Tires for Design 90's?

[bugsoup]

I am about ready to get my chassis rolling. The brakes are just about adapted and I need to buy tires. What size tires do you recommend for 16x7 in front and 16x9 in back? I'm not too worried about fender clearance at this point because I plan to use flared anyway. I would like a medium profile tire, like 40 but i'm not sure about the primary size. I also don't want the "Cal-look" that makes the rear tire huge compared to the front, creates a big forward rake, and in general immatates a straight line drag car too much for my tastes.

I'm not good at jugding what would function correctly and look good relative to the size of the Beetle. I've heard people run 195's all the way up to 245 sometimes. How does this measurement affect the sidewall if I go to narrow? For instance mounting the same exact tire on the front and back, good or bad idea?

In conclusion, I want a pretty level car with similar profiles front and rear. Any recommendations?

[vujade]

First off, you should'nt use the same size tire front and rear if you have different width rims front & rear.

If you want to keep the diameter of the tires the same, but you want to run wider wheels & tires in the rear, you will need to run lower aspect ratios in the rear.

Here is my tire suggestion for the rims you have chosen:

Front - 205/45/16 (or if you can find a 195/45/16)
Fits - 6.5" to 7.5" wheels
Diameter - 23.3"
Sidewall Height - 3.6"

Rear - 225/40/16
Fits - 7" to 9" wheels
Diameter - 23.1"
Sidewall Height - 3.5"

[bugsoup]

Thanks vujade

Now that you say that, it makes perfect sense not to run the same size, front and rear. I was confused prior to that because Michael Ghia's profile shows that he has the same one all around for the Design 90's. I wasn't sure if he had the same width wheels though. Also, as soon as I read that I "need to run lower aspect ratios in the rear" to get the same diameter tire, I realized how dumb my whole post is. It really does seem like common sense and I shoulod have known better. Thanks for giving my brain a little kick start.:takethat: I will be brushing up on my math skills before I ask dumb questions again.

[vujade]

no sweat man, I love helping out.

I hope I cleared thngs up for you

Dont be afraid to ask. Remember, there are no stupid questions.

[bugsoup]

Next question: What brand/model tire does everyone recommend? I was thinking of Yokohama or Pirelli. Which ones offer the best mix of quiet and traction? Are there other bracd I should consider or definately not consider? I'm not sure if durability/longevity is an issue yet, but for now the engine is stock and I don't plan to run it that hard yet anyway. Once I get my T4 with turbo, I will buy new wheels and tires, but for now I need a decent set the will perform.

[vujade]

How aobut the Kumho Ectas, I hear they are a really good tire for the money (you can get them for around $75 each for a 17)

[bugsoup]

I ended up going with Yokohama ES100 205/50/16 in front and 225/45/16 in back. After seeing them on the salesman's car at the tire store, I knew they would look great on my Design 90's (and they do) and perform great. They are very soft, but have reinforced sidewalls. Although they aren't good tires for snow, in fact, Tirerack.com says they are unsuitable, I will be buying steel wheels and all season tires for when the car is at school. I don't trust anyone while my car is parked out of site during the week. Plus that will also hide the big brakes from snooping eyes.