Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 09:58:22 -0700
Reply-To: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: 14" to 16" Wheel Upgrade User Input Please.
In-Reply-To: <CAHTkEuLXPQJqY9bRrba=LfGbsUpGXZs+HwTCko=h6aT8kjQopQ@mail.gmail.com>
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Yes, you are correct, sir! Bigger diameter of rubber means worse
braking. But the diameter change on the 16" GoWesty package using the
215/60-16 Michelin Hydroedge tires is minor. When tires were brand new
and compared with old worn-out 14" tires, yes I noticed an immediate
difference in hill-climbing (worse), indicated speedometer reading
(lower), freeway MPG (better), and braking (ever so slightly worse).
Now that tires have worn down some, all those affects likewise start
disappearing plus your brain gets re-calibrated to the new "normal".
I'll just say that braking is fine, no worries. But with bigger
diameter tires than what I got, yes I think I would be unsatisfied with
the braking power.
Rich
San Diego
--- On Wed, 5/22/13, Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
From: Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 14" to 16" Wheel Upgrade User Input Please.
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 9:39 AM
Semi-thread jack, but
what kind of effect have you wheel swappers felt on braking? Seems to
me that increasing the diameter and rolling circumference of the wheels
without increasing the brake's size...that would result in noticeable
reduction in actual braking force...eh? I know the effect is dramatic
when done the other way....increase the brake disc's diameter and the
braking forces are enhanced...
Curious, because Vanagons are somewhat under equipped with brakes from
the factory
On Tue, May 21, 2013 at 10:47 PM, neil n <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
> Thanks for the input people.
>
> With any luck I may find some used wheels locally though there is no
> hurry on this upgrade.
>
> If I planned my trips better, I'd have an extra day or two to pull
> off, camp, and let the wind pass, then head out again!
>
> Neil.
>
>
> On Tue, May 21, 2013 at 7:06 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
>
> > Totally endorse the upgrade to 16" wheels, for many reasons. Better
> handling in cross-winds? No question! Reason? The aspect ratio.
>
> > Downside: the cost....of course...hurts temporarily.
>
> --
> Neil n
>
> Blog: tubaneil.blogspot.ca
>
> '88 Westy http://tinyurl.com/c8rlw6p
>
> '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco" http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
> Vanagon VAG Gas inline-VR Engine Swap Group:
>
> http://tinyurl.com/d7gd5ej
>
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