This big, bright, yellow thing was in the sky today for the first
time in a while, so I went out and measured the R1's and GA's
on the rim.

Tire   Size     Width (widest point)   Height (Edge of hubcap to tread)
----   ----     -----                  ------
GA     205/50   8.5"                   10.0"
R1     205/50   8.25"                  10.25"
R1     225/50   8.75"                  10.5"

Note that all measurements were on factory-size 6.5" J X 15 rims.
The 205/50 R1's were "slightly" :-) worn, so I guestimated their
new tread height.  All measurements were by eyeball overhead on a
tape measure, and they could be off a little.  In particular, the
width of the 225/50 R1 is probably just a smidge under 8.75". These
measurements don't take into account the possibility that the R1's
may not be centered on the rims.  Also, they don't say how far up the
sidewall the widest point on the tire is.  On the 215/50 R1, it was
really close to the tread, whereas on the GA, it was mid-sidewall.

I put the 225/50 R1 on the front driver's side.  The back sidewall
cleared the strut, but the gap was small enough where the 1/4"
tape measure hook was snug slipping it between them.  Height-wise,
the tread top was above the beginning of the taper leading up to
the lower spring perch.  If the spring perch really was dropped
19mm for 1996, I have my reservations about saying it will fit
on cars newer than my 1995 without measuring them.....

-Arthur

1995 Black GTI VR6 #16 GS PSCC/NYR-SCCA/HVCSCC
--
For info on: how to subscribe & unsubscribe, the list's mailing errors,
    list archive, etc.  see: