Speedlines on an Elan, Your thoughts

[m100sandra]

Wheels 1st and then the Nitrons and a Geo set-up Karl

[m100sandra]

I ended up buying the Speedlines a problem though which is driving Steve mad the wheel nut inserts are a 90 deg taper not the normal 60 deg, he reckons this is norm with a comp wheel but finding some correct nuts is a ------
He ended up putting them on the scales Today, the speedline without a tyre is 7kg, compairing the Speedline with the standard 15" wheel both with tyres, the speedline is lighter which is surprising considering the Speedlines are a 16"x 7.25" rim with 215-45-16 tyres.
A bit frustrated with not been able to give it a drive out with the new wheels though as they are only fitted temp at the moment with the wrong wheel nuts.
I ended up going for the Kumho KU36's which are a extreme road tyre, not really available in the UK but get really good reviews comparable to the Toyo R1R, they look nice
Just need to have the Nitrons fitted now....
Sandra

[cliff]

I quite like the Speedlines, almost like a more modern take on the S2 wheels. Will be good to see them fitted.

I went for Kumho´s as well, Kumho Ecsta Le Sport KU39, so far I am very happy with them.

Have you tried here for bolts?

http://www.performancealloys.com/wheel- ... bolts.aspx

[Rice crispy]

Any pics of them on the car

[m100sandra]

Any pics of them on the car

Best i can do until next week, waiting for the wheel nuts to come from France

[Rambo]

That photo doesn't show the wheels off to the best. In fact, it doesn't show the wheels

[m100sandra]

That photo doesn't show the wheels off to the best. In fact, it doesn't show the wheels

Best i can do at the moment ill post some up next week, All the comments here have been good, but i suppose its a personal taste thing with wheels, Standard wheels will be kept though.

[whippit]

I would'nt like to park them next to a curb, !!!!!

[m100sandra]

I would'nt like to park them next to a curb, !!!!!

Thats what my other half said, dont dare curb them, i think the idea of a GrA wheel is brake cooling, big calipers etc, The spokes do come out a lot the actual rim isnt far off standard though.....
We have had to order studs & the nuts from France with the 90 deg taper, that is nuts not bolts

[steve matthews]

I do love my Elan but have not thought about parking her on an Oriental Carpet

She does deserve it though.

Let's see the wheels

Steve

[m100sandra]

OK just two pics The wheel nuts arrived Today from France so got them fitted...... Its booked it at Cornering Force for the Nitrons fitted & a full Geo setup a week on Wed, ill prob go for a 15-20mm drop, should be OK as the 215's lift it just short of 5mm and loose 5mm in the arch as is... No catching and all seems OK, Everyone thats seen them (in the flesh ) love them but wheels are deffo a each to there own thing. wheel centres on order together with Lotus badges.

Just the two until its back from Cornering Force..

[Rambo]

OEM S2's for me Just watch the high kerbs !!!

[wayne]

I do not normally like Black cars (although until recently had 2, now only have 1). But your car looks absolutely bloody fabulous !!!!

I love the pics of your engine bay (I guess i'm going on a cleaning spree this weekend)

Unfortunately will have to agree with Rambo on the S2 wheels. But as you said it's a personal choice. Main thing is that you like them

[m100sandra]

If given the choice the wheels would have been gloss black, Maybe later on if i end up scuffing them We have three Black cars here (S2000, RX7) at the mo, look great when polished for a few days then not so good....

[Jeemy]

To make black cars stay nice, polish with Poorboys Black Hole, then Gtechniq Exo over the top; this is a quartz sealant. You need to apply Exo to panels that are 20 degrees or hotter to cure it properly so you need a rare sunshiny day or a giant oven, or hairdryer in a pinch. Once its on, the car will clean up amazing with just shampoo or snow foam. It will bead rain and can be brought to showroom condition in a few minutes with a quick detailer spray. Exo lasts up to 2 years.

[chris.t]

did you have that much wheel arch showing on the original setup?

[m100sandra]

Yes..... Maybe its sat a little? higher with it just having the wheels fitted.jacked up and just run out of the garage (so ive been told) In reality the arch gap should be less with the wheel-tire combo fitted.

[chris.t]

tbh Sandra the Elan does tend to have a lot of gap on standard set up. Unfortunately lowering results in the issues that Neil was describing. I remember following monty on the way to Bedford autodrome, it was like a firework display

[m100sandra]

I wasnt thinking of anything over the top, maybe 15-20mm taking into account that the 215 tires are lifting it 5mm and the wheel arch gap is reduced by 5mm As soon as a bit of sun decides to come out ill take it for a run and see if it settles.
Looking at some other Elans it does seem to sit higher then most (even with the standard 15" alloys on) but i put this down to it only having 16000 mls on it & maybe some of the others have dropped a bit with mls i have the ride heights from the manual so when its in for the geo ill see what li is...... Hopfully cornering Force will have it handling better then Lotus made it The daughtersjust got her VX220 back from there after a full suspension refurb inc Nitron 2 way dampers, corner weighing etc, what a diference As long as i keep the Elan in front ill be happy

[chris.t]

Yes been reading all about it on vx.org