Best tyres for 1985 Excel on 15“ Speedlines

[CJG in WOB]

My 1985 Excel (standard compression) has the optional 15“ Speedline alloys, and is currently fitted with 205/50R15 86V Kumho Ecstas. As they are almost nine years old, I am looking for replacements.

My first question is if these are actually the correct size. My second question concerns any recommendations you may have. I never drive the Excel in winter and avoid rain whenever possible, so I am looking for a grippy summer tyre for dry roads. I’m not concerned about „historic“ tread patterns, rolling resistance, noise or wear resistance: my focus is on sharp handling and maximum feel.

So far, I am thinking about the Yokohama A 008S (144€ a corner plus fitting here). What do you think?

[Hawaiis0]

Most use TOYO Proxes TR1's.

205's or 215's with either the 45 or 50 ratio.

Spec sheet below so you can get close to the 215 OEM width

https://www.toyo.co.uk/tire/pattern/proxes-tr1

[Lotus-e-Clan]

I've got the 215/45s all round. Useful bit of torque released with the lower gearing.

[CJG in WOB]

After discussing this with the German TÜV, it turns out that I have a choice between the original size of 215/50 R15 (only available as a Vredestein Sprint Classic here), or the 205/50 R15s which are currently fitted. Unsurprisingly, I went for the latter. I couldn’t resist the Yokohama a008s, and they are currently on order…

[Pete Boole]

Let us know how the Yokohamas perform - ISTR they are also available in 14" which would suit the Elite.

Pete

[guysnook]

I've been using Yokohama AD08RS (205 50 15) for a while and find them pretty good (although a touch hard for track work).

Won't be long until I need a new set and have just discovered that Demon Tweeks list a 'Landsail' AK01 track day tyre in 215 50 15 at just under £100 (+VAT).

The existing set of AD08s still have a bit of life in them so it'll probably be a winter fitment. I've been waiting for the Yoko AD09s to come out for 15" rims but if they're not available I may well give the Landsail option a try!

If anyone beats me to it, let us know how you get on....

[CJG in WOB]

The garage tried to fit the tyres yesterday. Unfortunately, they we unable to get them to clear the „hump“ all the way around. Various lubricants and (slight) overinflation didn’t help. Today they are trying to warm the tyres and cool down the rims. Any other suggestions?

[Lotus-e-Clan]

I've fitted my own tyres using basic kit at home. The biggest issue I had was fitting 13 inch 50 profile AVON CR500 Motorsport tyres (soft wear rate 20) to Wolfrace rims. The AVON s have a lot of soft rubber around the bead providing much more surface area for safety I guess to ward against a dismount.
On one tyre I damaged the soft rubber around the bead and it constantly deflated once seated. Soft rubber is more easily damaged.

Also worth noting that if the bead rubber is too damaged they won't mount so easily because air leaking in that area can't pressurise the bead over the hump. Hopefully they didn't damage the soft rubber bead and there isn't any rough corrosion near the hump to which the soft rubber will grip.

I found that the easiest tyres to fit are larger diameter hard road compounds with low profiles (eg 35 to 45).

[CJG in WOB]

Heating the tyres worked, they’re now on the rims and ready to go on the car.