QUESTION.
I am restoring a Lotus Elan +2 and want to fit new tyres to the original rims.
What size tyres did Lotus supply when the vehicle was new and what modern day tyres can fitted?
M.M. - Sydney
ANSWER.
The Lotus Elan +2 was originally fitted 5.5J wide 'knock-on' rims for both steel or alloy wheels.
The standard tyre fitted to these rims was 165 x 13".
Standard equipment from new included -
Firestone F.100 tubeless or
Goodyear G.800 with tubes or
Dunlop SP Sport with tubes
These tyres are no longer available and modern day 165 x 13" tyres are not easy to obtain.
An alternative is to fit a modern day low profile tyre 185 x 70 x 13"
This size is readily available, provides a slightly larger foot-print and has the same rolling radius as the original equipment.
Maintaining the same rolling radius is important so as to have a speedometer that reads accurately.
However, you need to check there is clearance between the tyre wall and rear bottom spring platform
Lotus Marques manufactures new knock-on wheels that have a slight increase in off-set to improve tyre wall to spring platform clearance.
Alternatively Elan +2 owners can install one of our rear adjustable suspension kits that uses a narrow road spring.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
I am restoring a Lotus Elan +2 and want to fit new tyres to the original rims.
What size tyres did Lotus supply when the vehicle was new and what modern day tyres can fitted?
M.M. - Sydney
ANSWER.
The Lotus Elan +2 was originally fitted 5.5J wide 'knock-on' rims for both steel or alloy wheels.
The standard tyre fitted to these rims was 165 x 13".
Standard equipment from new included -
Firestone F.100 tubeless or
Goodyear G.800 with tubes or
Dunlop SP Sport with tubes
These tyres are no longer available and modern day 165 x 13" tyres are not easy to obtain.
An alternative is to fit a modern day low profile tyre 185 x 70 x 13"
This size is readily available, provides a slightly larger foot-print and has the same rolling radius as the original equipment.
Maintaining the same rolling radius is important so as to have a speedometer that reads accurately.
However, you need to check there is clearance between the tyre wall and rear bottom spring platform
Lotus Marques manufactures new knock-on wheels that have a slight increase in off-set to improve tyre wall to spring platform clearance.
Alternatively Elan +2 owners can install one of our rear adjustable suspension kits that uses a narrow road spring.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
