Tire Size Dilemma- Wide 5 Conversion

Hey Grant, 

Just saw this post after I replied to the Dialog..  You may have a adjustable spring plates, I do on my VS and it would be a simple adjustment if you need to raise the rear to compensate for the half inch you loose with 185's. 

As I mentioned It is one of the best upgrades I've done to my car, I prefer the look of the beefier tire and it definitely improved the handling. I would like to hear if any other owners have noticed any difference with the speedometer I haven't noticed it with mine. 

Keep me posted on your conversion!

1" diameter will only be about 4%, so at 30mph on your speedometer you'll be travelling at 29 and at 70 you're really only going 67, so it's not enough to worry that much about. What you will really like is the sure-footedness (I just made that up!) the 185's will provide. And as Greg said, if you have adjustable springplates, adjust them to make up for the height loss. You're gonna love it! Al

PS- Don't forget to report back, because we're gonna wanna know what you think.

Go with the 185/65/15's for better looks, performance, and tire choice! They will fit your VS.  Most of us run them on the wide 5's.

Grant, on my VS I have 2" drop spindles up front, the rear adjustable trailing arms (cranked DOWN), fake Fuchs (5 1/2") with 185x60x15 (I don't care if the speedo is accurate), 4-wheel disc brakes, all combined for the low profile I wanted. Love the aggressive stance!

Click on pics to enlarge

I wouldn't worry about the 1/2" drop and the odd tail pipe scrape-I doubt 1/2" will make much of a difference.

You will really notice a difference in the handling, though.

Looking stunning as always, El Guapo!

El Guapo, im liking the Nam ribbon on ur rear plate

The reflection off that car hurts my eyes

When California runs out of water air cooled cars will rule.

I think they already ran out!

Jim Ignacio for president. When I grow up, I want to be just like Jim.

It gleams all the way here El Guapo...look at the smile on that wheeled guy///  Ray 

This is an awesome shot.

I just had to tweak it some.

I'm running 185's on my car. They work very well before and after the suspension changes. I selected the softest tire that was available at the time. Almost forgot a picture of the Tawdry Speedster.

Larry

Thnx, Carlos! Looks better without those distracting road signs in the background! 

Thanks all for your input.  I've ordered the 185/65x15 P4s, and am looking forward to the conversion.

Thanks, Grant

I put P4s on my girlfriends Honda, 70K later they still had another 20K in them but the sidewalls were cracking from 8 years

When you're looking at different tires, Grant, consider the mileage you drive yearly. For example- at 3- 5,000 miles a year and 5 or 6 years before a tire goes hard means a longer wearing tire is wasted. Look for something more on the performance end of things; they'll wear out about the same time they start to go hard and they'll have been more fun along the way! 

This is where a relationship with a good tire guy comes in handy. Al

PS- And don't forget pics; we're gonna wanna see pics!