16" steelies on a 14"

[syncrosimon]

My standard 16" does a true 64mph at 3740 rpm which is also where maximum torque is. Max torque is where the engine is running most efficiently and is the best cruising speed I find.

[syncropaddy]

I'd say making any adjustment of more than 10% to any ratio would have to be more than matched by engine upgrade, but as usual Andrew is the exception that proves the rule running 225/70/15s and 4.86 final drive with a standard JX and having excellent fuel economy and a perfect drive

Thank you Aidan ..... It cruises at 100 kph (sat nav speed) at 3100 rpm and will do happily all day, however, with the roof tent loaded and all the rest of the kit packed inside, show it a motorway hill and you'll be down to 3rd fairly quickly. Unladen, its fine. We will see what difference the AAZ will make soon. AFAIK Im the only one running 225/70/15 tyres. I was looking in Mammutpark for someone else but didnt find anyone else using that size.

I read on another forum that the JX 'sweet spot' is between 3000 and 3200.

[keeno]

I put stock 16 Syncro steels with Hankook 205-8-16 MTs on my 14" Syncro and had no real problems apart from the occasional tyre rub on bottom of the driver's side wheel arch tub. This only happened on big bumps, whilst turning a corner. Not something that ever bothered me. Still not sure why VW felt the need to chop the wheel arches on 16s as the clearance at those points on a 14 with 16 wheels doesn't seem to be an issue on my old truck...

[syncrosimon]

Still not sure why VW felt the need to chop the wheel arches on 16s as the clearance at those points on a 14 with 16 wheels doesn't seem to be an issue on my old truck...

Think it was so that fitment of snow chains was possible at full suspension travel.

[keeno]

Snow chains! That makes sense. There always a logical explanation

[mcgill5]

on the subject of ride height of finnish 16 syncros,my old bus(big yeller) was on stock suspension and it was andy that noticed when i was parked next to a customers 16 outside the yard on a perfectly flat surface,my van definately sat higher. we checked,both had standard very good condition springs and shocks etc,got another 16 next to later on,and again mine sat higher!(queue theme to twilight zone!) cheers mcgill

[syncrosimon]

My finnish 16" sits an inch lower than syncroswedes swedish 16" new springs on mine.