The increased tire diameter is more like tuning. The Vanagon is based on a
tire size of 185/80-14 which is 25.7" diameter and rolls at 811 revolutions
per mile. The 205/70-14 is actually shorter at 25.3" and 821 RPM. The
225/55-17 is 26.8" and 775 RPM. For the automatic this 36 RPM difference
with the 4.09 ring and pinion will result in reducing the engine 147 rpm.
For the manual trannies the  drop is ~148 rpm.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
John Rodgers
Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2011 11:15 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Fiberglass Bumper and Tire Questions

  What happens to  performance and handling with this bigger wheel/tire
combination --- acceleration, stopping distances, fuel consumption, etc.
when matched to the WBX engine wit stock tranny - manual or automatic?

Thanks,

John

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

On 5/22/2011 6:17 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
> With the 14" wheels tire choices are really limited. You basically
> have  the OEM 205/70-14XL (General Altimax) or the 185/80 or 195/80 truck
type tires.
> Taller but skinnier. A 215/70-14 will only get you to a 96 load index
> (1554
> pounds/tire) but this is at the lower end of acceptable. Nokian does
> make a really nice 225/70-14 (98 load index) that will work.
>
> I have just outfitted a 2nd 2 wheel drive van with 17" wheels and
> 225/55-17XL tires. Load index 101.  This set up has new been tested on
> a 91 and an 88. As for handling improvement, like being on rails.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> Behalf Of Nik Maravich
> Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2011 1:51 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Fiberglass Bumper and Tire Questions
>
> Hi all
>
> My 87 GL has just been painted and I am going to install Fiberglass
> Front and Rear Bumpers and the Front AirDam.  I know there are a lot
> of stronger bumpers out there but I really love the look.  Anyways, I
> am trying to find the correct hardware list for the bumpers and Air
> Dam.  I looked in Bentley and online hoping to find the hardware list.
> Does any know of anyone that sells the correct Bumper and Air Dam
> hardware? or where I can get a list of what is needed?  The Body Shop
> that did all the work does not specialize in VWs so if I can provide
> them the proper hardware, installation will go smoothly and it will
> still be Genuine.  I have given up trying to find new alloys so I am
> going to run with the original 14".  I am wondering what size tire
> would fill the wheel wells to get the proper look.  My Van will not be
> doing any off-roading,
>
> Thanks again in advance for your help
>
> Nik Maravich
> nikkoleto@me.com
>
>