Minilite wheels

[shaun]

Progressing through my S4 restoration it's coming the time to choose some wheels , having looked at the option of trying to find some second hand knock on hubs new ones out of my budget , I've had to go back to the original bolt on hubs . Can anybody give me some advise on wheel diameter and width ? Do I stick to 5.5 x 13 or go to 6 x13 , 14 " has anybody got anybody got any experience of these sizes looking to fit minilites thanks

[alan.barker]

I think the standard rim is 5J (5") and imho on my Sprint i like the 155 tyres as original.
Personal choice.
Alan

[elanfan1]

Standard rim would be 13 x 4.5J but I don't think Minilite make the original size anymore (though I tried persuading them to do so many yeas ago and failed miserably). Nearest is 5J I believe and I recall few people have problems with that size. I think Panasoorts look very similar but again I don't think they do the original size. Minilite is a period modification at least and I think suits an Elan.

[paddy]

These are 5.5x13 with 165/70. They're wider than standard because of the 26R arches, but perhaps these are similar in width to the S4 arch?

Paddy

[Maulden7]

I have 5J bolt on Minilites on my S2, fitted with 175 width tyres, & yes, they do fit under the rear arches without any mods so this set up would be fine on the S4 / Sprint models.

However, the stops on the steering rack have to be enlarged to prevent the front tyres rubbing on the arb (hence the turning circle is a little larger - not a problem)

My wheels were manufactured some years ago by the previous Minilite company & not the present business, so I can't comment on the existing products.

Dave M.

[alan.barker]

Imho i would stay with 155 width. If you fit too wide when driving in the rain the car will slide more and lock front wheels easier. If you are looking for a good performance tyre Michelin XAS FF are good but at a price.
Another thing with wide tyres you will need to look at adjustable shocks and spring rates +++.
Your choice
Alan

[Mazzini]

I have a brand new set of TTR Elan bolt on minilites and new tyres if you're still looking. I think mine are 5 inch, they have the correct offset for an Elan with standard arches.

[cabc26b]

5" wheels should be the easy way to go. A 5.5inch should be able to fit s4 arches ( i made a set of 5.5 work with some effort on a type 26 body )

[denicholls2]

Imho i would stay with 155 width. If you fit too wide when driving in the rain the car will slide more and lock front wheels easier. If you are looking for a good performance tyre Michelin XAS FF are good but at a price.
Another thing with wide tyres you will need to look at adjustable shocks and spring rates +++.
Your choice

Yes. In the quest to do what every teenager does to their new wheels, I think that many overlook the reality that this car's suspension and fitment was designed by someone who arguably knew how to do that better than anyone. The passion people have for the cars over 50 years on and their continued competence in a technology-driven world speaks loudly to that.

There are reasons to modify, but "better" anything on a street car is not very likely to be one of them. If you have never driven the Elan in its stock configuration, I think you owe it the opportunity to dazzle you before you "fix" it. And provided you find good wheel and tire matches in the diminishing supply, you won't need to cut it up to get there. Perhaps Chunky had that in mind when he made the clearances so tight...

[knockoffnut]

having looked at the option of trying to find some second hand knock on hubs new ones out of my budget , I've had to go back to the original bolt on hubs .

Hi Shaun, I believe I have a spare set of used on knock-on hubs, available for sale, if you are still looking.

[zimzum]

I have for sale a set of 4 Minilite wheels (center lock) in 13" with a048 tires.
But I'm located near Paris, France...