Tire choices for an S2 with 26R bodywork

[bill308]

My 26R resto-mod project is starting to ramp up. This will be a street/time trial car. I would like to cruise on the road comfortably at 80 mph and at minimum rpm. I will use a 3.54:1 rear end and a Voights 5-speed with a BGH gear set having a 0.82 overdrive 5th. I will be grafting on 26R fenders (wings) but will retain the original KO hubs. I expect the engine (2-liter, Stowe head) to produce 190 bhp and comparable torque. I will install 26R front A-arms to lower the front end. The front and rear will have adjustable spring perches. A slightly taller tire would be an asset in that it would reduce rpm for a given speed.

I currently have a set of Panasport 5-inch wide alloys and have recently purchased a set of 6-inch wide 26R alloys (aluminum, 5-pin). Will a 165R13 fit without rubbing for road use on the 5-inch rims?

What's the best track/street tire for a 6-inch 26R wheel for time trial/occasional track use?

Bill

[abstamaria]

I have a similar set-up with 26R arms and other suspension bits, Bill. Also 26R mags (4 pin). I have Dunlop CR65s on, but they are not rated for street. I may just keep them on even as I've retired from the track. It's hard to find a period looking tire for 6" rims.

Andy

[Panda]

Hi Bill, we have a similar set up on my 26R replica and run 205/60R-13 Kumho V700 tyres on the track. They are a dot tyre so are legal for road use. Most of the quick Elise/Exiges use them over here. We have tried most of the rest, and these are the quickest and most forgiving in my opinion.
Alan P

[Galwaylotus]

My 26R resto-mod project is starting to ramp up. This will be a street/time trial car. I would like to cruise on the road comfortably at 80 mph and at minimum rpm. I will use a 3.54:1 rear end and a Voights 5-speed with a BGH gear set having a 0.82 overdrive 5th. I will be grafting on 26R fenders (wings) but will retain the original KO hubs. I expect the engine (2-liter, Stowe head) to produce 190 bhp and comparable torque. I will install 26R front A-arms to lower the front end. The front and rear will have adjustable spring perches. A slightly taller tire would be an asset in that it would reduce rpm for a given speed.

I currently have a set of Panasport 5-inch wide alloys and have recently purchased a set of 6-inch wide 26R alloys (aluminum, 5-pin). Will a 165R13 fit without rubbing for road use on the 5-inch rims?

What's the best track/street tire for a 6-inch 26R wheel for time trial/occasional track use?

Bill

I have Uniroyal RainExpert 165 R13 on 5.5-inch Lotus +2 K.O. rims on my S3 with 26R rear wings and the fit is no problem. In fact, when I bought the car it had Uniroyal 175 R13s on the rear but there was a slight rubbing on the spring perch. You should have no problem with 165s on 5-inch rims and probably even on 6-inchers.

[bill308]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Bill