S1 - tyres

[Lotusfab]

What are the best front and rear tyres to fit?

[Paul Coleman]

A more realistic question is... what is there left that I can still buy? And the answer is... not a lot!

I've got Nankang (Taiwan's finest ) on the front and back.

[Lotusfab]

Having driven with them for a while would you buy them again or gonfor a different make?

[Paul Coleman]

Well I'm no racing driver and probably couldn't tell the difference to be honest. I don't tend to drive it hard enough to worry about the tyres.

[gvy]

I have them to on my S2,2.

fronts; Nankang NS+2 205/60 R14 92H XL and for rears Nankang N-605 215/65 R14 95H

I don't race the car, on track , but I can do some real spirited driving on twisty roads now and then. I sometimes like to search grip limits in bends, I really know well  and also , ones did  high speed above 190km/h and they were OK.

They are quite recently on my car and yes I would choose them again if nothing else was available. Hell, even if something else was available... They are just fine.

I guess you could choose FEDERAL tyres as an alternative. Can't say those are better or worse.

Geert

Edited January 13, 2016 by gvy

[Lotusfab]

Thanks, tnink I might get the same ones.

[Paul Coleman]

Matt drove my car and said he thought they were fine.

 

[peteyg]

Just fitted some Maxxis MA-P1 on the rears 205/70/14V. Pleasantly surprised at how grippy they are, even in the wet.  Just bought a pair of Maxxis for the fronts 205/60/14H. Can't remember the model number and car off the road at the moment so not driven on them yet. will comment when I've tried them. Bought them through Mytyre int he last 3 months but just checked and they list nothing the the correct sizes. Odd.

Pete

[Lotusfab]

205/70/R14 and 195/70/R14 

are these the original tyre sizes? I want to use these exact tyre sizes if possible.

[winners]

Originally 195/70 14 on the front. 205/70  14 on the rear.

 

Theres been a 70 or 60 debate on the forum in the past.

 

Mark

 

 

Edited January 14, 2016 by winners

[Lotusfab]

205/70/R14 and 195/70/R14 

are these the original tyre sizes? I want to use these exact tyre sizes if possible. I believe the original tyres had a HR speed rating.

Prior to 1991, tire speed ratings were shown inside the tire size, before the "R" construction type. The available codes were SR (112 mph, 180 km/h), HR (130 mph, 210 km/h), VR (in excess of 130 mph, 210 km/h). Tires with a speed rating higher than 186 mph (300 km/h) are indicated by a Y in parentheses.

this would make sense as thats 130mph, about as fast as an S1 would go. A modern equivalent rating would be H. So reckon they should be 

205/70/R14H

195/70/R14H

will have a look on the internet and see whats out there?

[Lotusfab]

Thanks Mark. It appears availability has improved. My tyres are selling these Nankang or Maxxis at the original sizes and rating. Think I will use the Nankangs, as there's probably not going to be any helicopters chasing me!

Paul, are these what you used?

CX668???

[winners]

Not tempted by the Michelins!

[Lotusfab]

Think that must be an error?

[Paul Coleman]

The workshop manual has the tyres sizes listed as 205/60/14 and 205/70/14. That's what I bought and fitted.

[Lotusfab]

Mmmm. Thats interesting I got the sizes from here.....

Not sure where they got the info from?

[Paul Coleman]

The tyre sizes changed at some point I believe but for the S1 205/60 and 205/70 is correct - check your workshop manual under technical data.

[Lotusfab]

Thanks Paul, just found it. Not sure where Lotus Esprit world got their info. I'll go for the sizes in the technical manual.

the VR rating is 130mph+. Did you find 205/60/R14 Nankang

[Paul Coleman]

Yes, I bought them about 6 months ago. I ordered them off the internet from MyTyres (I think). But they're H rated (130mph). Don't think VR are available now.

[gvy]

I already mentioned them.

Google for Nankang NS+2 205/60 R14 92H XL

And Paul is right, No need searching VR rated in this measure. No need for an Esprit S1 anyway.

greets

Geert

Edited January 14, 2016 by gvy

[giorgio67]

Sadly here in Italy you need to use the V rated tyres as reported on the paperwork for register the car.

 

[Lotusfab]

Thanks Geert. Have had a look at the NS2. Looks like a very good tyre. My only reservation is the tread pattern which looks very modern for the car. The CX668 Nankang looks better on the tread but dosnt seem to be available in the 205/60 size. So think I will try the Maxxis on front and rear which has an in keeping tread pattern and is available front and rear in the correct sizes. 

[Lotusfab]

These are the ones I'm using. Downside the tread pattern will not match  front to rear,  as the same model of tyre is not available in both sizes, from MYTYRES. 

[Paul Coleman]

I bought some...

Nankang XR611 205/60 R14 88H which don't have a modern tread pattern.

But it looks as though they don't do them any more The tyre options keep dwindling and it looks as though companies are no longer bothering to make them once they're sold out.

[peteyg]

Those are what I have Fabian. You're not going to get a matching set anywhere but you will have the right sizes and new rubber that will let you enjoy the car. It'll be interesting to compare note on the tyres once I'm back on the road.

Pete