Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

It is time for some new tires for my '67 S3. I am currently running
a set of 18 year old Pirelli P8's, size 175/65-13. How is that for
an oddball size? S3's were originally fitted with 145/80-13 tires.
A search of the Tire Rack reveals no tires in this size. The S4,
with it's squared off fender arches was fitted with a larger 155/80
tire. This size is still available. Does anyone know if a 155/80-13
tire will fit an S3? Does anyone know of any period reproduction
tires such as the Dunlop SP68 being remanufactured for the classic
market?

Richard

Hi Richard
Try Bridgestone RE92 165/65 x 13, not a bad tire, but certainly no
superlatives either. They fit on my friends S2 without problems,
others here have used them, I had them on my S4 before I solt it.
$41 at the tire rack.
Gary

"lagoryr" <lagoryr@y...> wrote:

Better than the Bridgestone RE92, try the Yokahama Y379 in 165-70X13,
also at Tire Rack, for $45. These are S-speed rated. I think the
Bridgestones are only R-rated.

I just put the Yokahamas on my (gasp!) 1978 FIAT X1/9 (it shares the
garage with my 1969 Elan S4) and the tires are pretty good. If you
are looking for a street tire, you should be satisfied with them on
the Elan. In fact, when the current Dunlops on my Elan (of uncertain
vintage - they were on the car when I bought it) wear out I will be
replacing them with the Yokahama Y379.

Steve B.


--- In ***@***.***, "lagoryr" <lagoryr@y...> wrote:

Speaking of all this tire stuff, I just took a peak over at Tirerack
and noticed the Kuhmo Power Star 758. The Kuhmo site has this to say:

"The Power Star 758 uses the latest technology to give this tire
excellent balanced performance. Positioned for the classic import
market, the 758 has increased mileage, even wear and improved wet
handling and traction that is designed to deliver good overall
performance and hydroplaning resistance."

Has anyone tried this tire yet? I don't think I've seen it reviewed
anywhere, but the tread pattern does not look to be your usual
bargain basement type.

Brandon



--- In ***@***.***, "lagoryr" <lagoryr@y...> wrote:

Has anyone mentioned the November 2004 issue of "Classic Motorsports"
magazine? It contains the first part of a good multi-part series
on "The Black Arts," buying tires for your classic. The Lotus Elan is
mentioned, along with the Triumph Spitfire which is used as an
example for fitting different tire sizes. Kuhmos, Bridgestones,
Sumitomos, and Uniroyals are all analyzed. The Lotus Seven is on the
cover.

Gary McGraw
'71 Elan Sprint

Richard

I originally had Michelin 165/70x13 on my S2 which were very close to
the guards at the front on lock and the rear spring platforms but worked
fine. I replaced them with Avon 165/70x13 which had similar static
clearance but rubbed badly on the spring platforms under cornering
because they had softer sidewalls. Changed them for Bridgestone
155/70x13 and they had plenty of clearance but lowered the gearing too
much and just didn't look right.

I now have Michelin MXTE 155/80x13 (I love them) but the inner lips on
the guards do seem to have been ground down a little. Not sure what
they were like standard. The outer profile of the guards is as
standard. It's also amazing how much difference an extra 15mm ground
clearance makes on a low car.

Hope this helps.
Peter in Oz
===================================================================
It is time for some new tires for my '67 S3. I am currently running
a set of 18 year old Pirelli P8's, size 175/65-13. How is that for
an oddball size? S3's were originally fitted with 145/80-13 tires.
A search of the Tire Rack reveals no tires in this size. The S4,
with it's squared off fender arches was fitted with a larger 155/80
tire. This size is still available. Does anyone know if a 155/80-13
tire will fit an S3? Does anyone know of any period reproduction
tires such as the Dunlop SP68 being remanufactured for the classic
market?

Richard

I have Goodyear Corsa GTs (NLA) in 155R13, which I believe are 80
aspect ratio. They come very close to the fiberglass and the spring
perches, but have never rubbed. As I understand the 155's were
optional for the S3.

Mike Geiger
66 S3 Coupe'

--- In ***@***.***, "lagoryr" <lagoryr@y...> wrote: