Off-topic: RE: Installing larger rims/tires...

["Ng, Kevin (NationsCredit)" <kevin.ng@nationscredit.com>]

Chuck, 

I saw the same episode yesterday. Basically you only need the recalibrator
if the overall size (circumference) of the tire is either larger or smaller
than stock. If you go with 16" wheels, most likely you will get lower
profile tires to keep the same overall size. BTW I believe the recalibrating
device hooks up to the speedo sensor at the tranny.

Speaking of cars on TV, did anyone watch the TLC special Secret World of
Cars? The first part about design and safety was very interesting. And
towards the end they got into modding cars. Disappointing since the featured
cars were all rice rockets. I was however quite impressed by some of the
times those little Civics posted. One guy did a 0-60 in 3.5 secs, and even
his mom showed up with a turbocharged Honda Odyssey of all cars and did a
1/4 mile in 14.2! If you ever find yourself at a light with an ugly bright
yellow minivan, beware!

Kevin

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Chuck Simpson [SMTP:csimpson@zeltech.com]
> Sent:	Monday, January 25, 1999 3:49 PM
> To:	jettaglx@igtc.com
> Subject:	Installing larger rims/tires...
> 
> I'm not sure if this pertains to our cars, but I was
> watching "ShadeTree Mechanic" on TNN this weekend
> and they were installing larger rims and tires on a truck.
> The first thing they mentioned was how installing larger
> rims and tires can really screw up the speedo system
> and the transmission.
> They mentioned the speedo will need calibrating, so
> they bought some box that was attached to the chassis
> and sensor and automatically re-calibrated the speedometer.
> Then they bought some device that captured signals
> from the torque-converter and made necessary adjustments
> as needed.  It kind of looked like a 2-foot cable running
> through a small box in the middle.
> 
> Does anyone running 16+ inch rims have problems?
> Or how do you get your speedometers re-calibrated?
> 
> I believe they mentioned the truck was an automatic,
> which may have had a much greater impact on shifting
> and how the gear ratios were changed by +1.10%.
> I just wonder what affect the change would have on
> a manual transmission.
> 
> j/curious,
> 
> -Chuck Simpson
> '98 White Jetta GLX-VR6
>