<Date:    Sat, 18 Oct 1997 00:34:59 -0400
<From:    Jim Davis <SyncroHead@AOL.COM>
<Subject: Re: wheels (was syncro fuel tanks and snow tyres)

In a message dated 97-10-17 20:14:06 EDT, JordanVw@AOL.COM writes:

<<< I'm surprised more people with Syncros aren't running 15" steel Mercedes
 wheels.  You can usually get them pretty cheap used. >>

<Increasing the tire diameter means even slower acceleration and higher
gearing.  Using a Syncro for any real four wheeling, you'll quickly realize
that even the low gear on the Syncro isn't low enough for many off-road
adventures.  I'll stick with the 14" wheels until a pile of cash lands in my
front yard enabling me to change the differential gears to compensate for the
larger wheels.

<Jim Davis

Jim,
A 15" wheel with a slightly lower-profile tire (such as 205/65 15) wouldn't increase the tire
diameter from stock.  I think that this package would make a significant improvement in
transition response at high speeds for those of us who use our vans mainly for
transporting light gear and a kid or two on hard pavement.  I am notorious for my "spirited
driving" and would enjoy a Vanagon built for speed.  Has anyone on the list created a high
performance/ high speed Vanagon that they are driving now?  I would be interested in
seeing one firsthand.  Maybe Sudhir's 3.4L 24 valve v-6 Vanagon could be one when he's
done with his engine swap. ;-)

Jim Catterson, what does the ProjektZwo catalog list for HiPo wheels/tires?  What do
those lucky Vaterland Caravelle drivers have to choose from?  And (gulp) what are the
prices?

Rick Sherrod
Macon, GA
'82 Mutt Vanagon (V-6)