Tyres That LOTUS suggests

[Dimitris_GR]

A couple of weeks ago, I asked Lotus what tyres they suggest, and here's the answer:

The most recent recommendation (tested by our ride and handling engineers)
for the Elan S2 was the Pirelli P Zero 205/45 ZR16.

John Hostler - Technical Service

That's Pirelli P Zero Nero, the only 205/45/16 P Zero.

[M100 TWO]

Dimitris when was the last tyre testing done at Lotus?

[Dimitris_GR]

I don't really know, but I received this email on 29/8/06, and, of course, the Pirelli P Zero Neros are not so old tyres.

[Enright]

Sorry for going a bit off topic, but do you know what a Lotus goldmine you stumbled across here?

When we visited Hethel last year during our LEC daytrip, a fortunate few of us met John Hostler. He worked on our Elan as a contractor when it was being developed, and did many of the technical drawings.

Have a look at some of his work here, here and here.

[algirdas]

Dear Dimitris:

My car's tires are coming to the end of their useful life and I have been looking at replacements. Here in the states the P Zero Nero is a mud and snow tire and I think the Elan deserves a high performance tire. Right now I am considering the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 and Dunlop SP Sport 9000.

Tire Rack has a website with interesting tire reviews (www.tirerack.com) by purchasers of the tires.

Just my two cents.

Sincerely,

Algirdas

[mailman221]

I just put a set of the Goodyear D3's on mine. Nice ride and very sticky.

[algirdas]

Dear Mailman:

I converted my 1971 Lotus Elan from 13 to 15 inch rims and put D3s on her. You are right about the tires being quiet and sticky. I'm leaning that way for my M100 as well. They are smooth riding and provide really good grip. They are very deadly in snow so check the weather report before you go out. Another drawback is that they tend to pick up every little pebble and rock along the way. And they develop a flat spot after sitting for a few days, but it disappears after a few miles of driving.

Aside from these few quirks, I really like those tires and there are two M100 owners reviews on the Tire Rack website for that tire and I recall them both being positive.

Sincerely,

Algirdas

[mailman221]

Haven't noticed them developing flat spots. I avoid driving it if even rain is forcasted, but got caught once and still great handling. The reviews say you're right about the snow and ice handling, but I'll never know, as I put mine away when the cold weather hits (Iowa), and bring it back out in spring. I also got mine from Tire Rack and had them dropped shipped to my installer. I don't think you can go wrong with them.

[Dimitris_GR]

Sorry to hear that you purchaised the F1s.
It's the tyres I am currently wearing, and it's the worst set I ever had on my baby. It "never" gets warm, spins like hell, no grip at corners...

[DeeAitch]

I've now changed my opinion and am with Dimitris on the F1's - like Bambi on ice in the recent wet weather we have been having