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Wed Nov 19, 2008 10:42 am

I am a little confused about what tires to put on my '72 super. I bought the super low kit from topline , but now I'm not sure how low I want to go. I read the Topline site and it says max tire size is 135/15 for 3-5 in drop. I assume that means the standard 80 aspect ratio. Would I be able to use a wider lower profile tire? I am also reading that lower profile tires in the rear may not be a good thing to do? I have seen a few pictures of lowered supers, but it is hard to find out how low, what tires, and how they did it. If anyone has any pics and suggestions I would appreciate it. I have done a lot of searching and haven't found too much. Doesn't seem like supers are that popular, starting to wonder what did I get myself into? Thanks -I do want to keep my stock wheels, I like the way they look.

Wed Nov 19, 2008 11:02 am

Don't be discouraged. You're looking in the wrong areas. Try sites like Superbeetlesonly.com or Germanlook.com. I have a '71 Super. It was dropped 5-6" (springs /struts) and I ran 135R/15's in the front and 205/60's in the back with no rubbing. I probably could have put a wider tire up front but when it's that low the tire is inside the fender up front so I think you may run into trouble rubbing when turn In my case the width was more a factor than the height, . I ended up putting Porsche Cup II wheels on and had to raise it back up a little. I think it's down ~3" front and rear now. I run 205/50/17's in front and 255/40/17's in the rear. I had to stretch the fenders ~1.5" in the front and just over 2" in the rear to get over the tires so they wouldn't rub. I also put Honda Civic rear coils on the front struts becuase they are ~1" smaller OD and about the same spring rate which got me some clearance on the inside. Also, if you don't install a steering flip kit (I did not) watch your tie rods becuase they may hit the body when you hit bumps. You can notch the body for clearance or spend the $20 + 2 hours to install the kit. You will also absolutely need a camber kit from TopLIne (~$60). It gives you another 6mm of adjustment so you can get the front tires to stand up straight. I found that out after I burned through my first 135's in 3,000 miles. Sorry this turned out to be so long. I love my Super. It turns amazing and even lowered, rides better than my Jetta. I have no idea how to send pictures through this site so shoot me your email and I'll show you what mine looked like slammed and now. Good luck!

Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:02 pm

My '73 (in my avatar) has been lowered about 3" in front. I've got 195/60 's on it EDIT: front only. I have about 3/16" between the spring and the tire! :D It's too close for comfort for me, I'm gonna put the tapered sport springs from top line on it.

Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:29 pm

[quote="superslow"] Doesn't seem like supers are that popular, starting to wonder what did I get myself into? quote]

Don't let the super haters on this site get to you. Go to superbeetlesonly.com

Great idea to go with Topline. Give them a call with your questions. Jon or his son Andy wil help you a lot.

Wed Nov 19, 2008 3:13 pm

I had 185/55/15,s mounted on Pedrini's on the front of my 74 Super. I was down about 3 1/2 inches with no rubbing issues.

Wed Nov 19, 2008 5:53 pm

how wide of a tire can I fit on my stock rims? I am pretty sure they are 4.5'sx 15. Does a smaller tire on the back really screw up engine performance like some people say?

Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:10 am

I had a 205's on the rear mounted on stock Super steel wheels with no issues at all. I don't think I would go any wider but I didn't have any trouble seating them.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:22 am

The rears tires on mine are also 205's but they are on 5.5" ET26 Sports Bug wheels. No problems at all.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 2:59 pm

195/65r15 rear
185/60r15 front

lowered

Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:53 pm

I can ditto Fattie's set up - 195/65 rear: 185/60 front

I'll be dropping the rear a couple of inner splines, but this works for now.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:07 pm

i had went 2 inner on my super

Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:53 am

Anybody have a comment about using a lower profile tire size. Will it effect engine rpm enough to make a difference? I have read about that a couple of places. Or any other negatives with them on stock wheels. Thanks for all of the feedback.

Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:34 pm

superslow wrote: Will it effect engine rpm enough to make a difference?
on the rear yes
on the front it will thow off your speedo readings

Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:58 pm

its all about the right offset

ive had my super down to the bottom notch which is about 5" with 205/40 on 17" wheels but my kamei spoiler worked better as a grader/plough than a spoiler
its 2 notches up from the bottom now but is still about 4" lower than stock with same tyres and no rubbing

stock rims and most 4x130 mags just dont have a good offset for lowered supers

i found best stock rims for dropped supers were et46 type3 rims

Fri Nov 21, 2008 8:03 pm

I agree

but on the cheap... stocker steelies are the way to go

Sat Nov 22, 2008 10:10 am

Fattie wrote: 195/65r15 rear
185/60r15 front

lowered

What strut/cartridge/spring combo did you use to get it that low? I'm doing a bit of shopping around for new front suspension pieces for my 73 SB.

Xmas is coming and I'm making out my list. :wink:

Sat Nov 22, 2008 2:47 pm

adj-a-struts w/ limit ring removed w/stock springs and empi oil filled cartridges
be sure to install new bump stops... your gonna need 'em :lol:

Sat Nov 22, 2008 3:12 pm

they look topline adjustables with stock springs

Tue Nov 25, 2008 11:02 am

So would 155/60 on the front and 175/65 on the rear be a bad idea?

Tue Nov 25, 2008 2:31 pm

fattie, are they empi adjustables?
how do u find them?

i ask cos someone on aussieveedubbers has just bought a set and a few ppl are saying send them back they shit/dangerous all because of the empi logo on them
i agree they wouldnt be as good as toplines versa strut but for an every day street bug i would think their fine