Date:         Fri, 14 Aug 1998 10:31:31 +0000
Reply-To:     "Rick Sherrod (Certifiable VW mech)" <kdf_cars@MYLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "Rick Sherrod (Certifiable VW mech)" <kdf_cars@MYLINK.NET>
Organization: Specialty Automotive
Subject:      some odd wheel advice needed
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hello List!

O.K., so the Vanagon TranSportster is on the road.  There seems to be some vibration at
certain RPMs in the driveline, regardless of actual vehicle speed.  That leaves some internal
vibration in the engine as the source.  I am leaning toward the Kennedy flywheel as being
the culprit, as that is the only reciprocating part on this motor that is not original GM.  I
will E-mail Hobert for suggestions.

My real question is this:

Due to the (too) low-geared VW transmission, I need to use a much taller rear tire to
effectively raise the gearing to acheive a highway speed.  On the front I'm keeping the same
circumference for an accurate speedometer reading with The Michelin LTX MS 195 75/14
load range C reinforced truck tire.  I would have used the Yoko A370, but it was not
available reinforced in a larger size that I need for the rear.

The matched larger tire for the rear is unfortunately only available in 15".  It is the Michelin
LTX MS 215 75/15 (reinforced).  This tire will keep my cruising speed right at 70 MPH (the
engine makes an urgent howling drone at any higher RPM that I'm not comfortable
listening to for hour on end).  Keep in mind that this engine was designed to run only
2500RPM at cruising speed, and my VW transmission has it running at least 4000 RPM
at 65.

So here is the question (finally).  Where can I find some aftermarket wheels that will fit the
VW Vanagon's in both 14" and 15" sizes?
The specifications are: 5 bolt x 112.5mm, 40 mm (FWD) offset.  A slight difference in
offset is no huge problem, the 14" should be no wider than 6.5", the 15" no wider than 8".
Alloys are O.K. as long as they have a weight lip or a place tape weights on the outside.

I have called The Tire Rack and they can't seem to help me.  They offer no wheels with that
lug pattern in both 14" & 15", and they don't seem keen to sell any wheels that may have
to be slightly modified to fit the Vanagon.

The vehicles that share the bolt pattern are some Mercedes, Audi 5000 Turbo, Breadloaf
Busses, and Eurovan?

Anyone have a reasonably priced solution?  P-mail me.  Thanks in advance.

P.S. Wheel adapters are not an option due to the loads that I may need to put on this
Van.

--
Rick Sherrod, Certifiable VW mech.
Macon, GA     kdf_cars@mylink.net
http://www.mylink.net/~kdf_cars
88 Fox (FS)     81 Diesel 5000 (FS)
83 Volvo Diesel (hers) -inline 2.4L VW 6cyl Diesel.
82 Ex-Diesel V6 Vanagon project 'Trans Sportster 3.1' (his)
http://www.mylink.net/~kdf_cars/v6van1.html
80 Sunroof Vanagon 'die Waise' (parting out)