YES, 16" wheels and tires that match original 14" tire diameter are awesome!  Incredible improvement in handling.  Whether behind that big Semi Truck ahead of you (the buffeting) or passing underneath an overpass with a strong crosswind (the lurch to the left and then the lurch to the right after).  And especially when going down that winding mountain road.
It's all about the "ratio".  I forget what the the technical term is.  Aspect ratio...yeah, that's it.  Height above rim versus width across rim.
I started out with the GoWesty 16" wheel package with the Hydroedge tires.  Totally loved them performance-wise.  Got about 80,000 miles out of them.  Lots of debate on load rating; but mine is a very lightweight TinTop, so I wasn't too worried.
After those wore out, current tire on the GoWesty 16" rims is a Falken.  Man.....those things are super duper quiet!  Love them even more than the Hydroedge tires.  Have that "triple tread" design....supposedly for good for mileage, good in rain, good for cornering.  Yep...it all works for me!
Slight bump-up in GPS speed versus speedometer reading....Like 63 GPS vs. 60 on the speedometer.
I have a 2.2 Subie now....so the slightly larger tire diameter is not noticed performance wise; I get about 22.2 MPG.  Very respectable for a brick.

Rich
San Diego  
 

      From: Edward V Barger <edvbarger@MAC.COM>
 To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
 Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2018 4:11 PM
 Subject: 16 inch wheels & tires
   
HI from Goleta Santa Barbara  we have moved and are settling in 

TIRES WHEELS  ETC  

Am still running on 14 inch wheels / tires and am at the point …..need to get new tires soon 

From following the list it apparent that I will need to move to 16 inch wheels / rims to get tires with the necessary load rating etc

Will much appreciate any info possible 

1. Wheels / rims …….  what stock 16 inch will fit with out modification  and the best prices to look for  ??  Mag or steel 

2.The tires  need general purpose on and mild off road  lots of gravel roads ??

THANKS as always 

ed

Edward V Barger
edvbarger@mac.com
310 922 6251