Tires or Tyres

[Fourducs]

Just purchased my first Lotus which is a 1969 Elan Plus 2. It needs tires. What tires are recommended? I will not be tracking the car, just polite driving on short hops are planned.

[mbell]

In the US you have very limited options. Correct size is 165/80r13, options are expensive but very good Michelin xas or cheap Chinese grocery getter only advisable from very limited places.

There more choices in 175/70r13 no particularly good options imo. I run barrum brilliantis that are European made and soft compound. Happy enough with them but might pay for the xas next time.

[h20hamelan]

I am running these “tyres” (as I tire easy in my old age) on my +2 with original steel wheels.

https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/vintage-tyre.html

Original tread pattern, and elivery included in price. Another key point, is they are similar block pattern to rally tyres!

[The Veg]

Welcome Fourducs! I'm three hours down 85 from you and I have a Plus 2 as well. Can't recommend any particular tire as I'm still on the ones that came with the car, but it's an interesting subject as sooner or later I'll too be shopping for some new rubber.

[elan+2]

You are correct there a few choices here in the US. My plan for my next set is to go with Avon CR66Z's they are about the same price as Michelin XAS and good bit more than Vredestein Sprint's but they really gook the part.
https://www.avontyres.com/en-gb/tyres/cr6zz
http://www.sascosports.com/tires_search ... _diameter=
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/640-700 ... 06552.html

[661]

You are correct there a few choices here in the US. My plan for my next set is to go with Avon CR66Z's they are about the same price as Michelin XAS and good bit more than Vredestein Sprint's but they really gook the part.
https://www.avontyres.com/en-gb/tyres/cr6zz
http://www.sascosports.com/tires_search ... _diameter=
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/640-700 ... 06552.html

The Avon is a corker of a tyre but I use the 185/ under 26R arches. I would suggest the 175 would be pretty tight under standard arches, probably to the point of not fitting.

[elan+2]

You are correct there a few choices here in the US. My plan for my next set is to go with Avon CR66Z's they are about the same price as Michelin XAS and good bit more than Vredestein Sprint's but they really gook the part.
https://www.avontyres.com/en-gb/tyres/cr6zz
http://www.sascosports.com/tires_search ... _diameter=
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/640-700 ... 06552.html

The Avon is a corker of a tyre but I use the 185/ under 26R arches. I would suggest the 175 would be pretty tight under standard arches, probably to the point of not fitting.

As the OP stated he is looking for tyres for his +2, a 175 will fit with no issues.

[661]

You are correct there a few choices here in the US. My plan for my next set is to go with Avon CR66Z's they are about the same price as Michelin XAS and good bit more than Vredestein Sprint's but they really gook the part.
https://www.avontyres.com/en-gb/tyres/cr6zz
http://www.sascosports.com/tires_search ... _diameter=
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/640-700 ... 06552.html

The Avon is a corker of a tyre but I use the 185/ under 26R arches. I would suggest the 175 would be pretty tight under standard arches, probably to the point of not fitting.

As the OP stated he is looking for tyres for his +2, a 175 will fit with no issues.

[Fourducs]

Thanks to all for your suggestions. I maybe can locate a set of Michelin XAS 165HR13 tires. Interestingly I think XAS's are what I had on my 1971 Fiat 124 Spyder back in the day. Are these tires capable of running tubeless when mounted on the Elan's 13" steel wheels?

[StressCraxx]

Thanks to all for your suggestions. I maybe can locate a set of Michelin XAS 165HR13 tires. Interestingly I think XAS's are what I had on my 1971 Fiat 124 Spyder back in the day. Are these tires capable of running tubeless when mounted on the Elan's 13" steel wheels?

I recently bought a set from Coker Tire. The XAS FF are tube type only. You cannot run them tubeless.

[Fourducs]

I may want to replace two of my 1969 Elan + 2's original 13" steel wheels. Where is the best place to look?

[h20hamelan]

rdent had them

[Quart Meg Miles]

Don't be frightened of tubes, I've used them for 50 year and only a couple have failed. I don't trust tubeless on old steel wheels as they aren't always gas tight and a bad hit on a kerb can deflate the tyre instantly.

XAS are expensive in UK so I bought Cinturatos and can't tell the difference from the MIchelins (as fitted to VW Polos) I had before, and I drive fairly hard. I would have thought some of the compact cars in USA would use 165/80R13s. Don't mess around with low-profile tyres as you are driving "politely", enjoy the comfort of the proper size!

[mbell]

I would have thought some of the compact cars in USA would use 165/80R13s.

Not sure if cars did use them but your better than me if you can find them now.

~4 years ago when I got my tires you could order in maybe one or two Chinese brands for daily drivers. I still went for 175/70r13 for the better choice and ability to get a replacement quickly if needed.

When I look now no one offers even one 165/80r13 option, I've checked discount tires, Walmart, tire rack and Firestone and maybe a few others.

[jannhall]

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 and Michelin CrossClimate 2 are just some of the options that you can check out. You can check 4wheelonline for other options if you're still looking for a set.