Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:49:33 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 15" VS. 16' WHEELS
In-Reply-To: <4B9F0882.7030707@charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Somehow I do not think performance cars get wider tires to reduce braking and directional control. Having driven many Vanagons with many tire combinations over the years I can tell you the skinny tires have lot to be desired. Even VW went to a 205 on all the alloy equipped vans.
I plan to soon experiment with 225/55-17 for street performance. So far I think a great size for Syncros is 215/65-16 (height advantage, fits in clamshell), and 226/60-16 for 2wd. Steering like it's on rails.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of John Rodgers
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 12:27 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: 15" VS. 16' WHEELS
I wonder if that is true on a wet surface.
Airliner aircraft have very deeply ribbed tires so as to let the raised
ribs of the tire cut through the wet surface to get a grip on the
pavement to avoid hydro-planing. The water is worked up into the space
between the ribs. Airliners have some serious braking power when needed
even on wet pavement.
Auto tires aren't particular good that way, so that is why my question.
While it doesn't look so "cool", it seems like that Vanagon factory
original skinny wheel designed by the engineers for the Vanagon is the
best tire/rim/brake combination for good stopping power. and control.
Wide tries and wide contact surfaces make for much lighter weight
distribution per square inch and less braking control. Would be easy to
hydro-plane.
John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com
Chris S wrote:
> I found that with the larger 215/60 16 tires my Westy actually stops
> better due to wider contact patch. The wheel/tire combo is 6 lb each
> lighter than stock wheels as well.
>
> 2010/3/15, Roger Whittaker <rogerwhitt1@gmail.com>:
>
>> dear wheels
>> it would be my advice that if you increase your wheel size to 16
>> that you also increase your brake size alll-around
>> your choice ... simply offering some advice...
>> 16 is a full two sizes up from OEM 14 ...
>> yours
>>
>> On Mon, Mar 15, 2010 at 6:29 AM, David Clarkson <dvdclarksn@aol.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>>> It's time for some new and larger tires/wheels for my 90 Westfalia. I had
>>> pretty well decided on 15" wheels but in looking at used ones many folks
>>> were selling 15" wheels to move up to 16" wheels. I think that with some
>>> 16"
>>> wheel/tire configurations there may be interference problems that can't be
>>> solved with different spacers/lugs/studs. Anyone have any convincing
>>> arguments for either size? Thanks list.
>>> ?
>>> David Clarkson
>>> 9o Westy-getting makeover and cosmetics
>>>
>>>
>>
>> --
>> roger w
>> From Proverbs:
>> Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: a
>> servant who becomes king ...
>> ----------------------------------------------------------
>> Explore printed work at: http://www.prliving.ca/
>> View the growing list of video work at:
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>>
>>
>
>