TheSamba.com :: View topic - Trying to decide on Wheel and Tire Size for my Buggy Build

Sat Oct 01, 2022 11:40 am

I am trying to decide on Wheel Tire Size for my Fiberglass Buggy. I am thinking simple White Steel Spoke wheels 15x 5, 5.5 or 6 in front and 15x8 in the rear. The issue is trying to find tires to fit the wheels with the same or similar tread pattern. Seems like I find tires for the front but can't for the rear or vice versa. I am looking for an all-terrain type tread as I will drive it on road and off on dirt roads. Any suggestions? Not that I am trying to be cheap or anything but I am trying to keep the cost down so I can afford to finish the build. I can always upgrade later.

Sun Oct 02, 2022 6:44 pm

How much power do you have to work with and what is your gear ratios? The answer will be completely different from a stock 40 HP 1200 to a turboed 2.3L monster, stock swing axle with reductions to a late Beetle IRS.

Mon Oct 03, 2022 12:54 am

Stock Type 3 1600 54 hp with IRS. Stock 4spd.

Mon Oct 03, 2022 10:17 am

The shorter your rear tires are the better then. My stock 1600 DP was struggling a bit on the highway with rear tires 26" tall. You had to grab 3rd for any little rise unless you were above 65 mph. Then it was somewhat better but not great.

Mon Oct 03, 2022 10:34 am

Thank you will keep that in mind. I know the feeling, my 04 Jeep Rubicon has the same issue with 33's. Have to drop out of OD at times to keep speed up on highway.