tire size differences

[bigalvb]

Hey all! I have 195s on the front of the Saabwagen and 205s on the back. Those of you who were here last week know it has an adjustable beam and has been lowered.
The way it sets right now, could I run 145s or 165s up front and, if so, would it make a big difference in the rake from the way it is now? Any other potential problems/concerns? I'm assuming the ride would be a bit stiffer b/c of less rubber on the sidewalls of the tires.

[clintonddk]

what series are the 195s are they 195 60 or 65 or 70?

[vw1s]

Using these websites....
www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/45_conversionchart.html
www.4lo.com/calc/gearmetric.htm

assuming the 195s are "euro metric"

and a little math....

a 165 would be about 1.7" shorter OVERALL, cut that in half to determine the difference in rake, your front end will be about .85" lower, with about .85" more fender clearence compared to the 195s. The ride quality may suffer a little, I guess it depends on what you can handle. Load shouldn't be a problem, your conversion was done properly (engine in back) so there should be little to no added weight in the front end, although I haven't seen your car in person, so I don't know for sure.