It's really hard to say how it has affected the acceleration, as the engine
is fairly tired when compared to a 'fresh' engine. (260,000 km of hard use)
Seat-of-the-pants feel is that it hasn't really lost much, however the
smoothness of the new tires may make me think it accelerates the same as
before. No worries though, as my plan all along was to install the 1.9 TD
engine I've had for some time now, which will pull a lot better with the
taller tires. That project is (finally!) about to begin. I haven't really
decided what to do about the spare just yet, on my next trip I guess I'll
just chance it and take a tire-plug kit and a 12-volt compressor in addition
to the original spare. Eventually I will design and build a rear tire
carrier.  Another option might be to under-inflate the proper spare to fit
it under the front, and fully inflate it if it is needed. IMO,  you should
have no problem with the 205s on your van.

Karl

-----Original Message-----
From: George Chapman <landmark@thegrid.net>
To: thewestyman@MINDSPRING.COM <thewestyman@MINDSPRING.COM>
Date: Tuesday, January 05, 1999 11:57 PM
Subject: Re: 15 inch wheels and offset (non) 'problem'

>Karl:
>
>I'd like to ask you a specific question about your 15" wheel
>installation.   You mention that your Syncro "handles"
>without problem with the 215/75/15 tires.  My question: How
>has the installation of these wheels (approx. 27.7" in
>diameter) affected the ACCELERATION of your Syncro?  I
>assume you have a 2.1L wasserboxer engine?
>
>I'm installing 15" rims on my '91 GL (2.1L) and trying to
>decide whether I dare use a 205/75/15 tire (approx. 27.1" in
>diameter). This is about 7% larger than the OEM 205/70/14
>tires (approx. 25.3" in diameter) that are on my vanagon
>now.  I've test-installed a 215/75/15 on the car to check
>for clearances, and all was fine (except the test wheel was
>slightly too large to fit in the spare tire holder under the
>front of the car).
>
>So does your Syncro have sufficient torque &  gearing to
>handle the bigger wheels?
>
>TIA for your response and insight,
>
>- - George Chapman
>    Lake Almanor, CA
>