Current thinking on 13" tires for S1-S2 Elans (2016)

[khamai]

What's the current thinking, recommendations for tires for stock S1/S2 Elans?

I've got Bridgestone RE92 that are 10 years old and they are well beyond what I consider safe (still lots of tread).

Thanks,
Kiyoshi

[Ross Robbins]

HI Kiyoshi,

I am a simple man with simple requirements and I have used Kumho Solus TA11, 155 X 13 for the last mounting and the previous generation of Kumho's before that with great satisfaction. Yes they are base line s**tbox tires but they are perfectly fine for hooning about the Colorado back country and are available at Tire Rack for $43.25 each

As I passed through Indianapolis with the Plus 2 where I needed tires fast without much to choose from that was in stock and could be mounted pronto, I got a set of Falken Sincera 175/70X13 from Discount Tire for about$52 per tire and they seem to work well too.

Both of these modern tires have rounded shoulders so they act like the original Dunlop SP41 tyres. They are certainly better than 10 year old anythings Now if you want the real thing, go to Coker Tire for Michelin XZX tires or for a pretty good facsimile Vredstein tires at about $125-$200 per corner

[kpcseven]

A thumbs up on the Vredesteins. They are on my Elan and Seven and I'm very happy with them. The tread pattern also looks kind of period.

[LI-599]

When I got my S4 back on the road in 2012, I had no experience with Elans so bought Michelin XM1 tyres for $150 which is pretty expensive here in Australia. Not only do they look cheap and nasty but the handling has been terrible. I have now had some alterations done to the rear suspension and handling has improved and will be ok till I can afford XAS which cost about$320 each .
Ian

[vstibbard]

I just completed and S1 Elan with 5x13 rims and used Maxxis H rated 165/70 13, the car has 155Bhp and I was very impressed with the tyres. I chose them as they were the only 70 series H rated tyre I could find.

Cheers

V

[johnstice]

With the embarrassing offerings we have to pick from stateside does it make sense to do a group buy and take advantage of buying from the UK? In talking to Tony Thompson they stated liking the Nexen CX688 tires and said they sold a lot of them.

[khamai]

Thanks everyone for your input.

Bottomline is 13" tires have all but dried up.

Kiyoshi

[Fred Talmadge]

Looks like our best source for now is folks like Coker Tires. https://www.cokertire.com/tires.html#p= ... ameter=113 They have a decent selection as long as you want vintage tires.

[pereirac]

A thumbs up on the Vredesteins. They are on my Elan and Seven and I'm very happy with them. The tread pattern also looks kind of period.

I have 155 HR 13 Vredestein tyres. Not overly expensive and look about right, very happy with them.

Carl

[pamitchell]

Have to agree on the Vredesteins 155x13. I ordered mine from Universal Tire in PA. Tires work very well on the Elan. Cost was very reasonable from an OEM. The installers at the shop said the 155 best suits the 4.5" rim as the sidewalks don't bulge our as in a wider tire. Makes for sharper handling & steering just like Colin wanted.

[Quart Meg Miles]

The installers at the shop said the 155 best suits the 4.5" rim as the sidewalks don't bulge our as in a wider tire. Makes for sharper handling & steering just like Colin wanted.

But for even for the S3 the specification was 145; 155 was specified for the S4 which has wider wheel arches.

Europe has lots of 145 makes available; I personally use a Michelin set (not XAS).

[Galwaylotus]

I like Uniroyal Rainexperts.

[bill308]

Meg,

155 was specified for my 1966 S2 SE and probably for the following S3 SE's.

Bill

[el-saturn]

................what surprises me: NOBODY mentions a modern tyre which can handle the power of a TC. in my opinion the tyres mentioned are adequate for vehicles for the disabled (i know and love my diabled friends btw!!): 30 to 60hp!!! and not 110 - 160!! i use a539 yokos 175 60 13 and 008s! sandy PS hope to get some critical replies

[rgh0]

Hi Sandy

Yoko A050R are the best current road legal 175/60 x 13 tyre for grip.

I did not think Yoko made 008's still ? and the A539 are good for a road tyre but you and they will get old before they wear out on an Elan.

cheers
Rohan