Nokian WRC3

[jimf909]

For folks reading along, a C load range tire = 6 ply, D = 8 ply. A D/8 ply tire no longer means that the tires have 8 plies, they're just roughly equivalent to a tire made with 8 plies back in the olden days. As CVWVM points out, it's important to know the differences. It's helped me to consume a few different resources to get up to speed. Here's one...

https://m.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp...lsrc=aw.ds
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- Jim

[crazyvwvanman]

Stock 14" tires are about 815 revs/mile

Entyre 205/70R15 are about 790 revs/mile according to Nokian.

815-790=25

25/815 = 3%

I'm running that tire and size on my tintop Syncro.
On my second set. I'm happy with them for my use.

These tires are XL, meaning Extra Load
They carry more weight and are rated at more pressure than an SL tire of the same size.
A set of 4 could carry nearly 7000 according to their specs.
Their max pressure is 51 psi.

They are not C or D tires.
They are not 6PR or 8PR tires.


Mark

[Timwhy]

I am running the Entyres on my Westy 205/70/15 and they give you an 8% increase which makes the speedo and mileage lower than actual.
On my Tintop I run Grabber AT2's 205/75/15 and they give you a 10% increase and lower mileage and speed.
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'15 Audi A3 Quattro
'09 VW Tiguan (dead)
'87 VW Westy
'91 Tin Top
'90 Cabby
What the Westy wants the Westy GETS


http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Timwhy&show_results=summary

http://www.youtube.com/user/TIMWHY2?feature=mhee

[VikingWagen]

[crazyvwvanman]

205/65R15 is the closest 15" size to stock 14" diameter.

I run 205/70R15 XL for a little more height and Load Index 100.

Mark

[VikingWagen]

Thought I would chime in and offer feedback on the Nokian tires. Here is my experience.

During a 1400 mile trip recently, running WRC 205/65/15 tires with 25k miles on them, the left front tire suffered from a delamination. This happened after a 25 mile climb up over a mountain on very rough and rocky forest road at low speed. The tread on the other 3 tires is pretty well worn so its time for a new set. The Nokian’s have been a fine tire other than being a bit too small in diameter which makes the speedo read about 4 mph too high. The spare is unused so I’m thinking of getting 3 new tires and stick with the same brand and size until I figure out whether to convert or keep stock engine, gear ratio, larger tires, etc. in the near future. I used to run Michelin LTX 215/75/15 tires which lasted a long time and worked well other than the poor gear ratio match and speedo reading too low. I did not like the constant shifting and high load with this size tire and stock engine/gearing. Otherwise, great clearance and handling, longevity. No noticeable fuel economy difference.

Anyone running a slightly taller tire thats closer to stock?

1990 Syncro Westy, stock engine, decoupler, rear locker, lift springs, T3 bushings & anti sway bar, OME shocks

[Slimvest]

[SeacoastRed]

It looks the size availability of these tires in a D/8 ply has increased since the thread was created. Tires-easy currently appears to be carrying 205/65R16 (26.5 inch diameter) and 215/60R16 (26.1 diameter). For a stock 2.1 westy (no lift), is there a downside to going with the wider tires? As I see it, the wider tires might be assumed to corner and accelerate a bit better at the cost of less cushion on rough terrain and aesthetically would not fill the wheel well as well.

For reference on my stock 2.1/MT Westy I'm currently rolling with the Hankook RA18 195R14 (D ply, diameter 26.2). I'm content with the acceleration of these tires around town and I feel reasonably safe on the slow lane of the highways around here. However, I am looking for better traction for gravel roads and would also like to take the van out in the winter months from time to time, hence my interest in the WRC3.

Thanks for the knowledge.

[jimf909]

I run 215/65 R16 tires and keep an original size spare (replaced it two years ago so it's fresh) in the clamshell. I basically treat it as a doughnut and only expect to use it until I repair or replace the flat tire.
_________________
- Jim

[Slimvest]

[termuehlen]

I have a 205/65-15 WRC3 on a steel wheel in an original clam shell. I also have a 205/65-16 WRC3 on an alloy wheel in a modified clam shell (retaining bars removed and replaced with bolts). Since they are directional, there is a 50/50 chance they will be running in the wrong direction when installed in an emergency. I don't intend to drive more than a few hundred miles with the tire running in the wrong direction, if the spare is needed.
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1988 Westfalia automatic Subaru OBD1
1986 syncro tintop wbx

[Schuylersister]

I just ordered Nokian WRC3 205/70r15 tires to replace the Nokains WRG3s I've had for four years. So far I have the origional 14" alloy wheel with the origional Michelin 205/70r14 tire for a spare. It's old now. Wondering what people are using for a spare with the WRC3s since they are directional? Would still love to store the spare in the clamshell. Thank you!

[Slimvest]

[Corwyn]

I had a set of WRC3s installed before a trip to Baja California. Great ride, great sidewall confidence, but by the time I got back to Washington, 1/3 of the tread was gone. As an "all-weather" tire, the rubber is softer and wears faster. I am running Yokohama Geolandars (all-terrain) three years old and still have plenty of tread.
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'90 White Westy ("White Lightning")
FAS Gen V 2.0
The Annual Baja Rally
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604813&highlight=baja

"If anything's" gonna happen, it's gonna happen out there"
~ Captain Ron ~

[Slimvest]

Joined the WRC3 club today with a set 205/70R15. Definitely more crisp than my old General Grabber AT2, but time will tell. It's just money...
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'87 GL w/ Reimo top (sold Aug '21)

[jimf909]

My WRC3s are 215/65 R16. I won't say the noise is intrusive but it is an added sound under certain confitions that I didn't get with the WRG3s (60 aspect ratio). It's most notable when changing direction and when decelerating and the engine noise subsides.

40 psi front/46 psi rear has been working out well.
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- Jim

[ThankYouJerry]

Hmmm... Several thousand miles into my set of WRC3 205-70-15, I find them delightfully quiet compared to my old set of WRG2 215-65-15 tires. Do you have 205/70/15s Jim? If so, what tire pressure are you running? I'm running 42 in the front and 48 in back.
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1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD

[jimf909]

The increased noise of the WRC3 compared to the WRG3 is becoming obvious after 10K with them. It hasn't made me write them off yet even though I'm sensitive to noise. I still like them.
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- Jim

[atomatom]

some feedback after some long drives on my set of wrcs (195/60R16)

overall; pretty darn good. only downside is they are somewhat noisy. price of the treads i spose. very solid on corners. and maybe it is just the balancing, but van never felt so solid when going 120kmh (down hills, with wind behind, etc)

i'll update when the snow is here.
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84 Vanagon Westy, 1.9L, California raised but defected to Canada.

[Jon_slider]