Actually, the speedo has to read faster than actual if it can read more than
85 mph. That was dropped in later years. The allowed odometer error is 1%
under to 4%over.  VW seems to like using that over limit. Gives fake MPG and
gets it out of warranty faster. Hondas also like the high speed indicator. A
185/14 tire needs about 825 revs per mile. Note the speedo says 805.

Dennis

>From: Todd Last <rubatoguy@COMCAST.NET>
>Reply-To: rubatoguy@COMCAST.NET
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Tire Question (not the dreaded tire thread at all)
>Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:42:10 +0000
>
>If you look closely in your Bently manual, it states that it is federal law
>that all US vehicles speedomers read less than the actual speed - up to a
>5% difference is allowed as of 1997.
>
>(of course changing tires will effect how your speedo reads.)
>The number at the bottom of your speedometer is how many revolutions per
>mile your speedometer is calibrated for at the factory.
>
>
>Todd
>'88 Westy
>
>-------------- Original message --------------
>From: Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
>
> > Yeah my '85 was crazy - read like 7-10 MPH high.
> >
> > On Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 12:11 PM, Dennis Haynes
> > wrote:
> >
> > > Those road side indicators can also be optomistic. Remeber the goal is
>to
> > > slow you down. Borrow a GPS. Check both indicated speed and the
>odometer.
> > > The 83-early 85 Vanagons have speedos that can be outright silly.
> > >
> > > Dennis
> > >
> > >
> > > From: "Jeff Lincoln"
> > >> To: "Dennis Haynes"
> > >> CC: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
> > >> Subject: Re: Tire Question (not the dreaded tire thread at all)
> > >> Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:05:23 -0500
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> >
> > >> > Vanagon speedometers can often be optomisitc anyway.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> True They can be optomistic but I found mine was surprisingly acurate
>-
> > >> based on the Police Speed indicators that are set up on the road
>sometimes
> > >> -
> > >> and also some testing with a cooperative vehicle.
> > >>
> > >> Thanks again for your responses.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> --
> > >> Thanks,
> > >>
> > >> Jeff
> > >> '90 Carat (Grover)
> > >> '86 (We call this one Parts)
> > >> '78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus
> > >>
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Jeff
> > '90 Carat (Grover)
> > '86 (We call this one Parts)
> > '78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus