Date:         Fri, 15 Mar 2019 14:03:01 -0700
Reply-To:     Edward V Barger <edvbarger@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Edward V Barger <edvbarger@MAC.COM>
Subject:      tires shocks
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Just a quick report on the new 14 inch General Tire Grabbers and the Bilstein XHD shocks 

Considerable improvement in handling and ride so far 

Have not been on gravel or dirt yet …. but have been on the highway 101 on the coast north of Santa Barbara Felt real good in the cross wind going north and coming back … at 65 to 75 PMH  and a short time at  80 

Took it up to the top and along  the mountain ridge above Santa Barbara  It rises from seal level to just under 4000 FT  With lots of un even blacktop lots of turns. switchbacks , etc. It was not windy that day 

The 87 handled well on the curves , twists and turns .  Never really got out of 2nd gear most of the climb up 
Could possibly used 3rd more but it felt good in 2nd to have the xtra power on the twists and turns 

The 93 Subi engine was never really working and the wider RPM range provided the flexibility needed in such conditions 

Once on top stayed in 3rd again for control even on top lots of curves , twists and turns etc 


Reminds me of the old original road from La Paz to Cabo in Baja Sur …… tons of curves, un even pavement, dips   but with out the large climb 

In 2 weeks will have time and will hit some dirt /  gravel roads in the mountains near here 


SO  far a very good choice on tires and shocks   THANS all for your suggestions 


Edward V Barger
edvbarger@mac.com
310 922 6251