due to heavier
> wheels or shorter sidewall?  I dunno, but it doesn't really bother me.  If i
> was concerned about a hugely plush ride, i'd just get an Impala or somethin.

I wasn't so much thinking comfort with big wheels, but again, handling.
And, w/ your review I'll chalk one up for the 15's!


James
90 Carat