Tyres

[andyhodg]

I know its an old chestnut but I am considering fitting a set of Dunlop SP Sport 200 tyres 175/70R13 to my +2. Does anyone have any experience of running this size of tyre? I know the rolling radius is a bit smaller than the standard 165/80R13. What diiference will this make to the driving experience. From what I've read on the web the Dunlops are quite well thought of.

Any comments would be welcome.

Andy

[Dave_Newcastle]

Andy

I have fitted this summer, 175/70 R14 Dunlop Sport 200E which are very similar to the Sport 200. I am running on 14x6 minilites.

Previously was on 165 r13 on lotus alloys.

The car felt better and more stable than previous which I put down to the lower sidewalls rather than the brand of tyre. Certainly at rest if you push the car side to side at the rear there is less side to side movement than before, and I see no reason why you wouldnt get the same effect on the 13" wheels.

The tyres are slightly noisier than before, though I dont think the dunlops are especially noisy. We had the dunlops on a bmw mini one from new. They were quieter than the pirellis that replaced them.

Hopefully someone else can give you direct experience of the 175/70 profile on a 13 " rim.

I dont regret choosing the Dunlops.


Dave

[SADLOTUS]

Sorry but I can't give you guide as to the difference in ride between 175 and 165 section tyres, but here's a handy calculator on the the speedo error question..... about half way down this page.

A tyre size calculator.

http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html

[mac5777]

SADLOTUS, thanks for the guide to the bible!!! Best information on wheels and tires I have read.
Sarto

[Brian]

Has anybody tried 185/70-13's on their +2, these having the same rolling radius as 165/80-13's. Any problems with fouling of the bodywork!?
Many thanks.

[Hamish Coutts]

Brian,

Doubt if that size of tyre would foul the bodywork. I would be more concerned with the clearance between the inside of the tyre and the rear spring seat. I had 175/70/13s and there was less than ?" between tyre and spring seat.

Hamish.

[chrishewett]

Brian,
The 1968 +2 I am breaking has 185 70 R13 Pirelli P6 tyres. There is no problem with clearance that I can see although I havn't driven it.
Chris

[andyhodg]

Hamish

Did you notice much difference when running on the 175/70's to the gearing or speedo error. I notice that the 175/70R13's are 3.5% smaller rolling radius that the 165/80/13's that I am currently using. (The tyre calculator that I used suggested no more than a 2.5% change)

Regards

Andy

[thor]

I had 185/70s on mine, and they felt too big/wide for the car, though roadholdingwise quite good- I swapped this summer for originals, Firestone 165/80R13, and LOVE the delicate handling with these, easier to break the tail out, but a lot more predictable, and a LOT more comfortable without losing the sporty edge. NOT a lot lost on the roadholding.
I'd never change back, and this is the first time I've actually reverted, having had a GT6 with 185/60 instead of 165s, and a TR4A with 195/50 instead of 185/70.

Now I'll never look back,as the delicate handling characteristics of narrower, taller profiles are much undervalued ....

[Brian]

Many thanks gentlemen for your info. I haven't as yet driven on these tyres as busy replacing clutch and brake master cylinders together with refurbished pedal box.
Thanks again
Brian

[Matt]

I have 185/70 R13 Yoko's (A-021R) on my car It feels like its bonded to the road, yet still sharp and sensitive. I felt that a soft tyre was better for a light car and the choice of soft rubber out there in 165's was some what limited.

Matt

[zeteclotus]

Have a look at www.mytyres.co.uk the selection of 165 80 13 is huge

I have bought tyres from here and had a local independent fit them. so no more big chain bull shit about availability!

I have tried 185's 175's and 165's on the same car and 165 80 13 is the best in my opinion.

[steveww]

You can get the Michelin XAS FF in 165x80x13 and it is a H rated (130mph) tyre. The right size with a stiff sidewall and sticky compound. Not cheap but then the best never is.

[Matt]

Michelin XAS FF in 165x80x13's do look good

Has anyone here got them fitted ?

[steveww]

Of course I have the 155x80x13 on my S4 and I know a number of other people of this forum have fitted them to their Elan +0 as well. My guess would be that the characteristics would be the same for the +2 on 165x80x13.

The stiff sidewall make the car much more stable and makes it feel considerably more planted on the road. The soft compound gives very modern levels of grip but looses none of the delicate handling. It retains the neutral handling only now everything happens at higher g. If you look on my web site (www.stig.uklinux.net) in the gallery you will see a picture of my car cornering at a track day.