Re: (Fwd) Upgrades

["I.Mannix" <mannix@privatei.com>]

>Ryan Schuermann wrote:
>
>> going to stay with the stock 16V wheels, but I need to know what is the
>> widest profile tire I can put on them after I lower it.
>> I was thinking 195/65/14; but can I actually go 205/65 or 60/14?
>
>I think the 16V rims are 14x6...

Correct.


I wouldn't go wider than 195.  If you
>put 205s in the back it'll feel mushy when you enter a turn.

Not in my experience.  A 205/55-14 (NOT 205/60-14, they're *way* too big)
works great - no "mush" at all.  205/55-14s on stock 14x6 are fine, had
several sets of race tires in this size, as well as Yokohama AVSis.  A
popular trick these days is to use 225/50-14s on the front wheels of Neons,
which use 14x6.  A local competitor uses 225/50-14 on stock VW wheels.  Not
at all "mushy."  Works great.



 Before my
>15x7 BBS rims, I had 14x6.5 1 piece BBS wheels with 195/60/14...Turn in
>was crisp; the car when wherever I pointed it.  I think Dunlop made a
>195/55/14, but that was awhile back.

Dunlop still makes the 195/55-14, good size, as it is the same overall
diameter as stock.  IMHO, 195/60-14 tires are too tall, the sidewalls are
pretty darned big.  For those that don't know,


195=width in millimeters
60 =aspect ratio - sidewall height shown as a percentage of the width.
14 = wheel size.

SO, a 205/50-15 is 205mm wide, 102.5 sidewall.  Don't feel like doing the
math right now, but a 195/60 is considerably taller than a 195/55.  Do the
math(I'm tired:).

 BTW Dunlop D60 tires kick butt!
>The only downside is that they wear a bit quicker...
>
>I suggest going 195/60/14 or 195/55/14...

IMHO, think twice about the 195/60-14, David Sunn had a fitment problem
with this size on his lowered Golf.  195/55 is a good size, also, 205/55-14
is arguably better - similar sidewall height/more tread, or even 225/50-14
can work.  Lots of options, but IMHO, stay away from 195/60!  As the first
number gets bigger, the second has to get smaller in order for the
tire/wheel to stay the same size.  I know a 195/60-14 *can* work, but IMHO,
a 185/60-14 is a better option than 195/60-14 - better gearing,
stiffer(shorter) sidewalls, etc.


Mannix(but we all know that 13 inch wheels are the best, right?)


>
>Have fun!
>
>Chris G
>http://www.gforce.com
>






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