16X7 Tires

r39o · Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2011 3:46 pm Post subject:

I've been bench racing tires sizes based on gear ratios and torque curves for quite some time. The end effect is that it is always a compromise. Also, there is nothing like actually trying out your size of tire too. Proof in pudding concept.

Like Levi I have an EJ22. Right now I am driving 26.3 inch tires. I have driven an EJ22 powered van with 27.5 tires also. He is very right in what he states above. Flat is fine and hills another story. (Torque is king.)

To get an idea of things will work you really need to know your torque curve (EJ22 is about flat from 2500 to 5000) and your gear ratios (which you can find via a search as I do not have it handy.) I have been using:

http://www.teammfactory.com/gearcalculator.php?kmh...on+1+%26+2

The first set of ratios is for a stock gas 4 speed (trust but verify.)

If I were running a wbx I would be very careful about upping the tire size too far (Again torque is king.)

For my combination I am wanting something taller too, but not 27.5. 27 inches is a 215/65-16. Already the 26.3 inch tires fill the Carrat suspended Multivan's wheel wells pretty well. (I sit 16 inches.) Also, then check how the target tires fit, too. FYI: I too have 16x7 ET 37 CLK rims waiting. Time to pull the trigger nears for me too as I need to put the 26.3 tires on my Westy.

I hope you can see you need to carefully consider and it is all a compromise.
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)

SteelB12 · Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2011 5:51 pm Post subject:

After reading this thread, I am even more confused about which tire to get. Just ordered 16" Voxx MG3 wheels and just can't figure out what I should slap on them. I thought moving to 16" wheels was supposed to make it easier to find a correct tire.
_________________
1987 Westy

outwesty · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 3:23 pm Post subject:

I drove down to Tirerack yesterday and picked up a set of 215 65 16 General Grabbers and I am happy with them. $112 each (for my 2wd) I had 215 70 16's on it before but chains would rub on the rear control arms. It appears there is plenty of room now even though they are 6.7% bigger than stock. The 70 profile I had prior were 10.1% bigger than stock.

epaddler · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 3:54 pm Post subject:

outwesty · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 4:15 pm Post subject:

Here you go. It's snowing pretty good right now. I will report back with their snow capability.

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

Gizmoman · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:23 pm Post subject: Heres what Im running

Date of purchase 4/30/2011
San Diego Tire, El Cajon Blvd, San Diego
KUMHO Solaris All Season KR21
215/70R16
Max Load rating 1705 lbs @ 44psi
Load radius 17.2"
Overall Diameter 28.7"
UTQG 680 A/B

The KR21 carries an unprecedented 85,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, which includes road hazard service for the first 25% of wear and 24-hour roadside assistance, which remains in effect for two years from the date of purchase.

That's the largest diameter you can fit on stock westy. If I corner real hard and hit a big bump the fronts would hit
I have a 1.9 AAZ turbo - cruses around 3K at 65 with 09 transmission

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:55 pm Post subject: Re: Heres what Im running

I am interested in these tires. Would you mind looking at the tiny print on the sidewall and letting us know how many 'sidewall plies' and how many 'tread plies' this size and model has?

thanks,
Mark

epaddler · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 7:32 pm Post subject:

Honuak · Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 1:19 am Post subject:

I got a set of Nokian Vativas (the more road-ish version)from the local pic and pull in like new shape for $200.00. They are rated to almost 1900 lbs per tire. Assuming my syncro westy weights a maximum of 6000 lbs Im well within the comfort zone. They are 225/70/16. Nice ride, quiet...decent on snow and ice, but Im thinking of investing in some studded snows for the winter.
My two cents...

Gizmoman · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 6:40 am Post subject: Re: Heres what Im running

[quote="crazyvwvanman"]I am interested in these tires. Would you mind looking at the tiny print on the sidewall and letting us know how many 'sidewall plies' and how many 'tread plies' this size and model has?

thanks,
Mark

Mark, its dark outside but heres a link that might answer your questions
[http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Kumho&KEYWORD=tires.jsp_Kumho_Solus_KR21_Tire&code=yes&tireModel=Solus+KR21&GCID=C13674x012-tire&partnum=37TR6KR21]

My van fully loaded at 65 on a two lane road passing big-rigs is rock solid.

