64 Elan - replacement wheels/tyres

[jkatthehelm]

Hi
Can anyone help me identify a suitable minilite replica? Am looking at 5 x 13 minators - any experience? Also, would be interested to hear experiences with tyres - 155/80 vs 165/70?
Thanks to all for any help!
James

[Dag-Henning]

James, - I have used Minator 5,5 x 13 from TTR , and think they are OK. They come slightly modified to clear the boltheads of the rear A-brackets, but you may still have to grind the bolt-heads a little bit. Believe they are ?350 per set of 4 incl. nuts., and do fit the narrow bodied S1/S2.
For tires, I have used Yokos 032 in 155/65, but they are a little too small in dia, and you may prefer something else......They work well for me though.

Dag

[jkatthehelm]

thanks Dag - where are the wheels modified? I guess it's around the outside rim? Do you know what the backspace is on the 5.5s?
Cheers!
James

[Dag-Henning]

James, they have a little material taken off inside on the flat section of the rim, just to clear the bolt-heads. I do not remember the exact back-space, but I can try to measure it up.

Dag

[Emma-Knight]

James,

check the symmetrie of Your car - my S2 is on 5/13 Minators
which came from CN - they have tight clearance at the A-frame bolts,
but as the car is slightly asymmetrical, the nearside 155/80 rubbs at
the upper wheel arch. Just enough to take the "Dunlop" off the tire...
Offside has one inch clearance! (No repairs on body/original chassis)

Anna

[steveww]

Get the real thing from www.minilite.co.uk. You need to be careful which backspace you use. See www.stig.uklinux.net for some more details.

[jkatthehelm]

Thanks to all!!
Emma, my car is also not symmetrical, and I intend to try to "centre" it on the chassis!
Dag, if you get a chance to measure it that would be really useful!
Thanks to all!!
James

[mark030358]

steveww
Checked out your web site really cool. Three questions for you on minilites and XAS tyres. On your web site you say :-
".... problem is that the Minilites are 5 x 13 instead of the original 4.5 x 13. The good news is that they will fit as long as you are sensible with tyre choice..."

1) So I presume the 155x80x13 XAS tyres are ok?
2) When you ordered yor minilites how did you know which would be correct?
3) How much (roughly) for a set of minilites?

cheers
Mark

[steveww]

Some answers:

1) Yes the XAS 155x80x13 are what are fitted to my S4

2) I did not know what would be correct. I was advised to try the 95mm back space first. I did this but found that it was too close from the side of the tyre to the wheel arch. So minilite exchanged them for 100mm back space. With 100mm back space you may find it is a bit close from the inside tyre wall to the spring platform. The sping platform can be pushed in a bit with a big hammer.

3) IIRC they were ?95 each.

[mark030358]

Steve
Thanks for the reply.
Just measured the car up and its square ( to a couple of mm). I measure the gap from the spring seat (standard unit) to the tyre and on both sides I have approx 4mm. Given this which offset would you tentativley recommed? If I went to 2.25" springs what do you think would suit best
Many thanks
Mark

ps did you notice any difference after fitting the new wheels?

[miked]

Steve, I have had a look on your site and you have wet got me interested in some wheels (same as Mark).

So your answer to Marks question about the difference also interests me. Dead true wheels with good tyres!

I take it the tyres you mention have pretty good side wall strength?
I have the standard wheels. Although in very good condition they are the rivot type.

Mike

[steveww]

Thanks for the comments on my web site, it is nice to know that it is useful.

The minilites are quite a bit lighter than the original steel wheels thus saving some unsprung weight, which is always a good thing. Initially I installed the minilites with the tyres from the old steel wheels (Dunlop SP10). There was an improvement in stability, I guess the reduction in unspring weight and the extra 0.5" of wheel width stabilising the tyre more. Next I had the XAS fitted. Wow what a difference These tyres must have a much stiffer sidewall as the stability improved significantly and there is so much more grip. Before I could get the car sideways in the dry in second or third gears on any bend now there is so much more grip the level of commitment required to get a slide going is not appropriate on the road. However on the track the handling is still progessive and slides are still easy to catch and control. They are not inexpensive tyres but worth every penny if you like to press on a bit on the open road. Remember those four little contact patches are all that keeps you on the road.

As I said earlier the best approach is to try the 95mm backspace first. Speak to minilite and say that you want the wheels for an Elan and they will understand, they were very helpful for me.

[miked]

Steve,

Sounds like a good outcome and like you are used to driving the Elan. Re: the SP10's, when you talk about side ways are you meaning just some slight tail break away when powering out of a fast tight bend or soemthing more exciting on less tight bends. I think I need some lessons!

Mike

Ps I am not the old bill.

[steveww]

On the track of course.....

No I am talking about full opposite lock no just a little wiggle. The Elan is such a great handlng car the full "Tiff Needell" is quite easy to do. The secret is to play the throttle once the slide is going not just lift off the gas. I recommend a track day or two and book some lessons. I am not sure you would still get away with this but.... When I was a lad before CCTV etc we used to go out to industrial estates on a Sunday morning to practice our handbrake turns and slides

[jkatthehelm]

Thanks Guys - anyway, to get back on subject, does anyone have a contact number for minilite wheels? The URL doesn't seem to work>
cheers
j