>>Will somebody please send me some links to pictures of Vanagons with 16"
>>wheels, I'm just dying to see what all this Hoop-La-La is all about.
>>I see them as a very negative thing.
>>#1) The neighbors porsche has 16" and low profile tires, he's runined
>>several wheels just hitting potholes.

Risk you take. Blame the roads, not the wheels (I won't say blame the
driver, as I know you can't possibly keep 100% concentration in
avoiding every single pothole).

>>#2) Brothers Lexus has 16" wheels, he's ruined both the low profile tires
>>and wheels from curb rash.

Blame the driver. Sounds like he needs curb-feelers. I scrub wheels
on curbs too (my Corolla's front alloys are minced, and I managed to
pinch & split the left tire), and will be fitting 17-18" wheels to my
modified Caravelle eventually. Don't laugh; I will be fitting feelers
too! (BLACK ones)

>>#3) Jerry's new Ford truck has 16" wheels and big ole truck tires
>>.............. that works.

My 4WD 1986 Hiace diesel van has dual-purpose light-truck tires, and
its handling in the twisties ain't great. My VW vans have always had
car tires, and they were fun in the twisties.

>As long as we're on the subject, what performance characteristics do
>those of you with other than stock 14" wheels experience?

Low-profile tires have much more limited sidewall flex. Hence they
don't squirm in hard cornering, and should track better in a straight
line. Carcass design, treadpattern and rubber compouds are all vital
for tire performance. These tires can make a HUGE difference... IF
you buy good ones... there are plenty of low-performance low-profile
tires available out there!

>For that matter, is anyone running a tire/rim combi that truly made
>a difference.

It's not coincidence that all F1 and Touring Cars use low-profiles!

>Road noise, stability?  Or is it entirely cosmetic?

Road noise depends on 3 things... tread width, rubber compound and
especially tread pattern. Some low-profile tires are noisy, others
aren't.

>My westy has crappy roadmaster tires on it  that need to be replaced.

Low-profile tires are probably not a good idea for a camper, as the
car's center-of-gravity won't really allow you to take advantage of
the tires' performance; ytou'd be better off with tires which allow
some slip in an emergency maneuver, keeping the vehicle from heeling
over... onto its side. Hi-performance tires might roll you over, as
theyt will grip while the top of the van keeps moving sideways.

>I plan to get some michelin agiglis.  The roadmaster got me from az
>to ga but I fear for their safety.  Any advice on tire brands
>appreciated also, yokohama has a $50 y356.
>Rusty

Is Rusty Zarse your name for real?
--
Regards
Andrew