Is there an off-the-shelf 16" rim that will fit the Elan?

[andrewp]

Being a newbie, I'm sure this topic has been addressed many times before. Is there any easily available 16" or 17" rim that can be swapped to replace the Lotus (OZ-sourced) rim? A 16" wheel is the strong preference for me.

The 60 mm positive offset seems to be the kicker here. Obviously, the many variables of bolt circle diameter, lug bolt type, spigot (hub) diameter, and degree of positive offset are all issues on their own. However I will suggest that a rim with an undersized spigot could be cheaply bored to fit the Lotus hub or a hub-centric ring can be machined and pressed into a wheel that has an over-sized spigot hole. What short and long-term problems can be expected when using, say, a +45 mm offset wheel? Are there wheel bearing issues as well as handling concerns and how severe are they?

Can anyone report as to what wheel source they have successfully used. I have a strong preference to use factory supplied rims from a major car company (say Honda, Mini, etc.) -which might be available used from eBay- rather than going to a custom supplier. This way a single bent wheel can be replaced easily and cheaply. If the custom supplier goes under than you need to shop for a complete new set of wheels.

Many thanks.

AP

[bobbrown]

Wheels with 60 offset are not really available even in the aftermarket sector, you can get custom ones made but it is expensive.
If you are looking at other wheels with a different offset the easiest and probably the closest in terms of offset are Vauxhall/Opel 4 stud rims and you should be able to find 49mm offset, the spigot size is correct and they should clear the brakes which some others do not like one of the Mini rims.

Bob

[andrewp]

If a replacement rim has a positive offset that is less than 60 mm, am I correct at assuming these two things can occur:

1) The wheel bearing MIGHT be loaded more (than was engineered) because the rim/tire weight -plus all suspension loads- will lie mildly outboard of the outer edge of the hub. Thus more "leverage" acting on the front wheel bearing.
2) The roll point (of the front end of the car) will, similarly, be moved outboard.

Beyond all this there is the issue of the tire possibly rubbing the fender lip or wheel well. Anyone have any more ideas or concerns? Those that have used -say +45 mm offset- alternative rims; have you collectively noticed enhanced wheel bearing wear or handling issues?

AP

[theelanman]

I think nige found the nearest to be the bmw mini ones but as you say nred to be bored to suit spiggot

I have seen the 5 spoke and the (10~12) multi spoke type.....

[bobbrown]

Front wheel bearings should not be a problem as they are the same as some of the Vauxhall/Opel models and they use wheels with a different offset and quite low in comparison.
The part of the suspension geometry that gets altered when changing the off set is the scrub radius, as standard it is -3mm so a change to an offset of say 45 will alter this to +12mm. The location of this point within the contact patch has a great effect on steering effort, feel, and stability so altering the tyre offset may well affect these.
As for clearances to the wheel arch I think in most cases there is enough room to accommodate small changes, do not think how ever the "Carlos Fandango" look will work never mind the legal implications if the wheels stick out too far from the wheel arch.

Some of the Mini rims are 49mm offset but not all fit as you have to leave enough clearance for the brakes and any upgrade to the brakes can make the situation more difficult, it is all to do with the position of the spokes of the rim rather than offset.
The Vauxhall/Opel 4 stud ones fit in most cases as they run similar brakes to the Elan something like these which are ET49 Vauxhall rims.

Vauxhall upgrade.jpg

These are 15" and I fitted them to clear the brakes and they still run very close to the inside diameter of the rim although the clearance to the spokes is reasonable. When I get a chance I shall be moving the brakes inboard so I can get the original rims back on.
I could have spaced the wheels but that would have meant going even further out due to the shape of the spokes on the OZ rim.

Bob

BTW: it may help if we knew where you were located but I'm thinking Canada.

[DavidEJM]

I'm using 17" BINI 'minilite' style wheels on mine. Had centre bored out and my brake upgrade with the with the 294mm discs clears with more room than standard brakes on the standard wheels as the discs are moved inward slightly (ask Bob). There seem to be no ill effects as yet (been used for about 6 months), no clearance issues, no (noticeable to me) handling issues and even the ride is only marginally affected (55 profile tyres to 45).

There are plenty of 16" versions of the BMW Mini wheels and boring the centre to 56.6mm shouldn't cost more than £10 per corner. Of course, as Bob said, the easiest should be something from the GM stable. Daewoo steel rims anyone?

[bobbrown]

55 profile tyres to 45

I would have thought 17" rims would have needed 40 profile tyres to keep the rolling radius similar to the original

Bob

[DavidEJM]

You're probably right Bob.

Been so long since the car was out of the garage due to work and family commitments, I can only remember the colour cos its on my avatar!

[kmckmc]

I know that Mazda 2 Sports 16" rim would fit.
The center hole needs to be enlarged to 56.6mm though.

Cheers,

[muley]

I know that Mazda 2 Sports 16" rim would fit.
The center hole needs to be enlarged to 56.6mm though.

Cheers,

That's interesting - SWMBO has just bought a ..... ...... Mazda2 Sport with 16" wheels - I'll check it out



Jim

[muley]

I've had a look at a few websites and it seems the Mazda2 offset is a mere 45mm - not enough.

The nearest I could find was the Renault Wind at a thumping 54 mm - almost there but the wheels look shite - well the Renault ones do... ... IMHO

Jim

[bobbrown]

Renault Wind not the most attractive wheels

00021332h.jpg

When looking at wheels you have to consider the brakes, as in some cases they can foul on the brake calipers and need spacers just to get them on which will make the offset worse.