Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi ,
Can anyone recommend a good race road legal tyre? the regs have changed in my formula to MSA blubook 1a and 1b tyres that excludes Yoko A048 and AO50's , I run a Elan S4 with 5.5 rims (13 inch) and ran A050's (175/60/13) with no rubbing problems (slim springs/struts) , would appreciate any advice from fellow Elan competitors,

Hi,
Which race series are banning A048's?

Regards
Steve

70's Roadsports, only tyres from MSA blue book 1A and 1B can now be used, and unless I am misreading the regs that excludes Kuhmo V70A , 700 and AO48's ,

The obvious choice would be the Avon tyres recommended by the FIA:

http://www.avonmotorsport.com/historic/historic/cr6zz

These are tough tyres that are progressive and very effective in the wet.

But I presume you are possibly after something more modern ?

I really like the idea of racing on those tyres (crossply?) ,
but as my competitors will be running on modern radials (Yokohama's Avon, Dunlop , Kuhmo etc) , I have a feeling we will be at a disadvantage?

The Avons are fun, but probably do not hold up in the dry to modern cut slicks! In the wet...it would be a different matter!

Check out Avon's web page on the CR6ZZ. These are modern compounds that look like classic tires, not reissues of classic road tires. [edit: Yes, I have them on Elan and like them.]

My experience with these tyres is with an MGB, not an Elan. On fast circuits Avons last for about 10 hours on the track, without any fall off in performance.

"Davea" is right in terms of the compounds and I would recommend them unless your competitors are able to run some type of real sticky compound.

The only possible issue to watch is the circumference which is (for example) 4.6% less than Dunlop L historic tyres for instance, so you may find that you have better acceleration, but less top speed. This can obviously change lap times.

Keep asking around perhaps there are some other options from the smaller manufacturers.

I think that's going to be the problem, other competitors, not necc Elans, will have the modern sticky tyres, I think those Avons (CR's) would be great if everyone had them , for sure 185's will cause damage to the inner arches on mine, will keep searching! thanks to both for your advice !

Hi,
Not 100% sure, well not sure at all but in CSCC they said something similar but I think it only applied to the soft compound A048 which are not road legal? Everybody carried on using A048 anyway at least that was my impression.
if in doubt I would ring and ask

Regards
Steve

The Avons are available in 2 widths : 175 and 185. Perhaps that helps.