Esprit V8 alloy wheels

[t1grm]

Looking around at V8 GT’s and SE’s some have smooth rounded spokes on the wheels and others have flat faced spokes like ErnestM’s:



The rounded spokes seem more common so I assume are standard fit. Were the flat faced ones an optional extra or a styling revision for a later model year? If an upgrade what are they called? I’m looking at UK models BTW, not sure if it’s the same in the US..

Edited to add: Here's one with the round spoke wheels:



>>> Edited by t1grm on Thursday 22 July 15:18

[feffman]

T1:

The flat faced wheels were produced for Lotus by a British firm, AWI and were fitted to the 1997-1998 V8's. The later wheel, with the rounded spokes was produced by OZ for Lotus. The later wheel, called an OZ Saturn, was on the 1999-2001 V8's.

I just purchased what I believe is the last new AWI wheel in the USA to have a complete set for my 1999 V8. I even contacted dealers and salavage yards in The UK with no luck! I use the OZ Saturn wheel for my track tires.

Mark Pfeffer

[t1grm]

Mark

Thanks for the info. I prefer the AWI's but am looking at a post 99 car so looks like I'll have to retro fit them like you have done.

Thanks

Gary

[ErnestM]

I actually considered ditching my AWI's a while back but decided to keep them simply because of how rare they are.

Also, my maintenance guys (Dimmitt in Clearwater Florida) have a really excellent wheel refurbisher outfit and they make sure that my wheels stay in tip top shape (no curbing, scratches, etc)

ErnestM

[mlumb]

strange that'cos ive just done the opposite and gone to saturns,still like the others though.

mike.

[markuskj]

Slightly On topic can anyone tell me the tire pressures for a 96 V8?

[ErnestM]

Tyre Pressure - US - 29 lbs is what the manual says unless you travel constantly over 120mph then it is slightly higher...

(This is off the top of my head so I will check when I get home and edit if appropriate - and also add in metric)

ErnestM

[markuskj]

Forgive my ignorance but is US 29 lbs the same as PSI? This is the measure I have always used for pressure in tires?

Thanks

MKJ

[ErnestM]

markuskj said:

Forgive my ignorance but is US 29 lbs the same as PSI? This is the measure I have always used for pressure in tires? Thanks MKJ

I believe so... (I thought maybe you guys used the metric ratings)...

ErnestM

[GKP]

A point to remember is that the AWI rear wheels were subject to a recall a couple of years ago (there were reports of a small number suffering from fractures).

Lotus were very diligent and replaced them all, but it might be worth checking that any second hand ones you buy, haven't slipped through the net.