Possible tire size on Lotus Brand Knock on alloys ????????

[seho]

Hi.
Well the title says it all.
I just bought an early +2, late 67, number 0189, fitted with KO Lotus alloys, and 4 nice, completely dried on the sides, tires.
I would have like to go just a little up in width as they are the original size, 165/80/13, and I think they doesn't look right especially on the back, and you don't find many "performance" tires in this size.
Seems that 185/70/13 would be very close in circumference, ride height and look good, not modern square like when fitted to Zetec +2s with 14', but would they fit ?
I'm worried about 2 things :
- Will they fit on the wheels which are 5.5' as far as I know ?
-Will they fit inside the rear wheel arches are the actual one look already very close to the suspension leg ?

Thanks to anybody who can help with some experience in this matter.

Regards.

[summerinmaine]

There's a 175/70 thread going on in TIC. Take a look there, and it's always valuable to do an archive search.

Welcome.

[Baggy2]

185/70 x 13's were all right on mine althought they did lightly 'kiss' the bottom spring platform on the rear upright. This is easily 'adjusted' by putting a small flat at potential contact point with a hammer. I've driven many thousands of road miles like this - not so sure about it for track days etc though.
Baggy

[kstrutt11]

I have yokohama 175/70 on mine, good grip and just look a little chunkier than the originals, I have also slightly flattened the rear spring perch to give a bit more clearance, otherwise no problems.

[Uboat]

175/70 is ok on my late +2 with a centimeter in clearance to the spring platform in the back suspension. I have cheap Michelin Energys. Grip is fine, although I don't know how they will behave on a track, I have tried to provoke a slide on twisty tarmac, but haven't succeded yet.
I think I will go for 185/70 next time as 175/70s are a little too small in diameter and does not completely fill the wheel houses.