TheSamba.com :: View topic - Largest FRONT tire size for a stock 71 Super Beetle?

Sun May 13, 2012 10:15 pm

I have a completely-stock 1971 Super Beetle. I just purchased new OEM-style 5.5" chrome rims to accomodate wider tires (and replace my stock 4.5" rims running 185/60/15's.) I won't be making any changes to the suspension.

I'm looking to move to 205/65/15's on the rear (which several folks seem to indicate will be fine.)

Can I run the same on the front (without rubbing), or will I need to drop down to 195/65/15's?

All insights appreciated.

Thanks.

Sun May 13, 2012 10:42 pm

Your problem is going to be too many variables. You claim your bug is completely stock, but it is 41 years old. Who knows what has happened to it.

Drums, springs, fenders and wheel choice will all be potential areas to upset your fitment. You also haven't mentioned what the offset of your "OEM style" wheels are.

I have a '71 super beetle, with genuine factory German fenders. I'm running it about 1" lower then stock, with ghia front discs (using an empi kit). For wheels I have genuine VW sport wheels which are 5.5" wide with an ET41 offset. On the wheels I currently have 205/60/15's. The fit, but you don't want to hit a large bump like a speed bump while turning or they'll rub.

But really, to be 100% honest, you need to find a tire shop willing to mount one for testing...you can't guarantee they'll fit any particular bug until you test it.

-Dave

Mon May 14, 2012 1:58 am

I have 185/65's,,, There is no way id try and go bigger, yes on A stock super bigger would fit,, but I wouldent do it... Also that's the widest tire you can but on the stock 4.5 wheels safely(in my opinion)

Mon May 14, 2012 6:48 am

The biggest Iv seen is 185s. Im sure you can do a 205 as long as its a short 205, such as a aspect ratio of 60 or 65 and not a 75. Remember, the first number is the width, not the height.

Mon May 14, 2012 10:39 am

Come on guys, read the OP's post. He's got an otherwise completely stock car and he's putting a set of 5.5" chromies on the car, the 205's should fit fine.

To the OP, although they may fit fine, remember, the wider the tire, the more rubber on the road. Although this may help a bit in handling, you may lose a bit in fuel economy because of the added friction. It may not be much, but it all adds up. Also if you live in an area that sees snow, wider tires are not snow friendly.

That said, personally on a stock bug, under normal driving circumstances, I'd run 165's. If I felt the need to go a little wider [for looks or whatever], I'd got 185's.

-jeffrey

Mon May 14, 2012 2:31 pm

jhicken wrote: Come on guys, read the OP's post. He's got an otherwise completely stock car and he's putting a set of 5.5" chromies on the car, the 205's should fit fine.

To the OP, although they may fit fine, remember, the wider the tire, the more rubber on the road. Although this may help a bit in handling, you may lose a bit in fuel economy because of the added friction. It may not be much, but it all adds up. Also if you live in an area that sees snow, wider tires are not snow friendly.

That said, personally on a stock bug, under normal driving circumstances, I'd run 165's. If I felt the need to go a little wider [for looks or whatever], I'd got 185's.

-jeffrey yes 205s well fit nice on A 5.5 wheel, I still wouldent put them under the front fenders,, I stick with the 185s :wink:

Mon May 14, 2012 2:42 pm

Quote: Come on guys, read the OP's post.

No kidding. I swear most threads on here people read the topic title and decide to reply.

-Dave

Mon May 14, 2012 2:54 pm

175/70/15's (or the old equivalant), were on the 5.5X15 ET 26 Sport Bug wheels. 185/65/15's will work nicely on them.

I know you said you have 5.5 chrommies but you didn't mention offset. What is the offset? With the wider tires and a ? for the offset, you may have tire rub on the springs along with tire/body rub.

Mon May 14, 2012 3:17 pm

owdlvr wrote: Quote: Come on guys, read the OP's post.

No kidding. I swear most threads on here people read the topic title and decide to reply.

-Dave Yep :wink: you got me!!

Wed May 30, 2012 5:35 pm

Thanks all. I went with Pirelli P4's--195/65/15 on the back and 185/65/15 on the front. They look great. The back was a no-brainer but on the fronts I had to decide between height and width. The 195's would hang out over the fenders a little but the 185's aren't quite as tall as the stock tires. So I went 185's with the plan of dropping the front end 1-2 inches in the future.