Wider rear tyres?

[elanski]

Hello all.

I have just become a proud owner of an Elan Plus 2s

Still getting used to the car at the moment and learning all about it but so far am very happy.

One question though - The previous owner has fitted wider 185/70 tyres to the rear of the car. I've not seen this before although assumed it was a valid option. However, searching through here I cant find any reference to anyone one else ever doing it.

What would have been the benefit of this? Its not as if the car has 100s of hourse power it needs to put down through the rear wheels. Maybe PO just thought it looked good. Car seems to drive and handle fine but I wonder if I will notice improved handling by going back to all 4 tyres at 165/80 or would all 4 at 185/70 be better? Wheels are normal 13" +2 alloys.

Any comments suggestions welcome please.

[Jason1]

Hi and welcome

It very much depends on what suspension you have at the rear. Spyder Mk1 will allow bigger tyres but these will foul on the Issue 18 Lotus setup. Try to post a pic with the rear wheel off.

Jason

[m750rider]

One reason you would use the 185/70 is that 165 - 13 is hard to find (at least in the US) in a good performance tire, mostly all we can buy is low grade sedan tire. Just more available in 185/70.

[gerrym]

Echo M750rider's comments. Decent 185/70 R13 tyres are possible: mostly trailer or cheap and nasty budget tyres available in 165/80 R13 (UK). 175/70 is a bit small on diameter.

Regards
Gerry

[Jason1]

Hi

In the UK the best place I have found with the most choice is http://www.blackcircles.com/

Lots of choice of any size you want.

I was using 185/70/13 with the Spyder Mk1 rear suspension now I am using 165/70/13 with the issue 18 setup. I am not sure what size Spyder recommend with their new setup?

Jason

[peterako]

When I got my +2 it had 175/80's on the back and the standoard 165's on the front.

I'm on 165/80's all round now and much happier with the handling.

Others may dissagree

Peter