Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Great looking project. I have been planning on putting 14 inch wheels on my S3 Coupe when I get into the rebuild later this year. It looks like you have 14x6 inch wheels there. Any fittment problems on either front or back suspensions? What size tires are you planning on running? Have you accounted for the larger profile tires in regard to the bodywork? Lots of people on the board are afraid of the increased weight of the 14 inch wheel tire combo, any thoughts or measured weights you care to share?

Eric

If the increase in weight between a 13" verses a 14" wheels and tire combination is, say 3 pounds, would you add 12 pounds to your flywheel? There is a reason for reducing rotating mass.

14" wheel/tyre combo isn't necessarily heavier than 13"

Bear in mind that if you are keeping the overall tyre diameter the same then the lower profile 14" tyre could well be lighter than a 13" one and this will offset any increase in wheel weight if sticking to steel.

However, a good quality 14" alloy will be lighter than the original 13" steel.

Keeping the overall diameter the same negates most if not all of any rotational mass issues.

I ran 8x13s on the rear and 6x13 on the front many years ago with no issues.

Go for it.

I'm using 15" on my Elan as there is more tyre choice in the sizes I am using.

It turns out that even at the same rolling diameter, a 14" wheel/tyre combination is usually heavier than a 13" wheel/tyre combination. (185/60-14 vs 175/70-13)

Today's 14" aluminum wheels are unfortunately quite heavy. Typically, they are designed for 3,000 lb sedans. Remember, our 13" steel wheels were just over 12 lbs, quite light. It is probably one reason that we see cracks in our wheels, especially if they have slammed into kerbs or other similar situations.

Superlite wheels (unfortunately apparently not still in existence) had a range of very lightweight aluminum and magnesium wheels in 13, 14, and 15 inch sizes with whatever rim width and offset you wanted, but only in bolt on. The way to have gone.

Cheers,

David
1968 36/7988

I don't agree , obviously

I am plannng to use 3 piece billet wheels from Image Wheels. They will adjust the strength of centre section of the wheel based on the weight and use of your particular car at no extra cost.

Over here in the UK cars are normally a lot less than 3000lbs with quite a few less than 2000lbs

Standard alloy wheels in the UK weigh less than their steel counterpart so a 1" increase isn't going to be noticable, IMO of course.

Steve,

Billet wheels give the best chance of an acceptable weight. Try to get a quote from Image Wheels to see how close you can get to 12.5 lbs, or standard wheel weight.

I said 3,000 lbs as an example, since volume produced wheels need to go through certification around their expected fitment. The lightweight Elan is not a normally expected fitment, so wheels will be over engineered. It sounds like Image Wheels can adjust according to your specifications.

Some years ago I constructed models of tyre/wheel weights so I could get an idea as to how things changed as the wheel, tyre, aspect ratio etc changed. I also got information from various manufacturers. All interesting information.

Let us know what you eventually get.

Cheers,

David

Paint is done. Not great photos but you get the idea.

That is a great color combo Kevin! Very nice!

Certified Lotus wrote:That is a great color combo Kevin! Very nice!

Thank you Glen. Glad you like it. JPS theme on the way. Also as a bonus my daughter is attending Wake Forrest University. Same colors. Go Deacs!

The motor is done! Looks like the big SU's are going to live up to expectations. Assembly and chassis dyno work ahead.

A bit more progress

Mister E wrote:The motor is done! Looks like the big SU's are going to live up to expectations. Assembly and chassis dyno work ahead.

Do you have a "power bulge " on the bonnet ( hood ) ?

John

It's coming together nicely Kevin. The car looks great! Now that the engine is in things will move quickly. You should easily have it on the road by early spring

Looks like you have the TTR radiator and swirl box. I have the same with one electric fan and the engine never gets too hot.

Brings back memories of my Elan S1 project two years ago. (Now I'm knee deep into a Europa rebuild).

What is the red car in your garage on the left?

Glen

Very nice! Love the paint colors.

Rick

Very nice Job Kevin

Gino
Milano
Italy