Re: [T3] What size tires to buy?

[John Jaranson <jaransonT3@comcast.net>]

<x-flowed>> Right now I've got 185/65R15s on my '67 Square, I'm
> not sure how many
> notches it's been lowered, but I'd like to go down a
> bit further.

> I asked this question at the Samba
> (http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=84593)
> and Toby
> mentioned someone on the list named "John J" that runs
> the same wheels that I
> do - EMPI wide-5 5 spokes.

I am the John J. mentioned, but I am not running EMPI Wide 5 5-spoke 
wheels.  I am running a non-VW wheel that looks a bit like a EMPI 
5-spoke.  My wheel and tire specs are as follows:

Front:	American Racing Aero Wheels  15x7  4x100mm bolt pattern  40mm 
offset
		195/55VR-15 Kumho ECSTA Supra 712
		Lowered one outer notch (but will likely go one more)
		Tires just rub on the inner fender at full lock

Rear:	American Racing Aero Wheels  16x7 4x100mm bolt pattern  42mm 
offset
		205/55VR-16 Kumho ECSTA Supra 712
		Stock height, but I am sure there is some sag due to age.
		Just cleared the bumpstop pad on the inside (I ground off 1/4" for 
piece of mind)
		Rubbed on inside of fender lip at about 3/4 jounce.
		I fixed this by added 3/4" of sheet metal to the inner fender seal 
flange which
		effectively bulged the rear fenders out enough for clearance.  It is 
pretty subtle.

Keep in mind that I needed to re-drill the drums and rotors for the new 
bolt pattern and used press-in wheel studs so that I can now use 
conventional lug nuts.  I will post some pictures on the web shortly to 
see what I am talking about.

I have also done a little research and calculating and will post those 
results in a separate e-mail.

Later,
John Jaranson
'66 Square (Sophy)
'71 Fasty (Jane - darkside project in waiting)
various parts.....don't we all.
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jaransonT3/jaransonT3/
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jaransonT3/2004Invasion/
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jaransonT3/notavwclub/

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