Date:         Sun, 19 Oct 1997 11:06:53 -0400
Reply-To:     Sudhir Desai <cdes@WELCHLINK.WELCH.JHU.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         Sudhir Desai <cdes@WELCHLINK.WELCH.JHU.EDU>
Subject:      Re: wheels (was syncro fuel tanks and snow tyres)
Comments: To: "Rick Sherrod (hopeless VW nut)" <kdf_cars@MYLINK.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <34492DE6.5AB4@mylink.net>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

> A 15" wheel with a slightly lower-profile tire (such as 205/65 15)
> wouldn't increase the tire diameter from stock.  I think that this
> package would make a significant improvement in transition response at
> high speeds for those of us who use our vans mainly for transporting
> light gear and a kid or two on hard pavement.  I am notorious for my
> "spirited driving" and would enjoy a Vanagon built for speed.  Has
> anyone on the list created a high performance/ high speed Vanagon that
> they are driving now?  I would be interested in seeing one firsthand.
> Maybe Sudhir's 3.4L 24 valve v-6 Vanagon could be one when he's
> done with his engine swap. ;-)

i would love to see what low cost hardware can be put on a Vanagon for
high speed thrills.

when i think of sportier driving, the things that come to mind are hi-perf
springs and a set of pirelli p-???? tires.(they used them on the Countach
and it's siblings at Lamborghini).

where can i find out from whom to order a set of Zeikel
progressive-rate springs (1200 dollars or so)?

i have a set of BFGoodrich All-terrains, but i need something for
the summer months. i've been looking at BFGoodrich sport
tires and the like but would love any suggestions for what kind of
tires/wheels to get.(not as expensive as the pirelli's)

BTW: if you put smaller than stock tires on the van would it not increase
acceleration? (and decrease gas mileage)


Sudhir H. Desai                         1984 VW Vanagon 3.4 liter Chevy V-6
cdes@welchlink.welch.jhu.edu            1996 Subaru Outback 2.2 liter flat-4
sudhir_desai@geocities.com              1997 Jeep Cherokee