Spare wheels

[oneshot]

I have a Sport 350 which as you may know doesn't come equipped with a spare wheel.

Not a major problem, however, I am intending to get the wheels refurbished over the winter and need to be able to remove them (probably one at a time!) and would like to put a spare wheel on the car so that I can get it in and out of the garage. Anybody know if it's possible to get an appropriate wheel??

[Rob]

The esprit pattern is 5x108 which is same as some volvo models.

See here: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/midlandwheels/FIT...-GUIDE-U-Z.html

Offset is wrong on the volvos but if its just for moving the car around then they might be ok? No idea how you work out if the centre bore is same.. maybe just get a set from a scrappie and try them out?

BTW the lotus "spare" is no good to you (or me) in any case, as it won't fit over the big AP caliper..

Would be very interested if you find some wheels that work.

cheers

Rob

[Rob]

ok, just re-read that ebay page, and done some digging, seems the lotus bore is 58mm so any of those volvo wheels with bore > 58 would fit on ok, but only for rolling the car around, not for driving

[superdavelotus]

I can lend you a full set of split rims if you like? They are Pete's at PNM but I have borrowed these before twice. They aren't good enough to drive around with but are suitable to sit your car on. Won't cost you anything I don't think, just bear PNM in mind next time you order some parts....

Just let me know.

Edited August 31, 2005 by superdavelotus

[Rob]

do the split rims fit over the AP calipers?

[oneshot]

do the split rims fit over the AP calipers?

My thoughts exactly - this is the usual problem with the Sport 350 - the size of the calipers.

[Kato]

Phil bought a spare from Lotus for his Sport 350. I'm pretty sure he's used it! I'll email him and ask! Sure he'll be pissed if it doesn't fit!

[Kato]

For vehicles fitted with the 'Big Brakes' - as the Sport 350 - Lotus have a specific spare wheel. It is a 17" Steel Wheel & Tyre Assy. fitted with a spacer. (spacer is bolted to wheel in production).

This wheel has been tested and approved for use on the Esprit (front or rear) for Temporary Use Only at limited speeds.

Wheel Part No. A082G4137F

Spacer Part No. A082G4132F

Bolts (x5) Part No. A082G4133F

Bag (for bolts) A082T4032K

[Rob]

Ok, so i checked out a volvo wheel. Only ones i could find in the local scrappy are 15" off a 7 series, which would not clear the disc.

One other vehicle that has 5x108 is new mondeo, so i tried the ford space saver spare off my company car just now on the esprit. No go on front or rear as there just isn't enough clearance for the caliper.

Looks like the only solution for Ap braked cars is the specific spare from lotus, or you just put your car up on axle stands whilst getting the refurb done.

[peter_england99]

I was talking to Phil at South West Lotus about refurbing my Sport 350 alloys and he has offered to lend me a set whilst mine are being refurbed. I'd assume he would offer the same service to you. Try giving him a ring.

[s4s]

OZ. Futura will not fit with fat AP caliper. You need 5mm spacer. Other OZ. for V8 is O.K. ,i.e. AWI, NOVA. I replaced Futura on my S4s with AWI.

[Feffman]

Just came across an advertisement for this firm in Top Gear. Little too bling, bling for my taste, but....

http://www.vogueinternationaluk.com/

Feff

[Guest Chelsea Martyn]

I can lend you a full set of split rims if you like? They are Pete's at PNM but I have borrowed these before twice. They aren't good enough to drive around with but are suitable to sit your car on. Won't cost you anything I don't think, just bear PNM in mind next time you order some parts....

Just let me know.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Now you all know why people think Dave is super!

Great gesture!