Date:         Thu, 24 Sep 1998 02:03:43 EDT
Reply-To:     Modl6971@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Modl <Modl6971@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: 14in vs 15in wheels/tires
Comments: To: dmc@CYBURBAN.COM, Vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

In a message dated 9/23/98 6:52:56 AM Pacific Daylight Time, dmc@CYBURBAN.COM
writes:

<< I have been reading about using 15in wheels/tires.

 What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?

 What is the effect on top-speed, engine revs and on the accuracy of the
 speedometer?
  >>
 On the vanagon.com  web site there's plenty of info on this topic, in the
info section. Rember that just because you are increasing the rim diameter
doesn't mean that you are increasing the tire diameter too.  It all depends
what size tire you put on the rim. I can put a 17'" rim on my vanagon with the
right size tire, and it will be the same diameter as if compared to the 14"
rim/tire combo.   Some vanagonier's put oversized tires on their rims to gain
top end speed, but you loose a little low end torque. No big deal though.  My
215-65-16 tires are about 2" wider in diameter than standard.  True speed now
with an  indicated of 70 MPH on the speedo, really is now 70 MPH. With the
standard size tire a indicated speed of 70 MPH really is 66 MPH true speed.
All vanagon's are like that and so are the rest of the cars in the US.  Have
fun.
 Michael Modl
 87 syncro
 87 quattro