Club 80-90 Forums

Hi

2 yrs ago I replaced my wheezy 1.6 cs with a "nippy" 1.9 from a skoda felecia.

Has been great but feels a bit undergeared on a m way run - usually nowt to worry about and fine 2 yrs on.

We are Planning a trip to continent - Southern France and North Italy (Turin) so I am considering the option of bigger diameter tyres to lower the rpm at 55/60mph.

I am on on standard 14' wheels and considering this as I need to replace tyres anyway.

I have searched and looked at wiki but the posts i have found have confuse me with mention of larger wheels longer studs/spacers

Funds dont permit the taller geared box option yet.

Question is.............................What is the max size diameter I can use on standard rims - is it = 215-80-14 ???

Thanks in advance of any replies

Matt - brighton

Hi

Any advice appreciated

Would the 215/80/14's be too big for standard rims ?

Another here has said running without problems but searching other posts suggests that size is too big for standard 5.5j wheels

Thanks in anticipation from anyone who knows about this

Matt - brighton

I am on 205 80 14 (note 80, not the usual 70's) but on Carat Alloys (not sure whether they would OK on the slightly narrower steelies, though I suspect they would be. You can see and feel the difference. It certainly has "longer legs" and the speedo, which was, as is usual, about 10% fast, now reads spot on (as checked with GPS), so that relates to 10% more "legs" (70 mph now = ~77mph for same revs). Ours is a fairly lightly loaded TinTop camper however, so it does not feel like it is overgeared. This might be different in a well loaded Hi-Top. This has been mentioned on here before by contributors even more "seasoned" than I, summat like, you may actually loose out by having to change down earlier in a high geared and heavy van. Mind you, the extra power from your 1.9D might cope, I don't know much about Diesels.

Pic =

Thanks for the reply ghost 123,

I am on the standard 5.5j steel wheels ....and as you suggest these might be a bit wide for the rims.

Best !

matt - brighton

Hi

Have been to my local tyre shop and I'm "going for it" - 215/80/14's on standard steels.

Will let you know how I get on - they will be fitted in about a weeks time

Best

matt - brighton

205's will go on std 5.5 inch rims.. 215's will be too big..
Or.. use the 6J Syncro option rims..

I happen to have a set of 215/80r14 on a set of syncro 6J rims here.. I doubt I will use them now as a few changes in the pipeline..

But.. will it give enough of an increase... (having the box rebuilt/different box will result in a nicer drive)
will they clear everything else?? as its a lot bigger..
Prob gonna spoil the drive as its a lot more sidewall...
Bigger diameter tyres will increase the braking effort required to as they offer a lot more leverage so make sure your brakes are in good nick...

Hi

Thanks for the reply and advice.- Much appreciated

I would prefer to install a different g box ..... but funds are tight at the moment and as i need some tyres thought I would give this a try in meantime.

Thanks again

Matt - brighton

ps - Are you selling (or giving away ) the rims ?

Best

Matt

I have been running 215 80 14 's for about 4 years now , 20000 miles on standard steelies - no problem

Possibly for sale....
Not going begging..
I'll be at the workshop I the week so will dig them out and take a pic and some measurments.. But from what I can remember.. set of 5 firestone cv3000 1deffo brand new.. others with small amount of wear..

Thanks Too mt

Please dont go to any trouble on my account - I will give the tyres a try first as they are local and I can "try before I buy" -

If your wheels do go up for sale Please do let me know how much you would want for the rims n tyres though

Thanks again

Matt

prob be in the workshop towards end of week.. will take a couple of pics..

Thanks !

matt - brighton

Hi

1982 Devon 1.9 diesel (originally a 1.6 CS)

Just had x2 .... 215 / 80 / 14's fitted on standard steel rims today.

Pleased to report it has had the desired effect of lowering the engine revs at "speed" - I think the fatter tyres look better too.

Chuffs up steep local hills fine - the 1.9 AEF skoda diesel engine I fitted last yr seems to cope well with the taller overall gearing.

- and having calculated the over-reading of the speedo against sat nav recorded mph, when the fronts are fitted next week - it will correct the speedo to be accurate too.

If the front steering is too heavy I do have a vauxhall corsa eps power steering unit thats been on the garage shelf waiting to be fitted if required.

Best !

matt - brighton

matt brighton wrote:Hi

1982 Devon 1.9 diesel (originally a 1.6 CS)

Just had x2 .... 215 / 80 / 14's fitted on standard steel rims today.

Pleased to report it has had the desired effect of lowering the engine revs at "speed" - I think the fatter tyres look better too.

Chuffs up steep local hills fine - the 1.9 AEF skoda diesel engine I fitted last yr seems to cope well with the taller overall gearing.

- and having calculated the over-reading of the speedo against sat nav recorded mph, when the fronts are fitted next week - it will correct the speedo to be accurate too.

If the front steering is too heavy I do have a vauxhall corsa eps power steering unit thats been on the garage shelf waiting to be fitted if required.

Best !

matt - brighton

I have been waiting to get this size fitted to mine for some time. I have a TDI engine in mine and reading how they work on yours, has promoted me to get them fitted on mine.

Any photos Matt?