tires and wheels im a newb. couple basic question about the 02.

[Guest Anonymous]

hi everybody, i just bought my 1st 2002 last week. it's a 1970. iv'e been wanting one since i got my driver lic. 8 years ago and the time has finally come! i have some basic questions. can someone tell me what circuits fuses 1-6 are on? i love this car, very minimalist. what is the weight of my stock '70 02 and how much can i get it down to while keeping factory body panels? i will evetually set it up for track use. i like the look of 13" wheels, but is 14" better for the track? thanks for all your help. you will probably be seeing me around quite often...marc

[dubois]

the weight of your car is between 2100 and 2300. Even if the stock number is known, there are all the stuff the PO may have installed (eg sound deading panels, extra gizmos. different exhaust, brackets etc- they start adding up). The last poll showed a wide sprectrum. I think it is possible to get down to 1900 -2000 lbs while keeping the orig. body panels.

I think for track use, the quality and the the proper tires (sticky) is more important than size. Last time I checked the availabity of racing 13" tires is not as good as 14 or 15, that is just something to consider.

Someone may expand on this, and tackle the fuse questions, welcome to the madness.

[Benz02]

You're a gonner now for sure.

If you want to reduce weight strip the inside--seats, carpet, etc.

As far as tires go, I think Mr. Dubois is correct in pointing out the lack of 13" tires. However, having driven 02's with 13, 14, and 15" tires, I personally think 13's have the best feel...provided the car is lowered a bit and nice and stiff. I currently have 14's and they are fine for my purposes, but I would love to go back to 13's someday.

As for the fuses, get yourself the Haynes manual...it will be your friend.

But, in the meantime, I'm copying this from the factory manual:

6 fuse system: All fuses are 8 amps except number 6, which is 16 amps.

1. Rear, parking and side light-left.

2. Licence plate light, instrument panel light.

3. Rear, parking and side light-right.

4. Interior light, clock, cigar lighter.

5. Brake lights, indicator lights, reverse light.

6. Heater fan, horn, windshield wiper motor, windshield washer system, fuel and temp gauge, oil pressure light.

Hope that helps,

Benzo, '71 verona

[Delia]

Despite the fact I'm running E30 14" basketweaves on my daily driver '74tii, I prefer 13" wheels and tires on an '02 for easier low-speed handling and parking here on the streets of San Francisco.

Depending on what your plans are for "track" use, Sumitomo HTR 200 is an H-rated performance tire for 13" wheels with excellent reviews from autocrossers where 13" wheels are a requirement for "stock" classes.

The 205/60HR-13 sells for $43. each from Tire Rack.

Also available in 195/60-13.

Delia

[_z_]

thats awsome! Welcome to your new obsession.

If you want to compare 13s to 14s when it comes to final drive speed check out this FAQ

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/content/view/56/32/

and a live calculator here

http://www.jeffersonfreestate.org/gears/

like with 14's with a 3.64 dif and standard 4 speed

5000 RPM in thrid you're going 73mph and 97 in fourth

while with 13s and the same setup you are going

70mph in thrid and 93 mph in fourth

SteveK knows this stuff like crazy, but you'll probably get faster acceleration with the 13s and a slightly faster top speed with 14s

Play around with that calculator if you want to test different difs, transmission gear ratios and tire sizes. You'll probably want to tailor the car to the kind of tracks you'll be running (as much as you can).

groovy!

-z

[TobyB]

Hankook, Toyo, Goodyear, Hoosier and... Kumho all offer

various compounds in several widths.

You need a 6" or 7" wide rim to make them work, though,

and a 7" rim really wants real flares.

Where 13"s fall short is HP street tires-

then, the 15" rim is the way to go.

There are a few good options, and, at least

when things go on sale at tire rack,

they're really cheap.

FWIW

t