Will Michelin XAS 155 R13 fit an unmodified S3 SE?

[Stevie-Heathie]

A picture tells a thousand words, Andy, let me post a few alongside a rule so you can see the dimensions. Will do later this morning.

Steve

[Stevie-Heathie]

Here you go: measurements against a ruler of 155 R13 XAS (80 profile).

Obviously this in unmounted and uninflated. I’ll post some pics on the car in a day or so.

Delighted that they fit TBH, just a bit mystified as to the measurements. They look the business too ).

Procured from Dougal at Longstone, love dealing with those guys.

Best
Steve.

155 indicated but in reality it’s c 133mm

155 indicated but in reality it’s c 133mm

[elancoupe]

I think the “sidewall bulge” when mounted is what causes the clearance issues in the rear. I will be interested in the mounted measurements.

Are tubes mandatory with these?

[StressCraxx]

Are tubes mandatory with these?

Yes.

[elancoupe]

Ugh, makes them a no go for me.

[Andy8421]

Steve,

Thanks for the pictures, that is all very interesting. Clearly I don't understand what is going on here.

I had understood a 155 / 80 tyre had a contact patch of 155mm and a sidewall height of 0.8 x 155 = 124mm

Your measurements have a sidewall height of 110mm and and un-inflated width of 133mm. Interestingly, the ratio of your measured width to height is approximately 80%.

Dougal from Longstone posts on here from time to time. If he sees this, perhaps he could explain where I am going wrong.

[StressCraxx]

I believe the 155mm nominal size is the overall "cross section width" of the tire mounted and inflated on a specified rim, (for this size 4-1/2")

If you're looking for a sure fit, period correct tire for an S1,2,3 Elan, regardless of year, consider the Pirelli Cinturato 145/80-13 available from Pirelli Classic. They will fit, they drive great with good ride and progressive handling.

Best regards,
Dan Wise

[Stevie-Heathie]

Is this what they call a rubber fetish?

From my research the Pirelli Cinturato CA67 and the Michelin XAS FF are both period correct for our cars, and it was a tough but fun process weighing up the pros and cons and choosing which to go for.

The Pirelli was introduced in the 1950s, the Michelin in the 1960s, and was the world’s first asymmetric tread pattern I believe.

Both tyres handle well I believe, but I’m not ashamed to admit I went for the Michelin XAS FF in the end because they look so bloody cool - I love the tread pattern. Also I like the idea of the special French Formula compound. They do wear fast I’m told but given my mileage I think they’ll expire on time before they wear out.

Longstone Tyres carry both tyres in 145 r13 and 155 r13 and Dougal has some great videos on You Tube on both tyres.

The sizing is a bit odd but remember those measurements and photos in my previous post are unmounted and uninflated so probably somewhat misleading. Inflated photos and measurements to follow.

The main thing is they fit - see the title of this thread!

Best
Steve

[Stevie-Heathie]

Here’s a photo of the same XAS 155R13 mounted you a standard S3 4 1/2” wheel and inflated to 30 psi.

Also a pic of the wheel on the car. Looks fantastic, fits (just - tight on the rear).

Still nowhere near 155mm but I’m okay with that.

[simonriley11]

I recently fitted a set of Michelin XAS FF 155HR13 tyres to my 1966 S3 DHC - I bought them from Longstone Tyres.
Dougal said they would transform the roadholding and he was quite right - I was previously running 155/13 Vredesteins. They are fitted to standard K/O wheels and I have had no problems with clearance to the bodywork and chassis at the front or rear. My bodyshell is completely standard and the chassis is a Lotus galvanised item. The rear strut spring platforms had previously been slightly flattened on the outside and the tyre wall clears them by about 1/2 inch. The ride height front and rear is standard also.
They are expensive but the car now drives as it should - I've been driving Elans since 1976.

[Stevie-Heathie]

Simon I’ve done exactly the same switch as you on the same model car, hoping to drive for the first time today and looking forward to it immensely
Steve

[simonriley11]

Great - have fun.

I have experimented with the pressures and for fast(ish) road work but still with a decent ride I run 24psi front and 28psi rear.

For touring I run 21psi front and 25psi rear.

As always with Elans they are super-sensitive to tyre pressures.

[TBG]

As to tyre choice I used to love Yokohama A1s - but alas no longer made. So now I have NOKIAN i line that I think are just as good. 165/70/13 for me with no clearance problems. Great grip in dry and wet and quite comfortable. Worth a try in my view. Oh and they cost around £45............

[Stevie-Heathie]

Well that was incredible! My favourite Surrey Hills roads dispatched with some aplomb. Very very impressed with the XAS. The guys and gals at Michelin know what they are doing!

Took me a bit of experimentation pressures but 25psi front and 27psi rear seemed to work well. Very progressive breakaway, nice and compliant too.

Not so different to Simon’s pressures interestingly (and reassuringly )

I honestly don’t think she’s ever handled so well.

Expensive tyres yes, but I just can’t imagine there is anything better out there.

Best
Steve

[TBG]

"Very progressive breakaway" !!!

What sort of driving are you doing on the roads for goodness sake?

My tyres grip like muck on a blanket - no breakaway, just great control at any speed.