Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Is anyone running a 165/80 x 13 tire on an S4? I've seen many thread about this size but they
all apply to +2.

If so, what type of wheel and are narrowed rear springs mandatory?

I run 165/70 13 s . They are fine for the arches but the front arb rubs at absolute full lock. ( no steering rack restricter fitted) I have narrow rear platforms. The originals rubbed. A good opportunity to fit adjustable platforms.
My wheels are 5 spoke revolution knock ons and I'm not certain of the width and offset but would guess at 5” and standard.

Thanks Graeme. Any pics you can share? What brand tire?

I used to run 175/60 (Yokohama) on 5J Revolutions on my S4 with standard suspension. No issues at front, rear spring platform needed the outer most part of its circumference flatted ever so slightly to avoid rubbing during vigorous cornering

For hillclimbs/sprints I ran 175/50 (also Yoko A008)to drop gearing (quicker than a diff change!)

Pic from Harewood Hillclimb in '97

Thanks Andrew.

Presently I have Rain Experts on the car.
On the matter of the rear springs, the other post did remind me that I did used to keep the original spring platforms but as stated, knocked flat. But I didn't like the way the spring sat in the altered platform so went with the narrow platforms - much better solution.

Thanks Graeme. I love the 5 spoke Revolutions.

Hey Greg,

Are you aware the selection of 165/80r13 in the US is rubbish. Either very expensive XAS or very cheap Chinese made tires with limited availability.

175/70r13 has more selection and it's probably close to the diameter of the standard tires, so lower risk of fowling.

The first thing I did was upgrade to 5.5" +2 wheels and 165-13 tires. Much better.

I also ran 185/70-13 tires.

S4 FHC.

The usual clearance problems at the rear. But, with 28/33 tire pressures, the handling was crisper and better.

The 165 tires also cut down the revs on the freeway by a subtle amount

Your mileage may vary.

Cheers,

David
1968 36/7988

Hmmm, good thought, Mark. I haven't looked into availability, let alone quality. The 175s should fit my
Panasports, maybe not a 4.5" stock wheel.

David, good alternative. That's the one nice advantage of an S4 is the slightly better room for bigger
tires.

Thanks guys!

155/80/13 is the same diameter as 175/70/13. I had a MkI Golf that came with 155 and the standard option was 175/70 on the same rims, which were 5j. I would think that 70 series tyres were very hard to find now.

gjz30075 wrote:Hmmm, good thought, Mark. I haven't looked into availability, let alone quality.

I am running 175/70r13 on my +2 because I couldn't locate suitable 165/80r13 tires on this side on the pond.

Preliminary investigations show 165/80 tires are mostly for trailers. Hmmm, could be tough.