TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Jan 12, 2012 5:32 pm

I have a 73 super that my dad and I have been working on for quite a while now. We finally have the engine sorted (1915cc) and took it down the street to test it out; and it goes great- if you go in a straight line and do not break, otherwise is shakes like the whole thing is going to come apart.
Closer inspection shows all the rubber on the bushings, tie rods, ball joints has gone to pot and needs replacement.
We have changed the front to disc breaks with the topline kit and have ordered a front end rebuild kit from them as well.
Once we get all that done we will be looking to upgrade the wheels and tires for better performance and a meaner look-currently running the original rims with new stock size tires.
Now I know very little when it comes to wheel and tire selection for beetles so I need some advise on what would be a good front and rear tire/wheel size combo for my car as well as some suggestions of what to read up on (tried searching the forums but without a good idea what to search for there was an overwhelming amount of stuff to sort through)
We are also considering lowering the front end as well. What woud the pros and cons be for this procedure-not looking for anything too radical possibly in the neighborhood of 2 inches or so (would probably use the topline lowering struts if we went this route)
I know this is a lot of info to ask for but considering the cost of wheels and tires I want to be sure of what to get before spending that hard earned money so any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated!

Fri Jan 13, 2012 8:24 am

This 65 page thread Below is the best I've found Here for Tires/Wheels/Suspensions. You guys have to make Your Choices after careful measurements! :wink:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=247735

Fri Jan 13, 2012 7:03 pm

I had already looked through several pages of that thread before my post and didn't find a real concrete answer to my questions.

I guess what I am asking is given my engine size (a 1915) and the fact that I am looking to maximize performance of the engine, what wheel and tire size combination would best accomplish it.

What experience has anyone had with a similar engine size who wanted to improve their performance (the handeling of the car at speed).

Secondly, does lowering the front enhance the performance of the car or is it just for looks? If it does help what is a good height to lower it to.

And finally what modifications would be needed to accomodate the recomended wheel/tire combo if any? (I do like the look of widened front and rear fenders so I would entertain replacing the fenders if that is what would best suit performance wheels for my car)

If there is a good link on this or book I could get that would be great also
Thanks again :D