Very happy with this tire so far[/url]

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 6:52 am Post subject: Re: Heres what Im running

Thanks, but TireRack does not list the info I asked about. It has to be read from an actual tire. I am looking to order new tires very soon.

Mark

davevickery · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 3:29 pm Post subject:

Mark, I had a set of 16" P205/65-16 Solus KR21s on my new to me front wheel drive mini-van. They are not good in snow. I got stuck in 2-3 inches of Colorado snow at the curb leading up my driveway. I couldn't get over the small curb and could back up to get momentum, the wheels just spun. I decided to replace them that day. I got Michelin Harmony tires which were a fair amount better. From that one experience I consider the Solus a cheap tire.

Gizmoman · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 5:24 pm Post subject:

Mark,

The readings on the sidewall are:
MAX LOAD 775 KG
TREAD STEEL 2 + POLYESTER + NYLON 1
SIDEWALL POLYESTER 2 PLYS
MAX PRESSURE 44 PSI

Hope this gets to you in time.

JW

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 5:28 pm Post subject:

Thanks, that is exactly what I needed. Since these are for my local hauler and I live in greater San Diego snow performance is way way down on the list of my tire concerns. Rain is what I am concerned about currently as the half worn Load D highway rib tires I have are slicks when it is wet out.

Mark

r39o · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 5:37 pm Post subject:

27 inch tire 215/65-16

http://tirecrawler.com/shop/detail_tire.php?product_id=10675
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)

Gizmoman · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 5:39 pm Post subject:

I live in San Diego and wouldn't take this rig into snow (intentionally).
If I lived in, or planned to drive in snow, I'd be driving a Synchro and defiantly different tires Very Happy

Besides, the diameter is so tight in the wheel wells, chains could be an issue on rough roads (although the fronts are the really "tight" ones).

If you have a stock engine, the taller gearing is going to really hurt.
Mine is a 1.9 TD AAZ running up to 15 lbs of boost. I have certainly lost a tad on mileage - torque as well. What I was after is lower cruising speeds on the freeway because that's primarily where I drive it. This is the best compromise for my circumstances. I was running close to 4K with the stock 14's at 65 MPH - now it's closer to 3K. .

For my needs, this tire is fantastic. Whatever you pick will be a compromise of some sort - you just have to work out what suits your situation best.

JW

Gizmoman · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 6:15 pm Post subject:

I live in San Diego and drive to work in the van occasionally.
I think any vehicle that can't cruise at 65 (in So cal) should stick to the side streets, and that includes me Very Happy

.

My stock 14" rims had it running 4k at 65 and while that may be OK for a 1.9 - my vibrating but said "not good".

I went to this tire (mentioned in my earlier posts) to lower the revs and after extensive spreadsheets, calcs and tons of reading, this was my choice.
Was I disappointed in the reduced torque? yup. However, that disappointment was offset substantially by the grin on my face cruising along at 70 and 3,200 - along with everyone else (in the middle lane Very Happy

).

I took a 2 week trip into the Sierras and the gasser transmission (don't have the exact ratio but it's on 09 6 rib) allowed me to find a suitable gear for every switchback and climb - yes, I had to go into 1st a few times. But no one was driving 65 on these roads and the trip was wonderful.

SteelB12 · Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 1:34 pm Post subject:

I had to order tires online to be installed by TireVan. The places I went locally thought I had two heads or six eyes for wanting to change the wheels to something bigger. Not that they could get me anything in 14". What a hassle.
_________________
1987 Westy

SteelB12 · Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 8:28 am Post subject:

Here are my Geolandars installed by TireVan at my house this morning mounted on Voxx MG3 16x7 wheels

_________________
1987 Westy

Gauche1968 · Samba Member Joined: April 13, 2006 Posts: 1561


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