Tire choices left of the Pond

[Sea Ranch]

Greetings. Two good threads regarding "tyres" going on currently in the "Plus 2" area, but my search online seems to show there's a difference between what's available in North America and Europe.

I've visited the Coker site and checked the major manufacturers' sites, but wanted to see what others were finding in terms of "product on the ground", available in North America.

Personally, I've got 185/70 13 on right now, with stock suspension and no rub issues, but when I replace, I want as much rolling circumference/diameter as possible, to help with gearing (and of course I'm looking for a reasonable price, too).

What about the rest of you? Found a good tire and/or a good supplier? 175/80 13, anyone?

Randy

[Sea Ranch]

For Michelins, love the diameter of this ZX:
http://www.cokertire.com/tire-styles/ra ... in-zx.html

. . . compared to this Vredestein:
http://www.cokertire.com/tire-styles/ra ... print.html

. . . but the Michelin is more than triple the price and I don't know what it's driving quality and wear is like?

[cal44]

Randy,

by my math it is less than two inches different between that and the Vredestein. I just put Michelin light truck tires on my Expedition that were $235 ea. and those things are huge.

How on earth can they charge $275 for a tiny tire?................I will be installing the Dutch tire for $80.00 a pop. I had them on my 356 and they work very well. I too would like to get the RPM's down but I reckon it ain't in the cards until someone mass produces a five speed.

Mike

[Sea Ranch]

Hi, Mike,

The Michelin is "Built in the authentic molds" . . . hmmm . . . If it's a Michelin, then we assume it is built in the authentic molds. Guess they're saying they still have the original molds/tooling to make this old school tire. But in any case, still a lot of money.

When we were down in your neck of the woods this past summer, we arranged to buy tires from Evan Tire; really liked those guys and their pricing/policy. Given the shipping charge from Coker, perhaps you should look into what Evans will bring in . . . ?

But good to hear of your positive experience with Vredestein. Do you remember the particular model?

[cal44]

Randy,

Although the 356 had Vredestein Sprint Classics, the Lotus size tire would be the Sprint Plus at $84 a pop.

At $275 ea. for Michelin even I have to draw the line on some things.....the darn tire is the size of a Texas donut.

[Bill]

Randy

I changed out my tired Michelins to Pirelie P2500 Euro 155/80 R13 a couple of years back. No complaints- nice and neatral. Got them through Big O, they were not a catalogue item, I am happy with them

Are you going to the ABFM - the 60th anniversary of Lotus is the theme this year.

Bill (sticks / ice eh')

[Sea Ranch]

Thanks for the tip, Bill. I think that's a good idea: hit up local tire stores to see what they're willing to bring in.

Yes, am planning to be at ABFM, with my car (even if I have to put temporary insurance on it) (don't know how it will do at Air Care, and won't have a lot of time to tune, as I'm in the throes of rebuilding my deck into a deck-over-shop). Hope to see you there!! Right?

Randy