Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Elan series 2, what is the best size tire to use on a stock 4.5 X 13 inch rim, maybe 5 inch, 145, 155 or 165? Does anybody have preference for road use, Vredestein maybe?

Phillip,

I have tried several sizes of tire on my S2 Elan (165/60 X 13, 185/60 X 13 and 175/70 X13) and have been most happy with a 155/80 X 13. The Vredstein is an excellent tire for the Elan as it has a rounded shoulder which suits the characteristics of the car well. Also check out the Kumho Solus KR21 available from Tire Rack.com for $52 each. I am convinced that ANY current tire for an econobox is better than ANY tire available in period. I have just returned from a 4,200 mile trip in my S2, including a spirited drive around the Sebring racetrack, with no name brand all season Korean radials (actually SA brand) and I had a delightful trip on both twisty bits and at over 80 in a few spots on a freeway. Good Luck.

Ross

PS Is this the same Phillip Coombs who used to race an Austin Healey 3000 in the late 80's vintage races??

Pleased to hear you prefer a narrow high-profile tyre to the wider ones. I'm still using 145/80s having ruined an Elva Courier's handling by popping up a width. I believe that a light car needs a narrower tyre than a heavier car on the same rim but perhaps the 155 is the better tyre as it became standard later, but perhaps wasn't freely available originally. Now I have trouble finding a 145 but Firestone F590 works well. Of course, they started on crossplies with a different caster angle but I've only driven on radials.

One thing's for sure: they don't last as long as they used to. In my early ownership I was flat out all the time and got 20,000 miles out of SP Sports but that tapered off to 15,000 and now I reckon 10-15,000 is normal. But I only do 3000 miles per year instead of 10,000+ so is it an aging matter?

Thanks for the input.
Yes one and the same , Austin Healey driver, enjoyed Works "1963 Sebring entry, 56 FAC." Quite a car.