Tyres: Pirellis/Yokos/what else?

[135sport]

Firstly, apologies if this has been disscussed to death previously. Secondly, I realise any replies will be based on subjective opinions. Having destroyed the rear tyres on Stelvio 2K last year, and then finally finishing them off with a series of 'interesting' driving demonstrations I am on the lookout for some replacements. The original fit Pirellis I found were OK in the dry but made the car feel twitchy and on a knife edge in the wet. Obviously I realise the car will not be the same in the wet as dry, but in my opinion it felt too twitchy. People I have spoke with have all come with suggestions, but the most seem to say good things about Yokohamas, particularly in the dry. I travelled a lot with a 340R on S2K and the driver did not like it in the wet, so I don't fancy those Yokos. Plus do they make them in standard Elise sizes? So I'll get to my point, has anyone else experienced other Yoko 'models' on their Elise and what are their opinions of the tyre. Tyre wear is a consideration but not a priority, as sometimes you find yourself doing unfriendly things to the tyres, plus at the moment it is not used as everday transport. Lastly, only the rears are shot, but should I look to replace the fronts at the same time, especially if I change make of tyre, or is this really only an issue on the track. Any comments or suggestions much appreciated. Thanks.

[fatbloke]

using Yoko A539's at the mo better in dry and wet than The Pirelli's don't know how long they'll last but it's said that it's longer than the A520's so probably as long as the Pirelli's Yoko make both sizes for your Elise.... shouldn't be a prob just changing the rears only.... would become very expensive to replace all four tyres because one set had worn out.... Used Brigdestones on my last car....SO2's these are also excellent......Bridgestone i'm informed don't make 185x55x15 though

[adrianr]

FWIW, no-one has yet come up with a reason NOT to fit the new Yokohama Advan Neova LTS, except that it means going to a Lotus dealer and buying 4 tyres in one go.

Factory RRP £425/set, incl VAT but plus fitting.

Cheers,
AdrianR


Edited by adrianr on Tuesday 8th January 09:29

[CJN]

I've got Yoko 648s on the rear & they are good in the dry & better than P Zero in the wet. From previous postings I recollect that the Toyo's need a heavier car to make them work optimally.

I'm going to try Bridgestones next time.

CJ

[scribbler]

Yep, Pirelli's horrible in wet. Swapped mine when worn out for the Yoko Neova Advan LTS on standard rims. You have to get them from Lotus dealers, cost about 110 pounds a corner, and they are much much better.
According to the Lotus parts Guy I dealt with they also were rated by all the customer who had fitted them, and were recomended by Lotus in an Email I sent to them asking for their opinion.
Get this, they actually felt better at 50 mph leaving the garage in the damp. More initial front end bite, and if I'm not mistaken more complience in the ride.

[JonRB]

quote:they actually felt better at 50 mph leaving the garage in the damp

You managed to exit the garage at 50mph? That's one accelerative little car you must have!

[actech]

I've had Bridgestones, Pirelli's and Yokohama's on my Elise and by far the best so far have been the Yoko's. I've got soft compound Advans A038R's on at the minute and although they can be a bit lively in the wet, in the dry and damp, they stick you to the road like your on rails.