| Author |
Message |
pbnj
Samba Member
Joined: August 14, 2015
Posts: 157
Location: Texas
|
 Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 1:09 pm Post subject: Tires |
 |
|
Has anyone run 205-65-15 on a stock setup? Its an alternative to the 165/80 that calculates pretty evenly in terms of speed: If your speedometer reads: 65 You're going approximately: 65.25 But its about 1.5" wider and i am curious if they will rub
_________________
1977 Super Convertible |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Cali_Army_Guy
Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2015
Posts: 2094
Location: Stockton, CA
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 1:47 pm Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
My '66 had 205 tires in the rear with no issues. Not sure if they would rub on the front or not.
_________________
2015 VW Passat Wolfsburg Edition
1966 VW Beetle - Sold |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
pbnj
Samba Member
Joined: August 14, 2015
Posts: 157
Location: Texas
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 1:50 pm Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
Thanks
_________________
1977 Super Convertible |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
zoobyshoe
Samba Member
Joined: June 26, 2014
Posts: 461
Location: San Diego, Ca.
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 2:32 pm Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
| pbnj wrote: |
| Has anyone run 205-65-15 on a stock setup? Its an alternative to the 165/80 that calculates pretty evenly in terms of speed: If your speedometer reads: 65 You're going approximately: 65.25 But its about 1.5" wider and i am curious if they will rub |
I have the same question, and I'm specifically interested to know if the front tires will rub on turns.
I put new Nankang 165 80r15's on my '72 standard a couple months ago, and I'm really, really unhappy with they way they handle. I'm confident my toe-in is spot on, but they oversteer alarmingly on the highway at speeds faster than 50mph. Pressure is at 30 rear, 20 front. Steering play is normal, and tie rod ends are all new. So, I wonder if much fatter tires would resist unwanted changes of direction better than skinnier tires or not.
The old, almost bald tires I replaced didn't have this issue. They were from 2002, made by Kelley, same size as the new Nankangs. But those are no longer available.
That's my problem. I'm curious to know what you are trying to change by switching to wide tires. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
claubug
Samba Member
Joined: April 24, 2016
Posts: 25
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 2:41 pm Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
195/65 14 on 4.5 inch stock wheels. No problems. Almost identical diameter as stock tires.
_________________
1971 VW Super Beetle
2008 BMW M3
2007 Ford E350 4x4 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
pwmcguire
Samba Member
Joined: January 30, 2011
Posts: 1108
Location: Kennesaw GA
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 2:46 pm Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
| Cali_Army_Guy wrote: |
| My '66 had 205 tires in the rear with no issues. Not sure if they would rub on the front or not. |
66 has shorter axles, unless they have been changed. I run 205's in the rear but I widened my stock wheel to 5.5 with the same offset and still have plenty of room. It is best to go study the custom wheel and tire thread. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
helowrench
Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2003
Posts: 567
Location: dallas texas
|
| Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 10:40 am Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
I have the 5.5 chromies on my Bug, with 205/65/15.
Love them.
Running the Ohtsu FP6000 tires on them from Discount tire.
Also have the same tires on 914 Mahle rims on my Ghia (because offset is important)
Love them too.
_________________
Current VWs:
70 bug vert for wifey
73Thing bucket o rust
73 914 1.7
12 Passat 2.5 Highway cruiser |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Randy in Maine
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2003
Posts: 34890
Location: The Beach
|
| Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 10:56 am Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
| claubug wrote: |
195/65 14 on 4.5 inch stock wheels. No problems. Almost identical diameter as stock tires.
|
Not even close. Stock 165/82/15 = 25.65" or 786 rev per mile.
195/65/14 = 23.98" or 841 rev per mile. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LocknFestBug
Samba Member
Joined: April 30, 2016
Posts: 44
Location: Tennessee
|
| Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 11:01 am Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
205x65x15's w/ front disc brakes. No rubbing at all.
[/img]
_________________
1968 Bug. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sb001
Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2011
Posts: 10406
Location: NW Arkansas
|
| Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 11:26 am Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
| Randy in Maine wrote: |
| claubug wrote: |
195/65 14 on 4.5 inch stock wheels. No problems. Almost identical diameter as stock tires.
|
Not even close. Stock 165/82/15 = 25.65" or 786 rev per mile.
