The Karmann has, as we all know 165/80/15s these are on empi style 8 spoke mags, so 5 and a half inch rims. could I run a 185/65/15, or a 195/65/15 with out any drama? the 195 keeps almost the same rolling radius, so no problem with speedo error. What about rubbing problems? I can adjust the steering stop so the wheels dont turn as far on full lock. Any comments would be good, thanks

im running 205/65/15 on my bug with no probs and its the 65 that gives the correct speedo readings not the 195 as this is the width of the tire and the 65 is the height of the wall

I ran 205/65's on my 15x5.5 empi 5's all round on my '64 K.G.
no worries on the back, but the front's used to scrub on full lock.

On the 64KG, did the 205s make the steering any heavier? Was the difference in handleing much better? what about road noise? I would like to buy new stock size tyres, but because of the odd size they tend to be a bit pricy. However i can get really good secondhand tyres in the larger sizes. Anyway assuming price is no object, whats better stock or wider tyres?

[Edited on 4-8-2004 by cumonghia]

I went from stock 165s to 205s and it made a huge difference in handling in corners. No losing the front end, or or four wheels. Unless I really try.

I am going back to 185 front and 195 rear though as I get a little rubbing on my bug under hard braking.

But I think it's as much about quality of rubber as width. You can get some really shoddy wide tires and they will slide as much as a pushy on ice.

Oh yeah, and my steering wasn't noticabley heavier, as long as you have the pressures right...

[Edited on 4-8-2004 by EgeWorks]

you can run the 195/65/15 for they are like you said - close to the stock rolling circumference, actually they will make the speedo read faster than you are actually going, you it could save you a ticket or tw on in the future...

As the aspect ratio get lower, the sidewall obviously gets thinner. The actuall width of a tyre is always thinner than the stated width on the tyre. That figure (195/X/xx") denotes the width OF THE ENTIRE tyre - from sidewall to sidewall. So really low profile tyres actually have wider a wider footprint than the same "width" tyre with a high profile.

I've had 185/60/13's on the front of a bug once, coupled with a 13" steering wheel, and I could still do the one handed,palm steering around round abouts etc with no problems at all. I'd assume with a KG, you wouldnt' want to go too wide as you'd probably rub on speed humps and turning. Many show cars seem to go for the narrow Michelins.. maybe its just for fashion (and perhaps it keeps em out of trouble coz they know they cant corner fast!) Don't get me wrong though, wider tyres do make a car look heaps meaner!

Remember, we people who drive 30+ year old cars still have to stop as fast as modern cars....

geez this is a long reply.. hope i havent crapped on too much

oh yeh, I think some tyre brands also vary the groove width on a tyre rather than making the tread blocks wider when they go up sizes so you'd still have practically the same contact patch...

i'll shut up now

[Edited on 4-8-2004 by oval TOFU]

[Edited on 4-8-2004 by oval TOFU]

Ask fullnoise (aka CT Hansen) on this forum.

I ended up fitting new 195/65/15s had to adjust the steering stop a little so they wouldnt rub. Shes a different car, handles great, stops great. But I guess anything would be better than the skinny hoops of wood I had on before. The brand is General, owned by Continental tyres, 105 bucks each. Thanks for all the imput guys