raked v. level & two-2s v. 4-the-same

[oasis]

What are the handling characteristic differences between a raked car versus a level car? ... and a car with larger rear tires than fronts versus all four tire being the same?

My situation: I have a 1971 1302 -- currently stock, but nearly ready for first GL mod. That mod will include MaXX struts or Kerscher struts, four-wheel disk brakes with 5x100 bolt pattern and these wheels (just purchased):
BBS RX-II (16x6½ et 42) wheels for VW
Also, my intent is to keep the stock fenders. (I'm keeping my post to American terms and spellings for consistency.)

Two of the wheels came with 205/55-16 tires. I was told to use 205/45-16 tires on the front. Although unwanted at first, the two supplied tires are in surprising very good condition and are actually closer in total diameter to the stock tires than the 45 series tires.

I'm trying to decide whether to go with 55s all around which (I'm guessing) would sacrifice some lowering up front*; go with the 55s in back and buy 45s for the front; or something else while also deciding whether the car should be extra lowered up front or kept level. (* maybe 55s won't work at all)

Important footnote: I am looking for better handling, not necessarily the best handling. While I realize this means a trade-off in harshness -- which is perfectly acceptable -- I do not want a total trade-off. Since my driving and riding experiences have been limited to Supers in stock condition mostly, I do not know how to quantify what I want.

[beetle1303]

the first thing to say is that your speedo readings wont be accurate.
If you want to keep as much as accuracy as possible you should go with something that has a similar perimeter. I havnt fitted my other wheel/tyres yet, but i have a quite stiff front end (1303) and stock 165/80r15 tyres and the car is really bouncy over speed bumps though and feels like hell is approaching when tried to pushed to the limit.

I believe that going with the 45s will give you better handling but they will be much more unforgiving compared to the stock tyres. meaning that the car might understeer in slippery conditions easier due to stiffer suspension and less (stock,anything you have in the boot but not added) weight to make it work...

Hope this isnt to frustrating

Chris

[oasis]

My tires say 165-r-15 (I added the dashes). I was told stock tires were actually 78 series. Anyway, the tire calculator site can be set for 80 or 75, so the conversion for 205/55-16 tires would be: 70 MPH reading is actually 68.58~70.38 MPH ... close enough for me. Now, I'm assuming the speedo is reading the rear wheels but I don't know that to be a fact. The 45 series tire is a smaller circumference.

Part of me would like the same size on all fours, but I'm concerned of rubbing the tires on the front if I stick with the 55s and lower the front -- even mildly.

So I guess a different query would be: Would 205/55-16s fit under stock front fenders when lowered 1½-2 inches? If not, would the understeer be more pronounced with 45s up front and 55s in back? 205/45-16s on all fours would be too screwy for the speedo (64.13~65.81 when reading 70).

[beetle1303]

About clearence the only thing that i can tell you for sure is that my mechanic is currently (about a year now) is running 225-40-18 tyres at the front on his 1303 and tyres rub on the springs ONLY at full lock or nearly at full lock, which is a matter only when manuevering in tight spaces. This is caused because he has stock fenders up front and the use of adapters would make things worse. point is that even is his car goes over a speed bump while steering there isnt any tyre rub. the car is lowered about 1 1/2"-2" and he is using a 3 bolt setup as 1302's and early 1303's.

What i told you before about understeering prob doesnt have to do only with the tyre's height (ie 45, 50 etc) but with the rest of the suspension setup, lowering etc. 1.5-2 " isnt that lowered in my opinion though. Not that i would go further than that


Chris

[rip]

frankly I'd go with the 55 series tire all around. Simply for the ride quality, 45's are going to be harsher, not to bad, but still... As for the understeer problem well I havn't messed with supers much. But I know if you tighten up the rear you can create a little bit more oversteer, or loosen the front up.

I don't think 205 will have serious clearancing issues, but again havn't really looked at supers. I'd use them as stated early you'd only have lock to lock problems.

I'd go with a level stance because of the way it looks, don't know if there is a big difference between stances, except for at really high speeds (95+). Keep asking that one hopfully somone more knowledgable will reply.

rip

[oasis]

I'm going to go with the 205/55-16s on all fours first.

I just got the MaXX strut kit, disc brakes, stress bar, front and rear anti-sway bars, camber+ adjust kit, and other stuff which is included from TopLine yesterday. I'll see my shop tomorrow and make an appointment. We'll see how the initial set-up goes, and tweak away if necessary.