Elise S2 111s Tyres - 175/55/R16 to 195/50/R16
Discussion
What's the general consensus on going from a 175 width tyre on a S2 Elise up to 195?
Is this doable without too much compromise?
I'm looking go down the route of the Yoko Advan Sport V105.
Is this doable without too much compromise?
I'm looking go down the route of the Yoko Advan Sport V105.
- Edited to add that I have no plans for track use and will be fast road only.
Edited by sicasey on Thursday 30th January 09:28
Edited by sicasey on Thursday 30th January 15:12
That's what I've got on my 111r, I believe they're the recommended product now as you can't get a full set in the originally specified sizes.
I've never driven on the original width fronts so can't compare but I'm happy with mine. As for the compound, If it was a summer/track car I'd go for something stickier but I drive mine in all weathers.
If I remember correctly using wider tyres on the front was suggested by Lotus to reduce the S2s understeer.
I've never driven on the original width fronts so can't compare but I'm happy with mine. As for the compound, If it was a summer/track car I'd go for something stickier but I drive mine in all weathers.
If I remember correctly using wider tyres on the front was suggested by Lotus to reduce the S2s understeer.
The S3 Elise’s towards the end of production cam out of factory with v105 195 tyres, so you will not have a problem
As long as your wheels are 5.5j minimum
Some say the steering is compromised and heavier, but can’t say I noticed and were running 205 up front now on road rubber (AD08RS) and 195 on track (R888R) up front
Going to put 195 back for road rubber but switch to A052’s, then when the track rubber needs changing look at CRS
As long as your wheels are 5.5j minimum
Some say the steering is compromised and heavier, but can’t say I noticed and were running 205 up front now on road rubber (AD08RS) and 195 on track (R888R) up front
Going to put 195 back for road rubber but switch to A052’s, then when the track rubber needs changing look at CRS
Allegedly the original 175s were to put on the car to provide understeer, similar to people would have experienced in their previous FWD hot hatches.
195s were considered the correct width to provide a neutral feel
No idea how true the above is, however have heard it numerous times on numerous occasions in numerous forums.
195s were considered the correct width to provide a neutral feel
No idea how true the above is, however have heard it numerous times on numerous occasions in numerous forums.
The previous position was that you couldn't run 195s on the standard 5.5 inch rims, you had to upgrade to the 6 or 6.5 inch rims fitted to the Exige and some Elises.
Since then, and suitable 175 tyres becoming unavailable, Lotus have decided that they're fine.
I've been running 205 tyres on Exige Y spokes (6.5 inch) for years. I have some nice lightweight forged wheels I need to get round to fitting.
The wider front tyres in my opinion reduce understeer, improve braking performance, make the steering a little heavier, and rob a little bit of delicacy and feel, but not so much that it isn't still exceptional.
Since then, and suitable 175 tyres becoming unavailable, Lotus have decided that they're fine.
I've been running 205 tyres on Exige Y spokes (6.5 inch) for years. I have some nice lightweight forged wheels I need to get round to fitting.
The wider front tyres in my opinion reduce understeer, improve braking performance, make the steering a little heavier, and rob a little bit of delicacy and feel, but not so much that it isn't still exceptional.
I've just gone from 175 AD07s to 195 V105s on the standard 5.5 inch front rims of my S2 111S (whilst also going from AD07s to V105s on the rear). They look a bit odd, but they don't foul anything.
In terms of how the car drives they make the front end significantly less sharp, especially on initial turn-in, but they basically remove the under-steer which seemed inherent to the 175s. Steering actually feels lighter on the 195 V105s, possibly because they're a harder compound.
ETA: I'm running my car at 115/125mm front/rear, which is probably relevant to the fouling point.
In terms of how the car drives they make the front end significantly less sharp, especially on initial turn-in, but they basically remove the under-steer which seemed inherent to the 175s. Steering actually feels lighter on the 195 V105s, possibly because they're a harder compound.
ETA: I'm running my car at 115/125mm front/rear, which is probably relevant to the fouling point.
Edited by kambites on Friday 31st January 22:54
I went from 175 to 195 fronts on my S3 with the 6J forged front wheels.
It’s certainly made the turn in keener, the car rotates more sharply and it’s less prone to washing into understeer. The steering is weightier (which I actually prefer) but as others have said, perhaps a little delicacy is lost - you’d have to drive the tyres back to back to really notice this, though.
It’s certainly made the turn in keener, the car rotates more sharply and it’s less prone to washing into understeer. The steering is weightier (which I actually prefer) but as others have said, perhaps a little delicacy is lost - you’d have to drive the tyres back to back to really notice this, though.
kambites said:
In terms of how the car drives they make the front end significantly less sharp, especially on initial turn-in, but they basically remove the under-steer which seemed inherent to the 175s. Steering actually feels lighter on the 195 V105s, possibly because they're a harder compound.
I suspect that’s more because of the V105 than the size - I am a bit bewildered that Lotus chose a generic tyre that was essentially mid range in tests when it was new, when it was old. Pretty sure that it wasn’t because it was the best they could get!otolith said:
kambites said:
In terms of how the car drives they make the front end significantly less sharp, especially on initial turn-in, but they basically remove the under-steer which seemed inherent to the 175s. Steering actually feels lighter on the 195 V105s, possibly because they're a harder compound.
I suspect that’s more because of the V105 than the size - I am a bit bewildered that Lotus chose a generic tyre that was essentially mid range in tests when it was new, when it was old. Pretty sure that it wasn’t because it was the best they could get!For me, using my car as a year-round daily driver, the V105 is a significant upgrade on the AD07s which were on it before overall. I do mourn the loss of steering feel and sharpness to an extent (although it's still obviously better than most cars!) but for my usage the fact they actually grip from cold and are capable of displacing a decent amount of standing water is a bigger factor.
Edited by kambites on Saturday 1st February 20:04
Well, 195s have definitely resulted in reduced turn-in ability and overall feel but given the lack of 175 availability, there wasn't much choice other than to crack on with the swap.
Next up has to be a proper full geo, anything over 60mph feels light and sketchy with more steering wheel movement that I'd expect. It's likely far more pronounced following the extra tyre width on the front. Possibly bushes as well.
Next up has to be a proper full geo, anything over 60mph feels light and sketchy with more steering wheel movement that I'd expect. It's likely far more pronounced following the extra tyre width on the front. Possibly bushes as well.
Would be interesting to know what your 'before' measurements are when you get the geo done.
Lotus spec is 0mm toe on the fronts, when I had mine set up they advised 1mm toe out. It certainly made the car feel more planted under acceleration at high speed, should be better for turn in too.
Lotus spec is 0mm toe on the fronts, when I had mine set up they advised 1mm toe out. It certainly made the car feel more planted under acceleration at high speed, should be better for turn in too.
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