Larry, you might be experiencing a loss of power due to friction. More tread = more friction and the rubber may be significantly different enough to cause even more friction. Just my basic physics that I remember from static's. Sean Garrett -----Original Message----- From: Larry Chase [mailto:lchase@ATTGLOBAL.NET] Sent: Saturday, December 14, 2002 4:52 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Engine Performance vs Tire Size
A while back my stock engine was rebuilt (stock 2.1L to a Eurocars 2.2L) After the rebuild my "Seat of the Pants" conclusion was that I had gained 10-15% in Engine performance (Acceleration & Top End MPH). Now to the topic ..... Engine Performance vs Tire Size Since then I've had the opportunity to try two different tire sizes on the same vehicle. Since I was planning on going to a large than stock tire, I anticipated sacrificing a little power / performance. But it seems to be more than a little. Tire Details: Size / Width / Diameter / Rev per Mile Original Owner Tires 27X8.5R14 / 8.6" / 26.5" / 795 ... Dunlop Rover - 10-15% Engine Power Increase (as noted above) First Replacement Tire Set 215/65R15 / 8.7" / 26.1" / 818 ... Michelin - No Change Engine Power Increase Second Replacement Tire Set ... Current Tires 215/75R15 / 8.5" / 27.7" / 755 ... Michelin LTX 0% Engine Power Increase Does it make sense that I'd loose 10-15% in performance by increasing the tire diameter 1.2"? If that's the case ..... I might consider changing to a tire closer to the OE Tire diameter. Larry |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.