Latest tyre suggestions needed

[Melodyk]

I've been reading posts about tyres for +2 but they seems to go back five years or more. What are the best options now? I have the standard knock on wheels and have just fitted Tony Thompson front and rear road shock absorbers/springs. I would like to keep the tyres as near standard as possible and don't want to pay more than about ?50 each. What are the best ones to consider? What size is best?

I found Nexen in the original size on http://www.classictyres.com (165/80TR-13 NEXEN SB802 CAR TYRE: ROAD) but I have no idea if they are any good.

Also we have a set of Dunlop Aquajets that were bought in 2000. They have plenty of tread but as they are old we won't be using them. Does anyone want them just for originality?

[cal44]

Vredestein is what I will be buying for the Plus 2. Had them on my 356 and was quite pleased.

[Iyarno]

I've recently got myself a set of Dunlop Street Response 175/70 13. They replace the SP10's I think and are available from most decent tyre places. Some good prices online if you shop around. They look good, fit the knock-ons perfectly and are modern looking with the original name on the sidewall. Very nice ride but can't really compare to any others. Previously I was running 40 year old Dunlops which soon disintegrated.

[elansprint71]

I fitted a pair of Nexen tyres on a modern VW; they were absolute crap. They had very poor wet-weather grip and wore out in double-quick time.
Continentals cost twice as much but lasted three+ times as long and had amazing grip in the wet, even when nearly worn out. Not an option for Elans but forget the Nexens!

[jimj]

Of all the things in all the world the last thing I`d want to economise on is tyres. I`m on Goodyears GTs which are fine on an S3 Elan but I hear good things about Vredesteins.
Jim

[andyelan]

Hi There

I've got Goodyear GTs (165 80 x13) on my Plus 2 and they seem fine

I see that Falken tyres (www.falkentyres-uk.com) have been mentioned in one of the classic car mags this month. I've no idea what these are like but they might be worth a look

Andy

[Galwaylotus]

I had Falkens on my 1990 Mini. They were ok. I'll be replacing the Barum (front) and Uniroyal (rear) tyres on my S3 (10 years old tyres this year) and am considering Uniroyal RainExperts. I have them on my 2001 Polo and the wet grip is phenomenal. I previously had them in a larger size on a Skoda Octavia. Uniroyal is part of the Continental stable and reasonably priced. Made in Europe. The other option for me is the Vredestein. I'm despairing of finding a good reasonably priced H-rated tyre to fit my car.

[innesw]

I've also been looking out for new tyres.

I have decided to go for Vredestien, contacted them today and they were very helpful on tyre choice. I asked them for the best performance tyre out of the 4 tyre options avaliable in 165/80R13.

Sprint
Sprint +
Sprint Classic
T-Trac

All of them are only T rated but I think 118 mph is more than enough for me...

And they responded straight away by email saying that the best for wet and dry grip out of those tyres is the Sprint +. Looking on the internet and phoning around for prices I found that the Sprint + tyre is also cheaper than the Sprint Classic and T-Trac. So I'm going for them!

Innes

[Sea Ranch]

Innes, thanks for sharing this info.

Just to clarify: the Sprint Classic and T-Trac are the more expensive, but for wet and dry grip, the company suggests the Sprint + is the best of the four. No?

Thanks. For those of us in North America, Coker seems to carry Sprint Plus and Classic:
http://www.cokertire.com/brands/vredest ... e/p/1.html

Randy

[innesw]

Sorry Randy was in a rush earlier and the post didn't quite come out as intended, have adjusted it ^ . Vredestien didn't mention any prices and advised me purely which tyre would be best for performance on the Plus 2.

Hope that helps,

Innes

[Melodyk]

Does anyone have any knowledge of Camac? 165TR13 CAMAC NC80. Available through Classic Tyres and quite cheap.

[Galwaylotus]

Camac seems to be a Portuguese tyre manufacturer that does quite e line in vintage tyre sizes and constructions.

[kstrutt11]

I fitted Yokohama 175/70 13's (I think they were a-drive) they are superb and transformed the car.


Kevin

[Melodyk]

I emailed Club Lotus members and Uniroyals were recommended. I spoke to Paul Matty's and they buy Uniroyals too. So I have bought a set of Uniroyal Rain Master in 165/80 size.

[cal44]

Just got back from picking up the mounted Vredesteins (165/13) on the bead blasted/ powder coated factory rims.......sweet.

Went back too silver as the PO painted them black with a rattle can.... doh!......now you can see the neat holes go round and round...........

As usual the tire is a quarter inch away from the spring perch, which, I will never understand the design/engineering point of view putting the stinkin' tire, the thing that your life could depend on, a quarter inch away from steel........
With all the fender there could have been another 1" offset on the wheel.



Mike