195/65/14 = 23.98" or 841 rev per mile. |
Beat me to it.
205/65s will be even more off.
Just cause they don't rub doesn't mean they are correct.
I run 165/80/15 kuhmos and they are about the best investment I could have made. Makes the car ride exactly like it's supposed to. Wouldn't even think about going to another size.
_________________
I'm the humblest guy on this board.
1969 autostick sedan, family owned since new
1600 SP engine
Solex 30 PICT 3 carburetor
Bosch 113905205AE autostick distributor |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Randy in Maine
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2003
Posts: 34890
Location: The Beach
|
| Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 11:35 am Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
| Correct air pressure helps a lot also. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
zoobyshoe
Samba Member
Joined: June 26, 2014
Posts: 461
Location: San Diego, Ca.
|
| Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 12:44 pm Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
| sb001 wrote: |
| 205/65s will be even more off. |
Could be I made an error somewhere, but I'm not getting the result that the 205's would be more off. I calculate 205/65 r15 tires would have a diameter of 25.492 inches. 165/80 r15 tires would have a diameter of 25.393 inches (notice Randy, for some reason, calculated for an aspect ratio of 82 and not 80). So, the difference I got is about .100 or a tenth of an inch. The difference between a 195/65 r14 and a 165/80 r15, however, is much greater. I get 23.98 for the 195/65 r14: way more than an inch smaller than a 165/80 r15. So, by my calculations the 205/65 r15 tires are not more off, they're very much less off than the 195/65 r14.
| Quote: |
| Just cause they don't rub doesn't mean they are correct. |
By "correct" I assume you mean "will give a useful speedometer reading." However, I have never been able to pin down the aspect ratio of the 155 r15 tires that were standard issue with my Beetle. People assert, without proof, it must have been 80. If so, the diameter I calculate would have been 24.76.
25.393 minus 24.76 equals .633; almost 2/3 of an inch difference between the 155's and 165's. This would mean the 165/80 r15's everyone uses are not giving the correct speedometer reading anyway.
So, my reasoning is: if people are already putting up with .633 larger than stock tire (the 165/80's), is a .733 diameter (the 205/65's) larger than stock tire going to make much more difference?
Please check all my figures in the event I made an error. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
claubug
Samba Member
Joined: April 24, 2016
Posts: 25
|
| Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 11:10 pm Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
| Randy in Maine wrote: |
| claubug wrote: |
195/65 14 on 4.5 inch stock wheels. No problems. Almost identical diameter as stock tires.
|
Not even close. Stock 165/82/15 = 25.65" or 786 rev per mile.
195/65/14 = 23.98" or 841 rev per mile. |
Stock on my car was 165/80 14.
_________________
1971 VW Super Beetle
2008 BMW M3
2007 Ford E350 4x4 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Joel
Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2006
Posts: 11099
Location: NSW Australia
|
| Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 11:43 pm Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
| claubug wrote: |
| Randy in Maine wrote: |
Not even close. Stock 165/82/15 = 25.65" or 786 rev per mile.
195/65/14 = 23.98" or 841 rev per mile. |
Stock on my car was 165/80 14. |
No it wasnt, it was 165/80 15"
Thats why the guys are getting messed up, they thought you meant 14" tyres
Your stock wheels are 15" not 14"
Back on topic though, my rear tyres in this pic were 205/65 on 7" rims.
Fit was good but they looked too chunky.
_________________
Quick little bug, you got a Porsche motor in that?
1974 Germanlook 1303 2.5 Suba-Beetle |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lingwendil
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2009
Posts: 3988
Location: Antioch, California, a block from the hood
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 12:03 am Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
On my cars I like 205/65r15 on the rear, and either 165/80, 185/65, or 175/55 up front, depending on rim and suspension setup. Supers seem to work well on 185/65 front, 205/65 rear if you don't want to lower it more than a couple inches up front. Wider tires make a huge difference in how the car handles and feels, but too wide up front has clearance issues and looks goofy.
185/65 and 205/65, stock steelies, stock suspension with topline sport springs up front. Night and day difference in cornering stability and braking from 165/80 all around. Ignore the mangled rear fender...
_________________
73 super beetle thread http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=649622 Back on the Road!
