Lowered super and tire size

superslow · Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 10:42 am Post subject: Lowered super and tire size

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.

G8RBug · Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 11:02 am Post subject:

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!

gregthomas · Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:02 pm Post subject:

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! Very Happy

It's too close for comfort for me, I'm gonna put the tapered sport springs from top line on it.
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Superbug Scott · Samba Member Joined: June 09, 2005 Posts: 135

[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.

Derek Cobb · Annoying Joined: March 11, 2004 Posts: 2565

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.

superslow · Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 5:53 pm Post subject:

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?

G8RBug · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:10 am Post subject:

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.

gregthomas · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:22 am Post subject:

The rears tires on mine are also 205's but they are on 5.5" ET26 Sports Bug wheels. No problems at all.
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Fattie · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 2:59 pm Post subject:

195/65r15 rear
185/60r15 front

lowered

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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Mikedrevguy · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:53 pm Post subject:

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.
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Fattie · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:07 pm Post subject:

i had went 2 inner on my super
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superslow · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:53 am Post subject:

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.

Fattie · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:34 pm Post subject:

Joel · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:58 pm Post subject:

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
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Fattie · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 8:03 pm Post subject:

I agree

but on the cheap... stocker steelies are the way to go
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stasher1 · Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 10:10 am Post subject:

Fattie · Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 2:47 pm Post subject:

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 Laughing

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Joel · Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 3:12 pm Post subject:

they look topline adjustables with stock springs
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Quick little bug, you got a Porsche motor in that?
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superslow · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 11:02 am Post subject:

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

Joel · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 2:31 pm Post subject:

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
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