Rim and tyre sizes

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Surge
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Rim and tyre sizes

Post by Surge »

I'm busy rebuilding a bug and want to switch to alloy rims (4 bolt 100 PCD) because :
* the old Marie biscuits are getting harder and harder to find
* I'm looking for better road handling and looks.
* I'm switching to Golf GTI disc brakes (front and rear)

What I'm battling to do is find a rim and tyre combo that gives the same or larger rolling circumference as the old 165/80R15s without using very wide or expensive tyres.
It seems that most of the new tyres have very low profiles which in most cases makes the diameter smaller than stock diameter even when going to a 17 inch rim! Example : A 205/40R17 has a diameter of 596mm which is more than 7% smaller than the stock 165/80R15s (645mm).
16 inch rims and tyres seem to be a bit scarce so I'll rather go for 15s or 17s.

I don't feel any need to go for anything wider than about 195mm but in order to get a similar diameter I need a 195/70R15 which isn't a very popular size.
If I switch to a 17 inch rim the widths go up and the profiles come down and I don't want to stick Ferrari tyres on my bug due to the cost of the tyres as well as the increase in fuel consumption. :(

Any suggestions?
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Merlin
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Post by Merlin »

You need 195/60/15, and can get Yokohama or Michelin atm.
Last edited by Merlin on Thu Sep 13, 2007 10:42 am, edited 1 time in total.
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, and oversteer, the rear.
Hp is how fast you hit the wall, and Torque is how far you take the wall with you."
sled wrote:well obviously the UK is wrong.
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Post by brianj »

195 /65 's are about the closest 'cheap' high volume tyre you will be able to get (R500 each). On the bussses we are fitting 195/80 but they have a 4x4 type tread (R800 each).
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eben
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Post by eben »

Run this...

http://www.aircooledvwsa.co.za/media/WIELE.EXE
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Merlin
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Post by Merlin »

Eben you showoff. ;)
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, and oversteer, the rear.
Hp is how fast you hit the wall, and Torque is how far you take the wall with you."
sled wrote:well obviously the UK is wrong.
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eben
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Post by eben »

hahah ... i can't even remember what the standard tyre aspect ratio is... i think it was 75 .....

PS the last label "speed" will be true speed when indicating 120kph
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Merlin
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Post by Merlin »

eben wrote:PS the last label "speed" will be true speed when indicating 120kph
Well that's of F* all help to us bus drivers. ;)
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, and oversteer, the rear.
Hp is how fast you hit the wall, and Torque is how far you take the wall with you."
sled wrote:well obviously the UK is wrong.
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eben
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Post by eben »

If your vehicle cant go over 60 anyway then you dont need it :P
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Surge
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Post by Surge »

brianj wrote:195 /65 's are about the closest 'cheap' high volume tyre you will be able to get (R500 each). On the bussses we are fitting 195/80 but they have a 4x4 type tread (R800 each).
Wow! Quick response.

Thanks Brian - that's the sort of info I need. :D

Now if only the Gene Berg 5 speed actually lengthened the ratios instead of shortening the first 4 ...
I guess my poor engine will have to live with 3600 RPM @ 120 km/h. :?
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Post by Bugger »

For the GB5 you can get any ratio your heart desires
On stock 4sp you can fit longer 4th

On Ebens calculator my 265/35/18 are .01 out from dtock175/60/14 :D
Adapterplates Available for Rotary in Beetle and others aswell
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Post by vader »

I use a 215/65r15 on the rear and is 0.01 out..
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Post by brianj »

yes, 215/65 is a good option for a bug... wont fit on under a bus fender, though..... my view was biased.
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Surge
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Post by Surge »

Bugger wrote:For the GB5 you can get any ratio your heart desires
On stock 4sp you can fit longer 4th
I didn't know that - maybe I'll do that when I can afford to.
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Post by Bugger »

Ya they dont come cheap :!:

Changing profiles to fit much cheeper :idea:
Adapterplates Available for Rotary in Beetle and others aswell
And Special Boxes built for Rotary Conversions and Scubies
Pierre
082 600 8663

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