Modify your Kadrons for SVDA http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8115884#8115884
Cast iron VJU4BR8 SVDA reference thread- https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0
Need replacement filters for original Kadron aircleaners? WIX #42087 is a perfect fit, as is Napa Gold #2087! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
zoobyshoe
Samba Member
Joined: June 26, 2014
Posts: 461
Location: San Diego, Ca.
|
| Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2016 12:48 am Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
| Lingwendil wrote: |
Wider tires make a huge difference in how the car handles and feels...
|
What is the difference? I've never had anything but the 165's and I'm wondering how a wider tire would change the handling, especially if for the better at highway speeds. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lingwendil
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2009
Posts: 3988
Location: Antioch, California, a block from the hood
|
| Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2016 2:04 am Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
Car will feel more stable on tight curves, where you had to slow down to 20 or so through turns you can safely pull them at about 30 (although it depends on your driving style of course). Car will be able to stop a bit quicker due to wider contact patch with the ground. Steering will feel more responsive, and your tires will be less likely to follow ruts in the road.
Grip through turns, and braking were the biggest things I noticed. Every vw I get ends up with wider tires and it is always a pleasant and noticeable improvement in several ways. If you are used to your rear tires coming loose while turning at speed, that will be much less common with more rubber on the road.
Disclaimer- I am not a tire tech or suspension tech- this is from my experience and is not to be followed as gospel, merely to give ideas to warrant further testing and research. If you drive like a maniac and roll your car, don't blame it on me... Only car I ever rolled was my 61 Baja (swingaxle) with 165/80r15 on each corner  and it was after hitting debris in the road with a front wheel, losing traction in the rear during a tight turn, and spinning out, crashing into the side of a mountain.
_________________
73 super beetle thread http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=649622 Back on the Road!
Modify your Kadrons for SVDA http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8115884#8115884
Cast iron VJU4BR8 SVDA reference thread- https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0
Need replacement filters for original Kadron aircleaners? WIX #42087 is a perfect fit, as is Napa Gold #2087! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
zoobyshoe
Samba Member
Joined: June 26, 2014
Posts: 461
Location: San Diego, Ca.
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2016 12:44 am Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
| Lingwendil wrote: |
Car will feel more stable on tight curves, where you had to slow down to 20 or so through turns you can safely pull them at about 30 (although it depends on your driving style of course). Car will be able to stop a bit quicker due to wider contact patch with the ground. Steering will feel more responsive, and your tires will be less likely to follow ruts in the road.
Grip through turns, and braking were the biggest things I noticed. Every vw I get ends up with wider tires and it is always a pleasant and noticeable improvement in several ways. If you are used to your rear tires coming loose while turning at speed, that will be much less common with more rubber on the road.
Disclaimer- I am not a tire tech or suspension tech- this is from my experience and is not to be followed as gospel, merely to give ideas to warrant further testing and research. If you drive like a maniac and roll your car, don't blame it on me... Only car I ever rolled was my 61 Baja (swingaxle) with 165/80r15 on each corner and it was after hitting debris in the road with a front wheel, losing traction in the rear during a tight turn, and spinning out, crashing into the side of a mountain. |
Thanks! I might well try them at some point. That's a pretty positive recommendation.
The guy across the street from me has a Super Beetle with 205/70 r15's on it. I have never happened to meet him, though, so I haven't asked him how he likes the ride, but they look fine (not goofy).
I see you have the same strange muffler set up as me. Mine was that way when I bought it, and I haven't been able to figure out the point of it, or what that configuration was originally for. Is it a bus muffler? I dislike it cause it scrapes the road when you hit a dip and it gets in the way when checking the valves. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Agent47
Samba Member
Joined: April 22, 2016
Posts: 271
Location: Scott AFB
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2016 12:02 pm Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
If you are running 205/65 R15 you will be extremely close to what you speedometer reads; 1/4 of a mile per hour difference at 60 MPH and I highly doubt anyone's speedometers are that accurate to begin with
Here is the link to a tire size calculator if you want to see for yourself.
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/infoTireMath.do |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Randy in Maine
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2003
Posts: 34890
Location: The Beach
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2016 3:49 pm Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
| Keep in mind the speedo reads at the driver's front wheel so it doesn't care what size the rear tires are. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
