Hi Ken,
Welcome to chapman-era. We're a small bunch but we're all on the same
page, Lotus-wise.
I have had Elans for years and favor smaller tire sizes for the light,
responsive feel, as well as the challenge of "directing" the grip
among four small spots. My Elans are all S1 and S2 and I like 145-13
or possibly 155.
For +2s, I'd use 175/70s. It's still a light car at about 1900 lb.
Generally, I like stiff sidewalls because the steering response is
better but with our light, softly-suspended cars, the softer sidewalls
might be a better choice (in small sizes).
Probably, the specific brands and models of tire in the UK vary from
ours (I'm in southern California) but I'd consider the tire's
performance reputation, size availability and weight (get the lightest
tire you can that meets your other requirements).
Rod Bean
Subject: FW: Elan +2 Tyres ?
Author: JACKSON Ken <Ken.JACKSON@sema.co.uk> at CCGATE
Date: 9/3/98 5:06 AM
Thanks to Ray Jang for introducing me to Chapman-era. I would never have
known about it were it not for his question on the Elan 5 speed.
Can anyone help me with my tyre choice dilemma?
----------
From: JACKSON Ken
To: 'lotus-cars@lists1.best.com'
Subject: Elan +2 Tyres ?
Date: 02 September 1998 18:00
The tyres on my +2 are almost certainly below the legal tread depth and need
replacing. They work fine but the MOT is up in the next few weeks so I had
better sort them out. The question is: what should I replace them with? I am
currently on Goodyear GP 165/13s and find the car a joy through the bends
but skittish over the manhole covers and potholes that have not yet filled
up with dead cyclists.
Have any listers put 185/13s on their Elans? If they are not significantly
better than the standard 165s, I reckon I will stick with that size to
retain original appearance.
Can anyone recommend manufacturers, tread patterns etc? To me tyres are
simply round and black and come in different sizes so I am in need of
enlightenment.
Thanks folks,
Ken J
1973 Elan+2S 130/5 (with Spyder chassis & driveshafts, incidentally)
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