Handling 205/50 - 225/50

[340R]

As known finding any 215/50 für normal road use is a bit difficult.
Lotus made the Excel setup with equal tyre sizes in front and rear.
So I think that using 205/15 in front and 225/50 in the rear will change the handling of the car.
As far as I understand the facts I would go for 225/50 all around.
But with the 225/50´s in the front, is this really working at all ?
Can somebody tell me about differences in steering feel etc. ?

Thanks,

Birol

[Redexcel]

As known finding any 215/50 für normal road use is a bit difficult.
Lotus made the Excel setup with equal tyre sizes in front and rear.
So I think that using 205/15 in front and 225/50 in the rear will change the handling of the car.
As far as I understand the facts I would go for 225/50 all around.
But with the 225/50´s in the front, is this really working at all ?
Can somebody tell me about differences in steering feel etc. ?

Thanks,

Birol

Dunlop 215/50 are readily available. I bought a pair a couple of months back with no problem.

[Lotus-e-Clan]

Handling grip and steering is really good on 205/50/15 toyo T1Rs all round and an improvement on the the old OEM 215/50, especially in the wet. And they are relatively cheap for the spec.

And the car is faster on the smaller tyre. And they suit (fit) the 7j rims better than 225s which have too much sidewall bulge on 7j rims.

And.... that's just my 1p worth

Having said that, I have Dunlop SP9000s on my Clan and they are good too.

[Ozzy_UK]

I Use R888 Toyos in 215/50/15s, improves handling in dry massively, and very grippy in the wet (once worn in) as they are such a soft compound.
highly recommended.

[340R]

Toyo... something far away to combine with a Lotus just a few years ago,
but I think they´ll be my choice.
Still cannot believe they are that grippy in the wet.
Semis and rain, something I always have a big respect in traffic.

[Ozzy_UK]

as long as your not silly with the car they only seem to break traction when full throttle, and really heavy rain, and cornering hard...
just respect the weather, and they will be more than fine!
i have only got the car to spin its wheels about 3 times since i put them on the car!
and 2 of those have been 1st gear going round a round-about in the wet a little faster than i should.

Oz.

[Danny]

Toyo r888 225/50/15 tires on the Eclat race car, have taken seconds off my lap times and stuck the car on pole at mallory park on them. Seem to be quicker than the khumo's I was running last year.

Regards Dan

[Dougie]

I've got 205 khumo's on the front, scary in the wet. Dry days only for me!

[JonK]

I have 205/50/15 BF Goodridges All round.

I am seriously pleased with these, got a good deal too.

Jon

[Ozzy_UK]

Garry mentioned he could tell i was on the R888s when we where on our run on sunday, which was intersting as i seems to pull away about the same speed with an LC engine Vs HC one...

guess it is all down the tyres...

still recomend the R888s, even in light rain they are SO sticky

Oz.

[GJ1]

Thats true but after trashing one car maybe I'm a little more cautious

[Lotus-e-Clan]

Also makes a very nice side on profile on the car as it appears to make the back sit up more aggresively.

Handling can't be optimum then?

[amarshall]

Play nicely please.

Moderation in all things...

[Lotus-e-Clan]

jerry

Sorry you're right.

Raked forward does look good.

Enjoy your Lotus as you see fit, it's no business of mine what you do to it!

No offence intended

[Steve C]

Compared to the standard 215/50's, 205/50's are 5mm lower and 225/50's are 5mm higher in terms of chassis / body height.

I imagine the difference between a full & empty tank and a light / heavy driver would make more difference than that.

Now, if we were talking jacked up with a chrome diff like the old custom Mk1 Capris from years ago, I could take offence at that!!

Hmm, on that subject, how many Ex-Capri owners here?? I must confess, I've had 3 .. a 1.3 (plan overtakes before leaving home), 2.8i and 2.8i turbo!! The 2.8i sounded nice with a janspeed exhaust!