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Subject:Re: VREDESTEIN
From:Bob Stevens
Date:Wed, 9 Nov 2005 07:38:00 -0700

"Does anyone know what they offer for 15 inch wheels besides 205 65 R15?
For example, 215 70 R15, or 215 75 R15.., snip Hey if the tires are taller
then the rpms are reduced on freeway speeds.., but what does this do to your
torque from stop to go?"

http://www.tirefactory.net/comtrac.htm
I wanted these or the snows but they were backordered for 1 month. Use this
tool to figure the difference in revs per mile and likely drop in torque.
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

I've had 225/70-16 tires on my van and that really took the poop out of
torque. They are 28.4" in dia. I now have 215/65-16 Nokians at 27" dia. and
that makes a noticeable difference in getting some of that back. The taller
tires make freeway cruising easier on the motor over time but any hills and
you start shifting. Depends on where you live and how much freeway vs city
driving you do.

Opinion: anything over about 1" larger diameter and you'll get a noticeable
drop in torque performance. Add any kind of hilly terrain or headwinds and
that magnifies the drop.

my $0.02
Bob Stevens
'87 Westy Syncro
"Passion Fruit"

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