Elise S2 111S/R Winter wheel sizes

[S2111S]

Hi,

New here to posting but have been a long term reader of Elise posts, particularly the 111S v 111R debate and the daily driver opinions. All very useful - thanks.

I'm currently confused about wheel sizes when using winter tyres. The 2001 onwards Service Manual states:

Standard 5.5j x 16 with 175/55/R16
7.5j x 17 with 225/45/R17

Winter 5.5j x 15 with 185/55/R15
7j x 16 with 205/R16

However, the Federal Elise, albeit 2005 onwards Toyota, keeps the wheel J and diameter the same at 6.5j x 16 and 7.5j x 17, summer and winter.

So, not having seen wheel sizes mentioned in any of the winter tyre threads my question is why are the UK winter wheels reduced and the US winter wheels unchanged and is it ok to keep with the standard UK wheel sizes when changing to winter tyres?

Any responses greatly appreciated,

Simon

[drac]

I just checked my 2004 111R handbook. Winter tyres to be fitted to standard wheels.


Pirelli 210 Snowsport 195/50 R16 180kPa (26 psi) Cast alloy, 8 spoke Forged alloy 5.5J x 16, 7 twin-spoke 6.5J x 16
Pirelli 240 Snowsport 215/45 R17 190kPa (27.5 psi) 7.5J x 17

Of course I doubt these tyres are available now.

[kambites]

I'd guess it's just down to the availability of suitably sized winter tyres in the countries in question.

[S2111S]

Thanks very much, Drac. Snowsport now replaced by SottoZero 3 on the rear and Snow Control 3 on the front.

[Sheetmaself]

To be honest i was always astounded by how good the car was on ad07's

Big bag of books 49kg worth in the boot and there wasnt muct it couldnt get through including a fairly steep hill.

Only real time i got stuck was when the snow was higher than the front of the car and it just became a snow plough.

[S2111S]

Worth knowing Sheetmaself but I just can't bring myself to try it - getting old I guess.

[drac]

I have not run winter tyres but many years ago I used all season tyres and the were great in the cold wet conditions. I used standard Exige sizes on normal Elise wheels.

Having thought about, for real winter tyres with the possibility of snow/ice, I would completely ignore the advise above. I would find matching tyres that are available for both axles. Generally winter tyres are best narrower with a taller sidewall. Also in the Elise I would not want to reduce the ride height for winter conditions.

I would look at
185/55/16 on the front. This size would fit the narrower front wheel nicely.
205/50/17 rear more likely to cut through the conditions to maintain traction.

Both of these sizes are slightly larger diameter than exige sizes but less than 1cm. They are still smaller than the 205/50/16 and 235/45/17 combination that I run normally for road use admittedly on cup wheels with aftermarket suspension.

[Jonty355]

My S2 Exige is now wearing Michelin Alpin 5 winter tyres which are available in the standard Lotus tyre size for the Exige wheels.

[Beachbum]

I would take a look on SELOC. There have been numerous threads on this, if memory serves, one very long one, where numerous people posted their feedback on the tyres they had used