Minilites + Michelin XAS on Elan S4SE?

[elanbaby]

Hi,
I am about to buy a set of 5"x13" Minilites and Michelin XAS FF 155/80 HR13.

Tony Thompson Racing sells Knock Off Minilites for about 110GBP each. Michelin XAS are 160? each in Germany.

My Elan S4SE has knock off hubs as standard.

I read all articles in the archive but heard elsewhere that some aftermaket wheels might foul wheelarches or even brakes.

Has anybody experiences with this combination?

Thank you,
Juergen

[steveww]

I belive TTR is reselling genuine Minilites, you can also get them direct from Minilite. They are available with 95mm and 100mm backspace. As to which ones will fit your S4 is anyone's guess, no two Lotus are the same. The 100mm may catch the rear springs if you do not have 2.25" springs fitted. The 95mm may catch the wheel arches depending if the body is on the chasis straight. The only way to know for sure is try them.

I have a spare 100mm KO minilite if you want to borrow it. Opps just noticed you are in Germany so this may not be of much help.

[bcmc33]

Read what has been said recently in "Poly bushes & Spyder bones" before buying.
It is my intension to buy Minilites next year, but shall ask whomever I decide to buy them from to ensure that they are well balanced.
When I buy them I shall get the tyre fitter to check the wheel balance before fitting the tyres.



Brian Clarke

[Alasdair]

Juergen

After dreaming about Minilites for 40+ years, I just did the same update to my S4, knock on wheels came from Paul Matty. There is required measurement that needs to be done, rim to inside hub of your old steel wheel, once this is confirmed, the Minilite is then made to this size, I did mine at 94mm, l am lucky that there is clearence at the ourside A arm/rim area, I did have to cut away the fiberglass ledge inside both rear wings as there was slight rubbing on hard corners, I know think I have to do the fronts or, raise a 1/4in?

I also fitted the 2.5 adjustable springs in rear, and adustable Spax front. Not sure ride hight is perfect as yet, but the car rides very well if not a bit firm. Rear Koni shocks set arouind 1/3 from full soft.

Suggest you contact Ray at PM, wheels were 90 quid back this summer. By the way, I have 165 70 13 rubber.

Car sits and looks great with wheels alightly proud of the wings.

Good luck, a nice gift for any Elan.

Alasdair. Ontario, Canada.

[elanbaby]

Hi,
and thanks for the very fast replies! Will do measurements on standard steel rim first.

You mentioned how important well balanced alloys are. Obviously new rims without tyres should be well balanced.

Are Minilites known for beeing not consistently well made?

As I have to order them from England I don?t really have a chance to claim warranty if they?re bad as shipment is quite expensive.
Juergen

[Peter25]

Hi J?rgen,

i use the very same wheel/tyre combination on my S4 Sprint. Works very well and looks nice. Not much space left in the rear wheel arches, though.

Where are you located in Germany?

Peter
(Ruhrgebiet, Deutschland)

[elanbaby]

Hi Peter,
glad to hear they fit!
Where did you buy your Minilites? Paul Matty? TTR? Did you have them made to your specifications/ dimensions? How much did they cost?

Did you have any problems with balancing?

My Elan has 165/70 SR13 on original steel wheels which is also a tight fit. These Dunlop tyres aren?t allowed in Germany because of dimensions and speed rating and they?re pretty old anyway.

I live in Linz am Rhein, not far from Bonn. If you are around, stop by for a cup of coffee! And any other Elan driver too! Linz is a very old, small medieval town and well worth a visit.

Cheers,
Juergen