Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2024 08:47:06 -0500
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Tire size question
In-Reply-To: <6E157359-D06C-4850-B3F6-0C965AE67A7D@markmcculley.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Hi Mark,
Our vans are very similar with regard to engines. He has a high compression 112 water boxer. And I have the GW 2.3 also High compression Waterboxer rated at 114 We even run the same fuel injectors. Also same automatic transmission.
So, we don’t have a perfect controlled study, but Karl’s van, and his choices of tires based on his experience make this a very good comparison.
I could eventually change the tires and have no improvement. But, at tire changing time it will be good to be able to make an informed choice and possibly improve my running.
Something completely different from the tires could be my cause of low mpg but, then again tires are a very important part of the mix.
My current acceleration is very strong. Not uncommon to be pulled back in my seat when the van takes off. Only later as the speed goes up do we slow compared to other vehicles.
I still want to understand load capacity numbers and side wall flex better.
I do appreciate the info I’m learning.
Eric Caron
> On Nov 14, 2024, at 9:18 AM, Mark McCulley <mark@MARKMCCULLEY.COM> wrote:
>
> Eric, does Karl's van have the same engine as your van? If not then it's not meaningful to compare mileage numbers.
>
> In my opinion it's not a good idea to go larger than 27" tires with vans having conventional VW 1.9 or 2.1 motors, the already anemic acceleration is going to become even worse with larger tires.
>
> Regards,
> Mark
>
>> On Nov 13, 2024, at 3:36 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
>>
>> Thanks Chris and Dennis,
>>
>> And to Karl for the tire info.
>>
>> Dennis did you mean 225/65 R17 will be around for a long time?
>>
>> The reason I’m interested in changing the tire size is that Karl has an automatic van with similar specs as mine, but gets better mpg. I get 15 and he gets more like 16 to 17 mpg.
>> There could be issues with my van that make it run not as well but I can’t help but wonder if all else being similar I could get better mpg if I ran the tire size Karl is running. They are 1.7 inches larger in diameter.
>>
>> Over a tank of gas might that actually add up to the difference?
>>
>> And, would that tire size fit without modifications? Example for the slider to close or the front to turn?
>>
>> Anyone else running a tire this large with success?
>>
>> Eric Caron
>>
>>
>>> On Nov 13, 2024, at 3:15 PM, <christopher@t3technique.com> <christopher@t3technique.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> A 225/70R16 has a rough diameter of 28.4"
>>>
>>> A 225/55R17 has a rough diameter of 26.7"
>>>
>>> A 225/65R17 has a rough diameter of 28.5" (which would be about the closest you could get to Karl's 28.4" diameter)
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Christopher
>>> https://t3technique.com/
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Eric Caron
>>> Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 12:06 PM
>>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>> Subject: Tire size question
>>>
>>> Hi folks,
>>> How do the over all diameters compare to the following tires on my vanagon and another list members?
>>>
>>> Mine
>>> 225/55 R17
>>>
>>> Karl’s
>>> 225/70 R16
>>>
>>> I’m wondering if Karl’s over all diameter is the same larger or smaller.
>>>
>>> If larger, what would I need to do to match his size on my R17 rims when future tires are needed.
>>>
>>> Eric Caron
>>>
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