Re: Tires & Such

[trnsfrma@ix.netcom.com (Shawn C. Meze)]

At 02:31 PM 12/17/96 -0800, you wrote:
>hello all,
>I just finished replacing the front strut inserts on my car and damn it
>feels so much better than the old struts.  First question, I redid the
>strut and when finally tightening down the top strut (till it bottomed
>out and will not by the laws of physics tighten anymore), I noticed
>there was still some play with the top strut bearing (they are brand new
>so it is not the bearing).  Is this normal, how do I fix it?  Second
>thing, while working I noticed that I needed new front tires.  I want to
>get a tire that will be good in all weather (I get some snow, not much)
>but at the same time will perform.  I would rather loose some all season
>ability over better performance.  Also, I'm not looking to spend an arm
>and a leg.  Any help???  I've got an 80 Scirocco S with the stock
>wheels.
>
>John
>80 Scirocco S

Thats typical for new strut bearings. Are they German or Brazilian made? The German 
stuff will last alot longer than the cheap Brazilian crap. I went thru a set of them 
in a 6 month period. (It was an effort to "save money" but ended up costing more in 
the long run.)Compare the new bearings to the old ones. The new ones have some play in 
them but its firmer than the beat up old ones, right? 

Tires are pretty much a topic where you really must decide for yourself if you like 
them or not. There is so much you want to consider in a tire. Its all got to be based 
on your preferences. I can only speak for myself on which tires I like ect. My choices 
might be something you will find unacceptable for your driving needs. 

When I bought my Motoring Exponent wheels (15X7's) I wanted to put on the Yoko AVS 
intermediates. I couldnt afford them so I went down the list of a tire that I could 
afford and ended up with some Dunlop cheapies with a treadwear of 400!  At first, I 
hated these tires because they just didnt have the grip I expected from a 7" wide 
wheel and a 50 series tire. With that hard of a tire, no wonder huh. The more I drive 
the car the more I realize this tire works better for me because if I were to have 
lets say a 120 treadwear tire, I would have worn it out by now. I would drive my car 
into the corners harder if I knew it would stick more and thus, wear out my tires left 
and right. 

You have the stock 13X5.5 wheels, you might want to go with a 205/60 tire. It will 
stick out a little from the rim but it wont be bad. Your traction will improve with 
the larger contact patch, no matter what tire you put on it. (Sure, different tires 
will act and perform differently, but its not enough of a difference for a daily 
driver who is on a budget.)I have the 206/60 Falkins on my origional set of Scirocco 
wheels 13X5.5 so they do fit. (First generation ulumnuim wheel. UGLY!) They didnt look 
great but they did give me a definate performance gain over the SEARS (YUCK SPIT!) 
tires that were on the car when I got it.

Im sure someone here will post a detailed list of the "Tires to have". I just go with 
whatever works for me. 


Shawn
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