I have a 93 Townie with the little fat rear wheels (12.5" x 225). Replacement tyres here in New Zealand are few and far between and have to be ordered in from Japan making them v. expensive with a long (up to 2 month) lead time. My question is can I put larger, narrower wheels on instead? I'm aware of the theory, i.e. rolling diamater, speedo offsets etc, but has anyone actually done this? It's a 2 litre manual diesel, 2WD. I'm going to try the front wheels on the back as soon as I get chance to see how that goes in terms of clearance. The rolling diameter will be increased by 2 inches which I guess is far too much, but I might be able to find some lower profile tyres to balance things out a bit. Anyone have any thoughts on any of this?
Kev
- (#7146) Kevin Buckle, 9 Dec 03 00:38
Ah, you've a just-lo... Don't think you can put normal wheels on. Never mind a massive difference in gearing affecting speedo and performance, I'm pretty sure the wheel arches, floor pan, and rear springs all differ in the Justlow, and normal tyres won't clear...
- (#7146) david miller, 9 Dec 03 02:55
Yep - arches, floor pan etc all different but there is plenty of clearance. I went ahead and changed them anyway just to see. I got two standard 13" front wheels complete with nearly new tyres for $60 from the scrappy. This gives about a 2" increase in the rolling diameter. I can get 165/70 's easily here and they would get the diameter back down to around the same as before. But the performance has actually improved, especially on hills and higher speed cruising so I'm going to leave them on for a while. Done about 1000kms with them so far. Haven't got close to bottoming out on the floorpan yet, even with over 100kms of dirt and gravel roads at high speeds!
- (#7146) Kevin, 20 Dec 03 18:08
Following on from Kevin's message about higher cruising speed. I have 195/70/R14 tyres (they are on Spacecruiser alloys)are these larger than the Townace stock size required to calculate from this link.
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
Would this explain why my revcounter indicates 3600 rpm at 70mph (requiring speedo recalibration?). I have been told 3200rpm is about right for 70mph (auto).Or is it because mine is a 2WD 5 sp Manual 2lt td (new shape), which are lower geared?
Im also getting 31.5mpg (combined), thought it might be a bit better than this, considering my Townie is the more economical spec (2WD manual).
Any feedback much appreciated.
- (#7146) Marcus (Cornwall), 22 Dec 03 07:05
Marcus,
Your wheels and tyres are a Toyota fitted size so should all fit with the speedo/rev counter calibration. There is the chance that they do need recalibrating anyway? I would guess that it must be the gearbox as you suggest.
I was getting 30-32 mpg when I was on Diesel, now moved onto old chip shop fat, with an auto 2WD. I would have expected a manual to get a little more than you are. How long have you had it, may still need to change how you drive it, to get the best from it.
- (#7146) Clive (Bristol), 22 Dec 03 08:06
Clive
Thanks for the reply. Ive had it just over a couple of months, Im the first owner from import. I have read that the Japs tend to run their vehicles rich, so may need a tune up.
With regards to the mph/rpm anomaly, perhaps other 5 Sp Manual owners could provide some stats?
- (#7146) Marcus (Cornwall), 22 Dec 03 11:30