Correct tyre size for 1966 Lotus Elan S3

[Snoozy]

Hello, as the title suggests can anyone give me the correct size of tyre, I believe they should be 145 x 13 but what is the profile? Many thanks

[b2hbm]

They're all 80 series tyres on the Elans, right through from S1 to Sprint. 145 was the original spec for that version, I think they were either Firestone or Dunlop at the time.

As you might expect, 145x13 won't leave you with a lot of choice at your local tyre place. I've ran with 155/80x13 SR rated tyres on mine for a long while now and there's no clearance problems. Going much wider might be a snag on the rear arches because they are close to the bodywork but I know folks have run with 165/70x13s.

Brian

[Maulden7]

I have 175x60 H speed rated Yokohamas on my S2 Elan (same body shape as the S3) fitted to 5in Minilite wheels, with no clearance problems.

[Snoozy]

Many thanks for the info, I shall start the search.

[anonymous-user]

I ran an Elan back in the 70's, (currently a +2 owner), and every one thought they were under tyred, this was 3000 capri days, when everyone went for wide wheels to make poor suspension systems 'handle', I bought wider tyres (175's ) as part of that trend, awful no problems fitting but spoiled the balance of the car, went back to 165, Dunlop SP sports,