Date:         Tue, 20 Nov 2007 09:48:21 -0500
Reply-To:     Ben <huotb@VIDEOTRON.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben <huotb@VIDEOTRON.CA>
Subject:      Re: My painful Subi post.... Correct tires for Subaru conversion
Comments: To: "Chris S." <mrpolak@yahoo.com>
In-Reply-To:  <765222.1081.qm@web52504.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

Funny but in a way, good question! before, i use to ride my other
westy's around 65-67 mph, no more, and that for a few reasons:
-I didn't like to rev the engine over 4K, didn't like the sound of it.
-Bad fuel consumption over 65-70
-Bad handling in strong wind over 70mph
(i had good tire, well, Yokohama on my 87 and Continental on my 79, and
shitty tire on my trusted 73)

So now i have strong 15in wheel and 205 wider Continental Vanco (VERY
different design than the 14in version!).
http://www.benplace.com/85rouge/body105.jpg
http://www.benplace.com/85rouge/body96.jpg
http://www.benplace.com/85rouge/body98.jpg
The 85 is the highest (ground clearance of all 2WD), and mine is higher.
I kept it this way for Mexico and for general off road driving. But my
van is a solid one (solid and straight suspension - steering
componants), unlike some westy that i test drive each days.

That sayd, my new cruise speed is 73 mph, yea, that may sound funny but
this is where i like it and set the Audiovox Cruise (very happy with
this one) most of the time, at those speed, my fuel consumption is about 21.
The engine reved nicely at about 3700rpm  (higher fourth gear) and the
van handle beautiful at that speed with also a moderate wind.  But wind
will always be the Vanagon camper enemy, any engine and almost any tires.
This is why you need to use that extra power intelligently.

I have tried much higher speed and my van still handle perfectly if no wind.
Lately, when i went to Nova Scotia, i was able to do an amazing 23mpg
driving smooth at 65mph or so.

This morning, after about 9000 with my restored van/Vanco tire, i have
do rotate them, the rear tire lost about 10%-15% over the front one. But
, my van spent 30% of this millage pulling engines/parts in the back
with a 400 pound trailer... so i think it's pretty normal.

Voila.
Ben



Chris S. wrote:

> So... all this talk of Subaru engines makes me think... What IS the
> correct tire for the Subaru conversion?
>
> Chris S.
>
>
>
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