Date:         Tue, 24 Jun 2003 23:48:47 -0700
Reply-To:     Ri <ri@RASAPRABHU.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ri <ri@RASAPRABHU.ORG>
Subject:      Handling + Stopping?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

Howdy Listees,

We have an 87 Westy, that now has a Tiico in it. Seems we're driving it
much faster than we used to, with all the extra oomph of the I4.

It sways, and leans. The tires (8ply 14") all have worn edges from the body
roll after just 10,000 miles. It stops poorly, and has failed totally once
by Orr Hot Springs. (What a steep road going in!)

We are planning on the next phase of restoration, handling and brakes. Some
questions:
1. Do the big disc's work much better than drilled rotors?
2. What about that rear disc brake setup at
http://www.smallcar.com/brakekit.htm Seems with this kit, and vented front
rotors, one would have a pretty strong brake package. What about that
emergency brake system built into the caliper?
3. What about H&R Springs. Anyone used them on a westy?
4. Any such thing as anti-sway bars for a vanagon?
5. If one wanted better performance on twisty mountain roads, would a
hi-ply, low profile 16" tire be a better bet? Sure has been on our past
regular cars.

Thanks!


Glen + Ri

87 Westy TiiCo
67 Singlecab
02 Prius