v quick tyre question

[tuscan_thunder]

Will 195 width tyres fit on the standard front Elise rims? (I'm on 185s just now)

[tonyhetherington]

just done a very quick search in seloc for you and come up with the following;

http://forums.seloc.org/viewthread.php?tid=55767#pid

http://forums.seloc.org/viewthread.php?tid=63942#pid

http://forums.seloc.org/viewthread.php?tid=67912#pid

http://forums.seloc.org/viewthread.php?tid=49292#pid

(there are others too). To conclude; yes they fit, and many do it!

[tuscan_thunder]

Thank you very much! (I'm not registered on SELOC and a PH search didn't show anything up).

[tonyhetherington]

no probs

Do you have to be a member to view the posts there, then? if so, sorry, I didn't realise! However, like I say, the conclusion is yes they fit and many do it - it boils down to personal choice (because, of course, it can affect the handling of the car)

[tuscan_thunder]

Yes, you need to be registered.

I think that the increase in width should be ok, I'll maybe just knock a PSI or two out of the front, but I doubt I'll notice any detriment as I'm moving from fairly knackered P-Zeros so I think anything will be an improvement - might as well get it geo'd at the same time as it's been about 8months since the last one and it's bound to be slightly out.
I'll maybe play about with the dampers settings but I'll see how things feel for a start. (Think I'll fit Eagle F1 GS-D3s btw but have a feeling that'll open a can of worms on here)

thanks again

[tonyhetherington]

I'm interested to see people's responses. I bought my car from a dealer in May and there were 4 brand new RE040s put on (result ) so I've not yet looked into the tyre discussion.

I have had some GS-D3's before (on different car) and thought they were good - no experience on Elise tho!

[tuscan_thunder]

tonyhetherington said:

I'm interested to see people's responses. I bought my car from a dealer in May and there were 4 brand new RE040s put on (result ) so I've not yet looked into the tyre discussion. I have had some GS-D3's before (on different car) and thought they were good - no experience on Elise tho!

I've had GS- D2s but never D3s. Thought the D2s took some beating as an all round tyre. Think they're worth a try - I can get a full set for £225 so I'm inclined to give them a go

[shangani]

Many of the threads on this subject have been S2 owners like myself looking to run yoko 048's on the track, but are blessed with the simply colossal 5.5J front rims. People do run 048's on standard rims, but there are issues with tyre wall flex etc that may negatively impact on handling. I had the option of getting a second set of brand new 111s S2 rims (like the ones I have already) with brand new Bridgestones for £600 to replace my worn tyres and then putting 048's on my existing rims. I was recommended against this.

For the S1, running 15 inch fronts, you have a few more options. Are you running 225 rears or 205 rears. If 225 rears, then 195 eg advans will be great. If running narrower rears (205), you may be getting good front end grip, but be left with a car more prone to oversteer.

If you opt for sticky rubber - Yoko 048's / toyo 888's, you will probably need a suspension upgrade as well.

[RobM77]

Would anyone mind if I hi-jack quickly? The S2 supposedly runs bespoke tyres as standard, and these are supposed to be softer at the front than at the rear to balance the car. If these are bespoke, can you get them from anywhere other than a Lotus dealer?

Not a burning question, but for someone about to purchase an S2 I just wondered.

[shangani]

The S2 fronts are 175/55 16 RE 040's dot code CFE. They can be had at any tyre dealer. AFAIK there is no other dot code for this size. Normal rears (VX220) are 225/45 17 and are dot code CFE. The lotus onees are the same size code DCK. Many people run CFE rears as they are cheaper - about £30 a tyre. Just drop the psi by 2 to compensate for the stiffer side walls. You can still get them from some tyre dealers.

New lotus recommended tyres are same size yokohame AD07's - they are lotus stealer only. They were supposed to be cheaper than the bridgestones, (and are cheaper from the stealers). However bridgestones can be had for £350 a set CFE rear and £414 DCK rear.

[RobM77]

[redacted]

[shangani]

Bridgestones in the UK until the 06 model, now Yokos. On the federal elise yoko's all along. Probably the sale on Bridgestones outside the stealers reduced dealer demand. Now back to stealer only tyres eh?

[RobM77]

thanks.

[tuscan_thunder]

What's the standard rim width on the front and rear of the S1?