Tires again.........

[nomad]

Are 165/70 tires a no no on a stock S1 Elan???

Kurt

[quaybook]

No way you'd get 165s inside the standard rear arches on my S2, I don't reckon they would clear the standard rear springs either. I run 155s and the clearance in both respects is minimal. Perhaps I should also admit to a bias, I believe if you Elan has standard suspension, I firmly believe increasing tyre size will be detrimental to the feel and handling of the car. As standard the rear suspension generates big camber changes and wider tyres will therefore give you much less predictable handling.

Regards
Vernon

[elans3]

I agree with Vernon above, 145 x 13" on a stock S1, 155 x 13" as a maximum.
You'll lose the dynamism that the Elan is famed for if you go any wider on the stock wheels.
I've experienced wider tyres on cars that I've bought, and always changed them for the OE sizes on standard cars, much for the better IMO.

[khamai]

I run 165/70s on my S2 mounted on Panasport wheels (offset is more positive compared to stock). Clearance on the rear fenders is paper thin. So, it's possible, but very dependent upon the tire as same size tires will vary depending upon the manufacturer.

Kiyoshi

[TBG]

I run 165/70s on my S3 and find that the handling seems undisturbed but wet road grip is much better. Each to their own I should say. D

[Fred Talmadge]

I run 165/70s on my S3 and find that the handling seems undisturbed but wet road grip is much better. Each to their own I should say. D

S3, S4 and of course +2 can accommodate larger tires than the S1 & S2

I run 145R on my S2 and I can get the left rear to rub under hard cornering. Mostly because my body is not centered just right on the chassis. Also maybe my fat butt is contributing as well. (LHD in America)

[nomad]

Well, I was asking because Vredestein Quadtrac's are on sale on Tire Rack. Available in 165/70's or 145's. I've been a fan of 155/80's but none of them on the site.

I've run 145's on Spidgets and they are just so darn skinny! Drive beautifully but so easy to get out of shape with them.

Car had 145 XZX Michelins on it when it was laid up in the 1980's so I guess I could go back to 145's.

Kurt

[nomad]

Well, it turns out that the only Vredesteins being offered are the same as every other 13" tire being offered in the states. Huge big grooves running around the tire that will love to pick up rocks and fling them at tender fiberglass wheel wells. These tires, which I have on Spridgets, are also great for matching up to the rain grooves in many highways now days. The result is tires that throw you all over the road on those roads and require constant steering correction. I hate them! Any suggestions other than special order from Coker?

Kurt

[mbell]

Any suggestions other than special order from Coker?

I ordered some CN36 for my +2 from Longstone. Was good price/service/shipping much more competitive than Coker. Only a few miles on the tires so can't really comment on them yet, but probably worked out about $130 a corner fitted v $90 for cheap modern tire.

https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/tyres/145-13.html

[h20hamelan]

I enjoy my hydro-planing centric winters. Softer compound, say no more.
I also have order to Canada some Longstone, like them. Know nothing of the compound, but I suspect it is softer than anything made for heavier cars (or at least it feels softer).

[nomad]

Ah. decisions.
I'm accustomed to buying the rock throwing current offering 155/80/13 tires for half the Longstone Pirelli price and I haven't even considered freight from England yet. May have to fit a set of Kumho Solus and put up with rocks.

Kurt

[mbell]

Mine shipped for free. At some points it showed me a $60 for shipping thou, so not sure if I got lucky or not.

Tires are most important part on a car, a good set makes everything better (breaking, Corning, feel, safety etc etc) and a bad set everything worse. So worth spending a bit more money on imo.

Should be putting a couple of hundred miles on the car tomorrow. So will have better idea of they were worth it or not after that.

[h20hamelan]

My Longstone tyres were cheaper because the shipping is included. To the Wilds of BC, 10 hr to Vancouver or Calgary.
When it gets to 10 overnight (9 months of the year) I run the winters for safety sake. The winters are no cheaper than correct Longstone. + I like the rally type block pattern of the Longstone.

I too, think steering and stopping is as important as blow-outs, I run tyre pressure monitor.

[661]

Tires are most important part on a car, a good set makes everything better (breaking, Corning, feel, safety etc etc) and a bad set everything worse. So worth spending a bit more money on imo.

.

Apart from the spelling, obviously, I wholeheartedly endorse that statement.



( and the chiropody reference!!)

[nomad]

Well, I don't disagree about tire quality but have run the cheapest available on Sprites and Midgets for years without any problems. Their main flaw is longevity and that can vary a lot. For our needs a soft compound is a requisite. Still looking and trying to decide.....

Would love the Vredestein original Qautrac tread pattern if its available. May spring yet for the Pirelli's.

Kurt