I'm considering changing my rear tires. Presently I'm running a 34x9.50x15 TSL Super Swamper that every other lug has been cut out. They perform GREAT wet or dry ! The tires actually only measure to 32.5" tall. I see most all the Kentucy buggies running the 23deg. V Tread which I believe are a 31x 15.50x15. What do these tires measure in actual height ?I'm running a 1776cc engine with a stock 002 bus trans,I suppose what I'm wondering is .....would the smaller tire (height wise) improve my gearing for hill climbing ? I climb the hills good now, but on some larger ones I have to "fan" my clutch to bring my RPM's back up. I'm also running a steel wheel & consider changing to alluminum. I geuss it would be more like a second set of rear tires.,because what I have does good I'm just looking for that extra bit of magic to get me there just a little quicker.....& yes I know I need MORE POWER, I have an old "rayjay" Turbo Charger hopefully I will get hooked up this winter. Thanks ,
Bruce

Without getting into a major discussion, yes the smaller tire will give you "a better bottom end or more torque at the rear tire" as some would say in laymans terms. And switching wheel adapter to aluminum will help too. But if you also switch to aluminum rims, cut the 23's to the cords you will have a significant amount weight loss on the rear tires. The less rotating mass the quicker it will rev and gain more hp at the rear wheels. Now remember, the 23's will probably bite better. So the question is now, will you have enough motor for the hills you want to climb?

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When in doubt, hit it in second gear!

DVS1 is right on track. Another thing to consider if you are wanting to climb long, steep hills is your wheel speed, and that is hard to maintain any with a 3 rib tranny. All the "grunt" and low gearing you can get aint gonna get you up a nasty one, even with a light buggy. At least not small VW powered "grunt. You gotta carry your momentum and keep those wheels spinning, at least most places around here that I've rode. A 6 rib is gonna give you the most wheel speed , of course. But you gotta have the power to pull it. Maybe the turbo will help you there, dont know how much power gain to expect. Might put in you in 5 rib range, which is definately a step in the right direction. I'd think the 23 degree tires (need 4 ply, if you can get them and cut the hell out of 'em) would be an improvement. And you'll already have them for when you get that big motor and 6 rib!

Larry

Two very good posts on this subject. I want to add one more thing. If you decide to get the 23 degree tires, and you get some aluminum wheels to go with them, definitely get some beadlock wheels so you can run the correct pressure without any problems. Those tires work the best with 2-4 pounds of air in them. Without beadlocks, this is not possible without problems.

Good luck and have fun.

There are many different brands but the Firestone 23 degree seams to work the best. The overall height is from 29

Thank you everyone for the quick & knowledgable replies. From what everyone has posted, I'm going to try and purchase over the winter the 23* Tires and Aluminum wheels. I also may swap to a 6 rib. Thanks again for all the info.
Bruce

I am wanting another set of the Firestones, anyone have a set new or used with rims? I had a set and sold them to a friend now I want another set.

The Wild Kids

Hey Bruce, are them aluminum wheels 225.00 a set or a piece?

TIM AT SUTHERN BUGGIES BUG SHOP HAS A FEW SET OF 8 PLY THAT ARE CUT.THAY ARE SOME KILLER LOOKING TIRES. HIS # IS 606-864-2217

BOBBY I WHISH THAT WAS FOR A SET ID HAVE A SET IT 225 EACH

As Willie said Each

Check E-bay, that is where I got mine from. $300 for both.

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When in doubt, hit it in second gear!

You guys don't race dirt track roundy-round down there? If ya do that is the best way to get them. Find someone racing dirt track and buy a couple of used wheels from them. That's how I got mine, $150 for both.
When I put mine on they looked like they were new. It wasen't long before they didn't look new, little rocks screw up the shine.

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Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.
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What Mike, you don't polish those things after every ride?

I should, but I haven't.