Since we've been talking a lot about tires lately, I thought I chime in with an interesting sighting of my own. The other day I saw a Vanagon fitted with a striking set of non-stock tires and rims. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that the rims were manufactured by Porsche. They were visually very similar to the rims used on the 959... I think. I was unaware that Porsche rims fit on Vanagons. Is this true? They looked  to possibly be 16" rims. Is this possible? And if it is possible, what are the drawbacks to using 16" rims on Vanagons? And where, in general, would be the best place to look for rims - (new or used)?

Thanx,
Terry

>------------------------------
>
>Date:    Wed, 26 Aug 1998 22:25:34 -0700
>From:    Mark McCulley <raven@HALCYON.COM>
>Subject: Re: Eurospec wheels -- what tires?
>
>At 01:36 PM 8/26/98 +0100, Frank LaHorgue wrote:
>>Greetings:
>>
>>I queried my local tire guys about what tires would be available for my 86GL
>>if I bought a set of he Eurospec 15"x 6.5" wheels.  I had assumed there
>>would be a larger array of tires available for the bigger wider rims, but
>>the tire guys said NO.
>>
>>I would like to get a larger footprint with a more aggressive tread design
>>but with reinforced sidewalls.  Do any of you tire experts know if such
>>tires exist that are a realistic alternative?
>>
>The tire guys are wrong, there is a wider selection of tires available for
>the 15" rims. Go to www.tirerack.com and do a size search on 215/75/15 and
>check out how many load range C tires are available. These tires will all be
>about 10% bigger in diameter than the stock tires so your speedo will be off
>and your rpms will decrease for a given actual speed but you're probably
>aware of this if you're considering 15" rims. If you just want a bigger
>footprint with a more agressive tread and don't want to go as big as
>215/75/15, then I suggest the BFG Radial All Terrain (or similar tire) in
>the 27/8.50/14 size. These tires work great on the stock 14x6 alloy wheels
>and some folks claim they can be used on the stock 14x5.5 steel wheels.
>
>MM