Elan +2 larger tyres

[M.J.S]

My Elan +2 130/5 on 5.5j wheels is fitted with standard Goodyear 165 80 13 tyres which are horrific in the wet, and I fancing upgrading.

By rolling diameter the natural progression is 185 70 13.

Can anyone tell me if they have upgraded to 185 70 13's and if so were there any problems?

Many thanks.

[garyeanderson]

There is a welth of info that has been asked about before, take an evening and start by going back though the previous topics. This is one of the most asked questions on the forum. It will get you up to speed faster than waiting for all the replies to come rolling in and when you have a question it may look like you have spent some time looking on your own.

the bottom line is anything can be made to fit, you may need smaller diameter spings and perches and the inside of the arch may need to be clearanced for them to fit. thats the short answer, like I said have a look around and you will probably find out a lot to questions that you havn't even thought of yet.

Gary

p.s. - I don't have a Plus2 any more so its not really an area that I have much experence with.

[gerrym]

MJS, as you state, Elan+2 was originally designed around 165 section radial tyres. Modern 80 section tyres are slightly smaller in rolling diameter than original: 185/70s 13 are rather hard to get hold of except for historical motorsport tyres. Most of the wet issues are to do with quality of tyre and tread compound. These sizes are now produced mainly for trailers and budget vehicles. If you have deep pockets, speak to Longstone tyres. They stock some decent reasonably grippy Michelin tyes in the sizes you need. Otherwise if you don't mind short life and limited speed capability, AO48R are supposed to be the beesknees (but check whether these are street legal). Yokohama also list the S306 in 185/70R13 size but this is designed as a long life tyre so you really shouldn't expect too much. If you insist on H rated as opposed to T rated then you are even further limited in choice. Note that much of the discussion on this forum wrt to tyres is only relevant to the "baby elan". The rolling radius issue is not quite so important for them in terms of ride height and aesthetics of filling the wheel arches.
Regards
Gerry

[gerrym]

Longstone also do Avons in applicable size.

See quote below from Pistonheads forum

I have Avon CR6ZZ's on my Healey, a lot of Healey drivers use them. They are radial, but have very stiff side walls. They give very good grip wet and dry and let go quite smoothly. They also do two compounds, the hardest is not really hard and is ideal for road rally use, soft is wet only. Have decided to fit these to my Mk2. They also look very old fashioned.

[tower of strength]

I've used 175/70 yokohamas on my car, you will probably have to adjust the lower spring seat to give clearance (twat it with a big mallet!), Yoko A021Rs are awsome for grip(too much in my opinion)in 185/60R13 and fill the arches a treat.

Mark