Tyres for 1995 Elan S2

[anvilafd]

Hi, Got to get 4 new tyres for my Elan pretty soon. Just wondering what are the best tyres around at the moment to put on it. Obviously want decent quality tyres but don't want to spend a fortune! Has Bridgestone's on the front at the moment which came with the car, but they're pretty noisy and follow any cambers in the road. Any ideas??

[MPx]

I use Goodyear F1 GSD3 tyres - have done for some time now and they're fine on the car for road and occasional track use. They're usually sub £90 a corner. They are old technology now so no doubt something better has been introduced, but they do work on the car...

[JonT]

If you've got issues with tramlining, you might want to get the geometry checked at the same time as new wheels are fitted. I had Michelin Pilot Exaltos fitted to mine when I needed new fronts (already had them on the back) - work brilliantly, but not a budget option at ~£115/corner.

I've not tried them on the Elan, but on the Elise previously I was very happy with Kumho Ku-31s - great in the wet, progressive (if not up to ultimate grip levels) in the dry and coped okay on track.

[Nige]

Toyo T1R's are generally accepted as a decent tyre for the Elan and I have 4 relatively new ones on my 1995 S2 and am pleased with them. Not a bad price (but shop around) and good performance wet and dry.

[JonT]

I've not tried T1Rs on the Elan, but having run them previously on an MR2 turbo I found them utterly hateful and would never buy them again. The only time they got to acceptable performance was just before they needed replacing.

[rip]

Toyo T1R's are generally accepted as a decent tyre for the Elan and I have 4 relatively new ones on mt 1995 S2 and am pleased with them. Not a bad price (but shop around) and good performance wet and dry.

Not an S2, but I do have 16" feds on my SE with T1R's. Loads of grip & I would definitely buy them again however...

I also fitted them to my last daily. I was happy with them in the warmer weather but felt they performed poorly when winter arrived.

[Nige]

I've not tried T1Rs on the Elan, but having run them previously on an MR2 turbo I found them utterly hateful and would never buy them again. The only time they got to acceptable performance was just before they needed replacing.

Curious, as I've never had a MR2 I can't speak from experience. I don't doubt your experience but the overall opinion of T1 Rs on the Elan has been favorable (I have 2 of them on my NA as well).

[HJ2]

If you want them more sticky and better feedback, you could always try the R1R...
I was a passenger in an Elan yesterday on the track in Assen, it was fitted with R1R's.
I was amazed how much grip they had on the dry, but in the wet also! I am in need of 4 tyres as well, opted for the T1R, but now tend to the R1R.
Although more track biased than the T1R (less profile, softer compound) the R1R also comes with stiffer walls, and that's what makes the difference in steering behaviour, and perhaps the softer walls on the 'T" is the cause of the disappointment on the (heavier) MR2!
One word of advice: If the tires stick better to the road, the effect of crossing the line of traction is also heavier as we did a 2070 deg spin! (realy!)

[abmunro]

I use Toyo Proxes T1Rs on my Elan, I have them on my Audi A4 Cabriolet

I used them on my Sunny GTiR as well.


Cheapest place seems to be Camskill ( online ) in cumbria, they deliver and even including fitting no one could touch their prices.


ps I am not connected to Camskill but have used them a lot recently as they are so cheap, even Continental sport contact 3s for S Max were cheaper

[anvilafd]

Thanks guys for your replies. Seem to be edging towards the T1R's at the moment and could be a good idea to get the geometry checked at the same time. Will be getting them in a week or two's time, will let you know how I get on!

[Nige]

Given that the originally specified tyres for the Elan are now not available and that sidewall stiffness was key factor in the OE spec there is a need to adjust tyre pressureswhen using any other brand of tyre. I use the standard 2 bar in my T1R's but as most of my use of the car at present is motorway commuting it's not critical. It;s definitely worthwhile testing different tyre pressures until you find something that suits. It was this daily use which led me to T1R's for everyday use rather than R1R's (and I still have my 888's for track use).

[chris.t]

If you don't run the car on track I can recommend Kuhmo KU31's but they don't make them anymore However they've brought out a better replacement KU39's. Reasonably priced but make sure you get the XL version (stiffer tyre wall).

[texas2201]

I put BF Goodrich's on the front awhile back and they are very good - have even used them on track - about £75 a corner

[anvilafd]

Finally got round to getting my 4 new tyres. Eventually went for the Toyo T1R's! Delighted with them, think I made the right choice. Managed to get them for £88/tyre, that was at National Tyres unexpectedly, who were the cheapest after I looked around online. Drives very well now although not had a chance to test them properly yet! Cheers for all your comments on this.

[abmunro]

Glad you got sorted

Camskill have these for £73 each at moment but when you add fitting then probs come to same price...

[anvilafd]

Yep looked at Camskill website but worked out with fitting came to around the same price as you say. National are only 10 mins away so convenience was a major factor!

[kmckmc]

I have Yokohama Ad07 on since 2009. They are great!

AD07 is discontinued, but I think Ad08, the successor, should be just as good.

[steve matthews]

16" Fed wheels tried Kumo, Yokohama both worthless.
Now running Toyo proxes R1R and track is a blast.

[tigerdog]

16" Fed wheels tried Kumo, Yokohama both worthless.

Guess it depends on which Kumho. I'm loving my Ecsta XS "summer" tyres. The extra width looks good on the car, too.

[steve matthews]

Kuhmo Ecsta Supra
I might someday try the wider profile as you are now.