Carat alloy tyres sizes

[JNW]

Hi.
As far as I can make out, T3 Carat alloys are 1/2 an inch wider than steels. Does this mean they need a different size tyre? I can't swap tyres from my steel to the alloys? I think Carats came with 205/70 R 14 from the factory, but that gives me a smaller circumference (lower speed or worse economy on the motorway).
Advice gratefully received.
JNW

[ghost123uk]

Hi.
As far as I can make out, T3 Carat alloys are 1/2 an inch wider than steels. Does this mean they need a different size tyre? I can't swap tyres from my steel to the alloys? I think Carats came with 205/70 R 14 from the factory, but that gives me a smaller circumference (lower speed or worse economy on the motorway).
Advice gratefully received.
JNW

205/70 x 14 are standard on Carat wheels.
185 standard x 14 will work fine and are just 1.7% (8mm) taller, i.e. not worth mentioning.
The 205 are 20mm wider, again this is largely unimportant.

[Mickyfin]

I have Carat alloys on my Syncro, and can also confirm, 205/70/R14 are fitted.

[California Dreamin]

They can be fitted with either 185R14C (100/102) OR 207/70 R14's (97's) from memory most came through with SEMPERIT with the larger option.



Martin

[JNW]

Thanks.
I've found some 195/80/14 C Ecovans. Can anyone see a problem with that? They would give about the same circumference as 185/82/14 on steels I reckon.

[ghost123uk]

Thanks.
I've found some 195/80/14 C Ecovans. Can anyone see a problem with that? They would give about the same circumference as 185/82/14 on steels I reckon.

Would be ok but slightly taller, not a bad thing re economy and motorway cruising.

Figures =

205/70 (205 times by .7) = 643 mm
185 standard (actually "82") = 654 mm
195 /80 = (195 times by . = 668 mm

So from the 205's at 643 mm to the 195's at 668 mm you are just over 2% taller with the 195's, this will not make much difference in any performance or economy, well 2% but it will also throw your speedo out by 2% (not that they are that accurate in the first place !)

[California Dreamin]

No problem with those....the very slight increase in circumference will drop the revs very slightly and as they are so close the speedo is still going to over read.
Standard speedo/tyre setup generally over reads around 10% anyway eg: says 45mph when the SatNav is reading 40/41mph.
With the 195's that's likely going to be speedo 45 SatNav 41/42.. so still reading on the safe side for speed camera's etc.
Look at a tyre circumference chart to work out the difference (1.37%) ? so less than 1mph?

As far as fitment goes ..no problems....the tyre may stick out a little bit more from the rim than a skinny 185 but well within acceptable range (these Carats can take 205's as you know)
Martin

[ghost123uk]

Thanks.
I've found some 195/80/14 C Ecovans. Can anyone see a problem with that? They would give about the same circumference as 185/82/14 on steels I reckon.

How many ££'s for those then ? (and where from, big chain or local outfit ?)

[California Dreamin]

Thanks.
I've found some 195/80/14 C Ecovans. Can anyone see a problem with that? They would give about the same circumference as 185/82/14 on steels I reckon.

Would be ok but slightly taller, not a bad thing re economy and motorway cruising.

Figures =

205/70 (205 times by .7) = 643 mm
185 standard (actually "82") = 654 mm
195 /80 = (195 times by . = 668 mm

So from the 205's at 643 mm to the 195's at 668 mm you are just over 2% taller with the 195's, this will not make much difference in any performance or economy, well 2% but it will also throw your speedo out by 2% (not that they are that accurate in the first place !)

So 2% at 50mph is 1mph.......and when you think about it, at just 25mm between these sizes, there must be a much larger difference in overall circumference between a new tyre with 8mm tread depth and a well worn tyre at 2mm.

Martin

[JNW]

I should have struck whilst the iron was hot! £40 for two 2-year old Ecovans! Gone!
My Carats will remain bare for a while longer...

Thanks for the thoughts and calculations.

JNW

[JNW]

BTW, does anyone use aftermarket nuts for their Carats? There are a few on Eeebahy. Wondering about the quality.

[California Dreamin]

I'm sure mine aren't genuine but the quality is pretty good all the same.
Generally you end up with two different sized heads so you need to carry a 17 & 19mm socket wrench for wheel removal.
Don't forget these are 'tapered' and not 'radial' seats.

Pretty sure Brickwerks sells them although I can't quite see them on the site.

VW Heritage/Just Kampers? maybe.

Martin

[ghost123uk]

Pretty sure Brickwerks sells them although I can't quite see them on the site.

Martin

On Brickwerks at =

Bolts:
http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/shop?page=s ... rd=tapered" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Nuts.. there are a few that will do the job, these are the most suitable:
http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/shop?page=s ... rd=tapered" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

10 of each required.

[dazzler441]

Can I ask what length studs should be fitted to the rear wheels for the carat alloys to fit. I got a set of carats from eBay and have just gone to get them fitted on my van and they are not long enough. I have seen 60 mm studs on VW Heritage but want to be sure before spending the money.
Thanks in advance for the help.

[ghost123uk]

Can I ask what length studs should be fitted to the rear wheels for the carat alloys to fit. I got a set of carats from eBay and have just gone to get them fitted on my van and they are not long enough. I have seen 60 mm studs on VW Heritage but want to be sure before spending the money..

When I queried this with Michael at Brickwerk,s he did not suggest I needed to change the studs but just use the correct type of nuts. So I ordered the nuts and bolts as in my post above. Trouble is you have me worried now as I have not tried to fit them yet and I might be in the same boat as you !

I will drag one out of the garage and test fit it to this Caravelle I have at the mo and report back ! (or you could ring Brickworks on Monday, or someone else will be along with the answer )