Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2003 10:22:29 -0400
Reply-To: Kenneth Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Kenneth Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Handling + Stopping?
In-Reply-To: <5.1.0.14.2.20030624234015.0129b4f0@diversity.nmsrv.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
1. Big Discs work great according to the folks that have bought them from
me. I have sold many sets of these over the years.
2. The rear brakes are doing only 15% of the actually braking (this is from
memory). So increasing the front braking power would give you the most bang
for the buck.
3. Lowering springs are only good if you also buy shocks that are made to go
with them. If you don't then you are going to get a terrible ride because
you are always going to be bottoming out on the shock stops. I have people
call me all the time asking me why thier van rides terrible now that they
put a set of these springs on. The only lowering spring/shock package I
know of is from Projektzwo and it around $1000. However if you break it
down you are getting 4 Bilstein shocks that are valved to go with the
springs plus the springs. Bilsteins normally go for $320 for a set of 4 and
so you are gettin the four springs for around $680 which isn't that bad if
you compare it to buying stock springs from the dealer (over $350 each!).
4. Check the archives on this. There are rear sway bars out there and
several list members have installed them.
5. I have had good luck with the 15" tire and I know several folks on the
list have as well. Low profile and the Vanagon I don't think go well
together. You need the reinforced Tire (load range C or D) and I don't
think you are going to find this in low profile.
Hope this helps.
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
http://www.vanagain.com
http://www.strictlyvwauctions.com
Phone: (856)-327-4936
Fax: (856)-327-2242
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Ri
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2003 2:49 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Handling + Stopping?
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
