Date: Wed, 2 Aug 2006 23:40:40 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: 15" Wheels/Tires
In-Reply-To: <cf4df96f0608021953v220c9775ra0e3f9bcb96e0f36@mail.gmail.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Getting the RPMs down is not necessarily advantageous. There are limits.
While the perception is lower RPMs = better fuel economy and longer engine
life, this is not always true. The fuel consumption is mostly determined by
the "work" actually being performed. Lower RPM for the same work requires
more torque which means more stress. Overdone, and you get higher peak flame
temperatures which make more NOx and at some point can give those melted
pistons and burned valves. This really becomes evident with a tired engine
or running heavy loads in the mountains.
In my opinion, a 26.5 to 27" tire is really the limit for the stock engine
and gearing. The 225/70-15 is a little high at ~27.5". This size does give
an excellent load rating though without the need for special tires although
I recommend the tire is rated for 44 psi inflation to maintain the handling
requirements. (Rear higher inflation than front to induce under steer).
For optimal handling, I strongly recommend the 225/60-16. This is ~26.5"
tire, 98 load index, and short sidewall that still has enough room for
impact absorption. This size is also available reinforced and was used by VW
on the latest Eurovans. This tire size also works well with automatics.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
robert shawn feller
Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2006 10:54 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: 15" Wheels/Tires
Larry is in the know about tires and rims but I have to add that I
noticed NO difference or loss of power going from a crappy 14" up to
15" with 225/70R15. The plus far out way any percieved power issues
with the animic 2.1L. Plus oversized tires get the RPM down...which
never hurts a 2.1L. I'm guessing my combo added 100lbs or rolling
mass, but I cannot tell. Maybe I got a "good" engine!
I may be a size to big for clearence though...
Plus:
Better cross wind stability
Better ride with larger tires
Better road grip against hydroplaning and snow slip
Lower RPM = happy engine
Cons:
More money
Shawn
On 8/2/06, Larry Chase <roadguy@roadhaus.com> wrote:
> Jeff,
>
> Even though like many others I run 15" wheels, I'm not sure I would agree
> that "a 15" wheel is the preferred size"
>
> All depends on one's objectives.
>
> If you have a stock 2.1L Waterboxer and plan to stay that way ... IMHO,
> there is a lot to be said for staying with a 14" wheel. A bit easier on an
> already taxed underpowered engine. Stills lots of good properly load rated
> 14" tires available.
>
> If you plan to do an engine conversion (TDI, Subie, Ztec etc)or just want
to
> fill the wheel wells a bit more ... 15" is a good choice.
>
>
> good road,
> good adventure,
> good life,
>
> larry chase
> www.roadhaus.com
> soon to be roadhaus.org
>
> - - -
>
> Date: Wed, 2 Aug 2006 09:34:21 -0400
> From: Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: 15" Wheels/Tires
>
> Ok so with all this wheel and tire talk recently I got to thinking - it
> seems clear that a 15" wheel is the preferred size for a Vanagon and
should
> have been the stock size. Now I like the idea of more stability and better
> handling by upsizing in this area however I am not a fancy alloy wheel
kind
> of guy - I kinda like my Vanagon "ugly" like it was meant to be - so are
> there 15" rims that can be purchased that I can still put my "classic" VW
> chrome dome hub caps on? I know sort of a dumb question but I figure
someone
> here will know.
>
> --
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff
>
--
shawn feller
ohio
www.carboncow.com
www.carboncow.net
