Tires: US Source for RE92's and any other tire suggestions

[mopho]

Just had a sidewall puncture in one of my fairly new Bridgestone RE92's and apparently TireRack is out of them and not sure when they are going to get any more (hopefully they won't be discontinued)

Any suggestions for another US source for RE92's in a 165/65/13?

Any suggestions for any other performance tires in a similar size?
Car is lowered, so I don't think I can go much bigger without adding fender flares.
What is the maximum tire size that can be fit on an S3?

[Vanden Perre]

I wouldn't go over 165 wide tyres (if you have original diameter rear suspension springs). On my 1966 S3 coupe, with 165 I sometimes (when driving fast in corners) notice slight contact between the inside wall of the tyre and the platform on which the spring sits. I intend to try to increase tyre pressure (to reduce deformation). If it does not work I will change for 155 tyres. Of course this could also be influenced by the rigidity of the tyres side walls.

Olivier.

[mopho]

Forgot to mention that I have narrow spring perches/Springs, so that is not really an issue

[chicagojeff]

Morgan,
that is not good news about the RE 92s...what are we gonna do in the states? anyone interested in putting together a larger order for something that will fit the narrow rims of a stock Elan setup?

Jeff in Chicago

[mopho]

I am putting a call into Bridgestone tomorrow to see what the prognosis is

[mopho]

Really bad news, the tire has been discontinued in that size

[pamitchell]

I've been looking at replacing my Dunlops with Vredesteins which are available in the USA from Universal Tire, Hershey PA. They have 155 & 165x13. I wrote to Vredestein NL to ask the tire data.
http://www.universaltire.com/cart.php?t ... ory_id=340

For Vredestein Sprint + 155R 13 82 T
Section width 157 mm 6.18"
Overall Dia. 588MM 23.15"
Rim 4.5J x 15
Rolling circumference 1765mm 69.49"

[RotoFlexible]

I just replaced old Michelins with the Vredestein Sprint+ size 155R13. They look nice but I haven't tried them yet because the car is not quite back on the road yet. Maybe this weekend if the muffler is finished and it doesn't snow .

All smileys aside, this doesn't help if a 65-series tire is what is wanted. Vredestein makes the "T-Trac" which comes in both 165/65R13 and 165/70R13, but it's not available in the US.

By the way, if you go for Vredestein Sprint+, shop around. When I bought them, I did better here than I would have at Universal or Coker.

[mopho]

My car is way too modified for the Vredestein's, I need a performance tire. The RE92's were already a compromise because it seems I can't fit anything bigger under the car without fender flares, but they turned out to be not so bad on the road, especially when they get worn down a bit.

I did find a place that had one last set in their warehouse, so I bought myself some time, but it's looking like I am going to have to save my pennies for some 26r style fender flares or give up on the car

[Rob_LaMoreaux]

From what I have seen the last couple of years we will all be forced to buy tires from Coker (www.coker.com) soon.

It appears that all 13 inch tires are being discontinued because people want 19 inch tires on their cars. Of course they want those overly large tires because they don't know much about handling and the effect of all that weight.

13 inch performance tires were mostly discontinued last year and it looks like the regular 13 inch tires are next. I may be stuck having to get a trailer to take the car to autocrosses since Hoosiers are street compatible.

Rob

[pamitchell]

Andrew;

Let us know what you think of the Sprint + when you get on the road.
TIA
Phil

[jayrz]

Hey Mopho,

ever think about Avon vintage Formula Ford tires. I was at LOG27 at Steamboat and saw a gorgeous light blue S2 wearing these 22/5/13 Avons. he said they were available here and sold as fronts for the Vintage FF crowd. looked great and obviously very minimal tread. Other tire to consider, and the ones I am putting on my Toyota 4AGE powered 61 Midget is the Sumitomo HTR200 in 175/50-13.

RZ

[RotoFlexible]

My car is way too modified for the Vredestein's, I need a performance tire.

The Sprint+ is a retro tire, but the T-Trac looks like a good performer - although it is at the low end of their "summer performance" range. But as I noted, I have yet to see them anywhere in the US.

[mopho]

Hey Mopho,

ever think about Avon vintage Formula Ford tires. I was at LOG27 at Steamboat and saw a gorgeous light blue S2 wearing these 22/5/13 Avons. he said they were available here and sold as fronts for the Vintage FF crowd. looked great and obviously very minimal tread. Other tire to consider, and the ones I am putting on my Toyota 4AGE powered 61 Midget is the Sumitomo HTR200 in 175/50-13.

RZ

I've seen pictures of that car, do you know who it is?
Can those Avon race tires be safely used on the road?

I am pretty sure the Sumitomo's won't fit, but they are also 7% smaller in circumference than the RE92's which are already much smaller than the car was geared for

[lotusdelta]

Hi everyone,

We talked about this before on this thread but heres my 2 cents worth.

People are always looking for differenr results from their tires.

I bought the Vresdestein Sprint+ tires in 155x13 for my elan and love em.

I wanted a rounded profile tire with a vintage look and they fit the bill.
Plus the up side is they were like $59 or so at universal tire. ( I live 15 miles from them and picked them up ) . There has been no rubbing and they are quiet . they provide the cornering grip I am looking for . All good.
My theory is they came with 155x13 so thats what they get. Who am I to argue with Cloin Chapman.

Thanks all
David
72 elan sprint coupe