Tyre choice fo S3

[jkatthehelm]

About to fit some new tyres to my S3 - only planning to use 155s, what are the current "hot" recommendations?!
Thanks
JK

[steveww]

Michelin XAS FF

155 x 80 x 13 H rated to 130 mph.

[Jon Eckman]

I needed to replace the 155 SR70 Dunlop SP20's on my stock S3 recently, and decided to go with the Vredestein 155 SR80's after other recommendations from the group and not being able to find the Dunlop's through local stores in CT USA. Turns out the right front tire hits the fender area under certain conditions, and although someone mentioned that the body could be shimmed over, it looks like it mounts directly to the inside of the frame and prevents any adjustment in the direction it needs to go.

The front shocks and springs were changed recently while the Dunlops were still on and there were no problems like this.

I'm thinking now, reluctantly, of going to the manual recommended 145's, unless someone else has any advise???

[msd1107]

If you change the tire size, whether larger or smaller, the odometer and speedometer calibration will be affected. This previous post:

http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16106

can let you determine if a different speedometer driven gear is necessary.

It is not clear under what conditions there is tire interference. S1-S3 had tighter clearances than the S4, but there will always be interference under certain conditions.

When I went to 165-13 and 185/70-13, I learned to be very careful when turning and going over bumps or up a driveway. The increase in driving precision and cornering power with 165-13 and +2 wheels is well worth the necessity to be more careful when turning.

David
1968 36/7988

[andrewdmoore]

I've just put 4 Goodyear GT2s - 155 x 80 x 13 on my Elan Sprint and they are fantastic. Whilst I dont really throw the car round corners, they hang on for as much as I need them and at ?26 a tyre is it really worth paying ?75 per tyre more for Michelins? I dont think so, others obviously do.

Regards, Andrew

[Bruce Crowthorne]

I went the Mitchelin route.
They seem very good although I haven't done any enthusiatic driving yet.
One word of caution. On mine the outside diameter of the tyre is too big to fit in the spare wheel well between the tank and the bit under the battery carrier.
So only buy 4
Bruce

[jkatthehelm]

Thanks to all for your replies - are the Michelins really so expensive??
Cheers
JK

[Old English White]

Thanks to all for your replies - are the Michelins really so expensive??
Cheers
JK

... In fact ,
The Michelin's XAS FF (FF for Formule France) are true racing tyres . They start on single seater , then on the RENAULT 8 Gordini cup ...
Later , Michelin add a DOT mark on their side to allow road use .
It is important before purchase , to check(writen on sidewall) the period they're made , softness is not on old gum.
Even in France , these are very expensive and hard to find (only 3 official retailers) and last comment , they do not last longer as others , but on track and fast road , with their period aspect and grip , they 're a must for any stock Elan .
I would have a set of those , definitly ...
Christian.

[worzel]

Hi

Only personal experience I know but the best tyres I ever had on my elan were Avon. Can't remember the type- it was a long time ago. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe Avon no longer make tyres in 155/80/13 sizes.

Regards

John