Tyres for Kiwi Elan owners.

[reb53]

This query is directed at Elan owners in New Zealand.

The question of best tyres has been raised hundreds of times before but after looking through dozens of discussions I've realised that not many are relevant down here as our choice seems so limited.

So.......I've got a Sprint that needs new footware, preferably 155/80s.
I'm not going berserk, (anymore), so don't need anything too radical/expensive. Don't want to increase width either as I recall years ago having slightly wider tyres fouling wheelarches, especially on full lock and downhill.
Any ideas?

Ralph.
Napier.
71 Sprint

[bengalcharlie]

Hi Ralph,

I am form Auckland and I own a plus two.
I fitted ordinary Kumho's 165/13 and I am very happy with these. Inexpensive and readily available.
Tyres on the lotus are not that important for two reasons: tyre technology has progressed a 1000 fold in the last 30 years and the lotus suspension is so well engineered that the tyres have an easy job in comparison to many other cars.
It also helps that the lotus is a light car so less weight and stress on the tyres.
Bottom line is what do you want to spend. In my opinion you can not go wrong with any tyre choice.
Hope this helps
cheers
Robin

[bengalcharlie]

Hi Ralph,

I am form Auckland and I own a plus two.
I fitted ordinary Kumho's 165/13 and I am very happy with these. Inexpensive and readily available.
Tyres on the lotus are not that important for two reasons: tyre technology has progressed a 1000 fold in the last 30 years and the lotus suspension is so well engineered that the tyres have an easy job in comparison to many other cars.
It also helps that the lotus is a light car so less weight and stress on the tyres.
Bottom line is what do you want to spend. In my opinion you can not go wrong with any tyre choice.
Hope this helps
cheers
Robin

[reb53]

Hi Robin

So you reckon I should give the Michelins a miss at $360 a tyre?

Ringing around is heading me in the direction of Tony's for some Goodrich Sport TAs at $85 which sounds a bit more reasonable.

Ralph.

[bengalcharlie]

Hi Ralph,

Absolutely, 360 is money wasted!
The michelins tyres always used to be quite hard wearing tyres and I think the lotus needs a softer tyre.
I fitted 165/80R13 and I am very happy as mentioned above.
85 sounds very resonable, I think I paid that myself many years ago.
cheers
Robin

[reb53]

Hi Robin

Fitted Goodrichs yesterday.

Re-do the rego, get a warrant and in a few days be out of hibernation and back on the road for a long, hot Kiwi summer!
( Sometimes feel quite sorry for the Brits....)

Thanks for the advice

Ralph.