Date:         Sat, 15 Jan 2011 19:27:35 -0800
Reply-To:     Gary Freshley <gfreshley@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gary Freshley <gfreshley@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Tires and wheels!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

> So you are saying that today a 16 in. rim with a properly selected
> tire is the better choice? Next time when tire a due for replacement - I
> would do well to go to 16 in. rims for my V-gon with the 2.1L engine?

I'd say Yes. I've just recently made this decision having worn the 205/70 R14
tires to where I didn't trust 'em in rainy conditions. I went with GW 16" Alloys
and a set of Nokian 215/60 R16 XL Entyres in my '84 Westy w/2.1L.  WOW, should
have done this years ago. Improved handling and cornering is amazing.  Not much
difference in speedo error from the 205/70R14s, so I didn't need any adjusting
there.  But at speed, 65-70, the ride is great, really holds the road in the
wind or near big rigs.  You still feel the wind on the body but the wheels/tires
hold line without my having to steer to compensate.  All in all, the best
upgrade thus far on the Westy. (A 2.5 Subie is the next addition, if I ever wear
out this 2.1L Boston Engine)  So FWIW the GW 16s bolt right on, no spacers -
nada, look great in the wheel well, and have no issues with steering, or
clearances.  My slider "just" clears the rear tire sidewall by 1/4" (whew!)

Gary

http://picasaweb.google.com/gfresh13/WestyAlbum#