Hi Bob
JonB wrote:@Dougal
Your web site says:
www.longstonetyres.co.uk wrote:If you have a Lotus Elan Plus 2 they originally fitted a 165x13 tyre, the best option is the 165HR13 Michelin XAS. Some people like to fit a wider tyre, if that?s you, we would recommend the 185/70VR13 Pirelli Cinturato CN36
I'm currently running Kumho Solus KH17 165/70R13 tyres on my Plus 2. I have handling problems; notably it is low on caster so is vague in a straight line and I have no self centring force on the steering either. It's been suggested that fitting an 80 profile tyre would allow the caster to have more effect (I understand why but won't explain it here). So... you suggest 185s but will they rub against the springs? Clearance is very tight.
My suggestion wouldn't be 185, My suggestion is fit 165R13 Michelin XAS
https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/catalo ... gory/2618/ (though i am currently out of stock, we should have them again soon. If you leave a back order with us we will contact you when they are here)
Without doubt going back to the correct diameter will put your foot print back in the right place in relation to the rest of your steering components, which will help your steering and handling, Lotus built the car knowing what size tyre they were planning on using, and all these things are designed to go together. Also a proper classic 80 profile tyre will have a carcass that compliments your car better.
Then there is the fantastic XAS which as a tyre carcass was developed in conjunction with the Citroen DS to improve the self centering of the steering, and dramatically improve the directional stability of cars of that period, and made them more suited to the kind of roads we now drive on, (dual carriage ways motorways etc).
The comments on the web site about the 185/70R13, are saying that for those people out there who have wider wheels, or like the look of the car better on a 185/70R13 then fitting the Cinturato
https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/catalo ... gory/2618/ will diminish the derogatory effects of fitting an oversize tyre. fitting a modern 185/70R13 tyre will have a less suitable carcass. If an Elan + 2 would be better on a 185/70R13 tyre, our mate Colin would have fitted it.
JonB wrote:Also, as the Solus tyres are square shouldered, might I be suffering the roll effects mentioned previously? It has long suffered from roll steering behaviour that I have struggled to correct (so far unsuccessfully).
You can't polish a turd.
I have had XAS tyres on a few cars. they really make a difference. I love selling the XAS, because i get so many people contacting me afterwards saying how happy they are with the dramatic improvements it makes to the driveability of their car.
Without doubt 165HR13 XAS will make a massive improvement.
Pff!
I think we all know the answer to that. the only attraction to that is the slightly amusing price.
My skin is crawling at the thought of seeing an Elan (or any Lotus for that matter) on white wall tyres. White wall tyres are never good handling tyres in my experience. I would rather push my Lotus Elite than drive it on white wall tyres.