Tire diameter that's reasonable on ea81 brat?

[Bratastick]

I've looked through a number of threads concerning fitment of larger tires. I've about decided that redrilling my hubs is going to be necessary for a decent selection of wheels. I just about pulled the trigger on some 175/70-13 tires to go in the original rims, but smaller tires and their "look" are just not in today like they might have been in 1982.

 

 

Fitment is an issue, but more importantly to me is how will the little engine run with a larger tire? The stock engine, which I plan to keep, doesn't have all that much power to start with and a larger diameter tire isn't going to help. The ones on there now, which are 25 years old and not safe to run, are about 22.5 inches in diameter. How much bigger can I go up and still feel like the engine pulls? Mine has the dual speed transfer case and I guess the larger size would also affect the usability of the low range. 

 

Any comments on what max diameter is and still be usable with the original engine/trans?

 

[BEECHBM69]

I've been running 195/70/14s on my EA81 hatch with no issues, and no rubbing. I'm sure I lose something both in acceleration and braking, but it's not enough to be noticeable. They are 24.75 inches. 

 

Dan

[AdventureSubaru]

Youll be fine with any of the stock offerings. Some in the lifted crowd will turn 27s off the ea81 with some noticeable power losses but still very mobile.

 

22.5 will be just fine.