A 215/65-15 is already slightly larger than stock, (~26.5" vs. 25.5").
It is a common size used on many GM cars such as Monte Carlo SS, Camaros
and Firebirds. Larger tires will make the van travel further for a given
engine speed but will not increase top speed. In fact, it may lower it
since a lower speed equals lower available power. I had a 79 Scirocco
that would go faster in 4th than it did in 5th.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of 80 Westy Pokey
Sent: Monday, February 11, 2002 7:04 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Any air cooled owners out there running oversized tires?

Any air cooled owners out there running oversized tires? I
recently purchased 15" wheels and I am torn between two
Michelin tires either the 215/65R15 Agilis 51 or the
215/75R15 LTX M/S.

The 65s would mean no appreciable change in my speedo or my
acceleration, but I am concerned about availability,
particularly if the EV is ever phased out.

The 75s would give me slightly greater top speed but would
hurt my already sluggish acceleration. This tire size is also
widely available.

My odometer is broken AGAIN, so I have to send my speedometer
in to be fixed anyway. So I want to pick a size and have the
speedometer calibrated at the same time. The last
complication is I have purchased H&R lowering springs and I
am a bit worried about the tires rubbing.

Will I still be able to shoehorn the 75s into the front spare
carrier?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Chris