I definitely have noticed power loss with the 27x8.5x14 BFGs.  It's not
enough that I'm wanting to switch back, but noticeable.
bmc  :)
"Faith will move mountains, but you'd better bring a shovel...."

> From: Chris S <mrvolkswagen@HOTMAIL.COM>
> Reply-To: Chris S <mrvolkswagen@HOTMAIL.COM>
> Date: Fri, 31 May 2002 14:51:27 +0000
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Tires Again - Medium length travelogue, and misc.
> 
>> Chris, how much do the freeway RPMs drop when you use the bigger tires?
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> John
> 
> 
> The drop in the engine RPM is inversely proportional to the increase in the
> tire circumference.  My tires will turn about 780 times in a mile where
> 185R14 Yokohama Y356D will turn 808 times.  This will account for about a
> 3.5 percent reduction in engine RPM.  If you figure 4200 RPM at 70, then I'm
> turning about 4050.
> 
> How does that translate to engine life?  I don't know.  I can tell you that
> in the 14-hour drive I'll do this weekend my engine will turn over 126,000
> fewer times given an average cruising speed of 70 MPH.  My tires will turn
> 23520 fewer times.
> 
> By the way, I have not been able to perceive any power losses with the
> larger tires.
> 
> 
> Chris S.
> '85 Westy
> "Look Mister, you bought a camel.
> Don't expect it to prance like a stallion."
> 
> 
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