Tyres yet again

[Robbie693]

Trying to figure out the best tyre options for my +2S/130 and I'm getting confused...

The two types I am considering (although I'm open to alternative suggestions) are Goodyear GT2 and Dunlop SP10, both 165/80 x13.

Apparently these are T rated and I thought the original fitment rquired a H rating...?

Will a T rating be ok and does anyone have any experience of these tyres or any others in this size?

Cheers

Robbie

[Galwaylotus]

Tyre speed rating depends on use. Tyre ratinigs are for sustained speeds up to:
S - 180 kph
T - 190 kph
H - 210 kph
V - 240 kph

[steveww]

Michelin XAS FF 165 x 80 x 13

H rated, stiff side walls and very sticky. Alas a bit expensive.

[cliveyboy]

It really depends what you want from the tyres.
If you are after lots of grip and higher cornering speeds then like Steve says go for the sticky Michelin.
I fitted the Dunlops because they are closest to original fitment but also are very good tyres which when starting to loose grip do it progressivly so you get some warning. I dont mind the Dunlops squealing a bit and enjoy the back end twitching a bit at roundabouts etc.

Clive

[thor]

I'm looking at exactly the same Robbie, and I've got some VERY good prices on Firestone FS 165/80R13 (Fuel Savers), which for me is a win-win situation, as Firestone were originally specified on the car, and these have been given a good report by someone who does racing in his Elan coup?, good enough for me.

[thor]

And the Michelins are completely absent from the Michelin website, so maybe they're not available any more..

[greg.harvey]

Uniroyals were recommended to me by a reputable Lotus specialist in the UK. I can't remember exactly which model, but I was pleased as punch cos they were significantly cheaper than the bigger brands!

[Hamish Coutts]

Thor,

I saw the Michelin XASs on their site last week. You have to dig deep to see them. When you click on the 'find suppliers' link only two names appear for the UK and they both want around ?95 for a tyre. Maybe you can do better where you are.

A couple of guys in CL Scotland have them and wouldn't use anything else.

Hamish.

[thor]

AAAAAAAAAAH ?95.... I've been offered the Firestones for about ?50... Will be putting on these and driving slowly around the corners then,.,.

It doesn't help that ALL 4 WHEELS where nicked on my '99 Golf about three weeks ago (yes, actually unbolted from the car, which was left lying on some old wheels), and my personal minimum(what's it called?) to pay on the insurance was ?500 for the new wheels which were ?800. That sort of changed my wheel/tyre budget for the spring.

[Robbie693]

Thanks all.

Hamish: aren't you running on Goodyears? What do you think of them?

[Hamish Coutts]

Yep Robbie, I'm currently on Goodyears.

They are pretty old and a bit skittish in the wet,

Good fun though. (as you may have guessed)

Hamish.

PS will probably save up for a set of XAS FFs. That will be when I get my wheels refurbished.

[JJDraper]

At ?95 a throw, you could (almost) afford a set of 14" minilites, with sidewall stiffness slightly less of an issue... I've nearly convinced myself!

Jeremy

[Si_130/5]

Hi Robbie,

I'm also looking to change my tyres and after talking to Lotus people and tyre manufacturers the choice has narrowed to the Dunlop SP10 165/13s or Uniroyal Rally tyres in the same size which are used by a respected classic Lotus specialist (involved in hill climbs).

Does anyone have experience of either of these tyres and do they preserve the handling characteristics of our cars? I used to run sticky 175 rain tyres and the steering was harder but the original Dunlops on my current car made it feel more nimble than any other +2 I'd driven.


Si