In a message dated 5/15/98 1:34:37 AM, jsilver@MAIL.AROS.NET writes: >I've seen lots of postings re:wheels and tires, alloy wheels, different >size >tires, etc. Excuse my ignorance, but I have a few basic Questions: >What is the advantage of going to a 15" rim? Isn't there a disadvantage >to >changing overall tire diameter, in terms of ride, handling, speedon and >odometer readings? It isn't just the diameter, but the width of the rim too that can be 'upgraded'. The stock wheels are 5 1/2 or 6 inches wide. With wider rims (and larger diameter wheels) the advantage is usually that road grip is improved. The disadvantage is that the ride may become harsher (depending on what size tire you go to,) and less able to absorb those monster potholes without damaging the wheel. A lower profile tire has less flex typically, than a higher profile tire. The improved grip is why sports cars can corner so well. The lower profile is why some sports cars also have such a harsh ride. As to rolling diameter of wheel, which factors into odometer/speedometer readings, changes of less than 5% are usually not important. It is possible to change diameters of the wheel and go to a lower profile tire and come within a few percent of the original diameter. For a 205 70 R14 tire (that is 205 millimeter wide tire, with a 70% sidewall profile on a 14 Inch rim) a comparable change is to goto a 205 65 R 15. The difference in diameter is less than 1% (the 15 is larger, fyi). FYI, the Syncros have used 215 series tires on 15 or 16 inch rims. And finally, the major effort in turning a wheel, is the weight at the OUTSIDE (i.e. the tire). If a larger rim is alloy, it is usually lighter than the steel. Going to a lower profile tire will usually result in a lighter (overall weight) tire as well, so the larger wheel actually means it is LESS effort to turn the wheel. Esthetics are usually the real reason though, but as I've outlined there are actual reasons for going to larger wheels (especially on cars). |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.