Elise S1 tyre options.
Discussion
Hi all,
It's tyre time for my Elise again. I've got a set of Proxies on now and have been very happy with them. They've taken some abuse and have lasted exceptionally well.
Previously i've had a set of Yokohama Advan neova LTS which i have to say were probably not quite as good as the toyos. (Thats only my opinion though)
Whats the current options? I dont need super sticky as the car is used pretty much everyday.
Are Yoko RD08s worth that additional expense?
Whats people opinions on Falken ZE 912s or Bridgestone RE040s?
Any suggestions greatly received. _
Cheers
Matt.
It's tyre time for my Elise again. I've got a set of Proxies on now and have been very happy with them. They've taken some abuse and have lasted exceptionally well.
Previously i've had a set of Yokohama Advan neova LTS which i have to say were probably not quite as good as the toyos. (Thats only my opinion though)
Whats the current options? I dont need super sticky as the car is used pretty much everyday.
Are Yoko RD08s worth that additional expense?
Whats people opinions on Falken ZE 912s or Bridgestone RE040s?
Any suggestions greatly received. _
Cheers
Matt.
Wow! I'm surprised you preferred the Toyos (T1-R?) over the Advans. If for no other reason than the elasticity the Toyos introduce into the steering.
The AD 08 are supposed to be very, very good on the Elise but if you rate the Toyos why not stick with them?
I used several different types of tyres on my Elise but always liked the T1-R despite my observations above and particularly found them good in the wet and very progressive in the wet on track. On track in the dry they don't last long though before overheating.
I think you'll find there's a few around that track their cars and use tyres like the OA 48/888 on track and have a set of T1-Rs for road use - the saving on the T1-Rs helping towards the cost (and wear-rate!) of the 888s.
I wouldn't be too swayed by the loudest shouts on here or any other Lotus forum - whilst tyre choices for the Elise are limited, if you ask a cross section of owners they'll all have different ideas but have you any idea of how they use the tyres, how they drive, their skill/knowledge level???
I once bought the latest cheapo 'wonder tyre' after many others praised them (and they continue to) - my view of them - Rubbish! And a well known (in Lotus circles) on/over limit driving instructor took one look at them and commented 'crap tyres' (he'd experienced them) - Indeed!
Curious as to why you don't like the Advans and this has me wondering if your suspension geometry needs checking. When was it last done? The elasticity of the Toyos may be masking things that are a little 'out'
on your car. Well worth getting a full geo done if its not been done for more than a year (less if you track the car).
Don't bother with stickies for your use: on a car set up (suspension/brakes etc) for track, used once and you'll never want to use anything else: grip and precision are wonderful. Wear rates however are horrendous and they are 'lively' in standing water.
The AD 08 are supposed to be very, very good on the Elise but if you rate the Toyos why not stick with them?
I used several different types of tyres on my Elise but always liked the T1-R despite my observations above and particularly found them good in the wet and very progressive in the wet on track. On track in the dry they don't last long though before overheating.
I think you'll find there's a few around that track their cars and use tyres like the OA 48/888 on track and have a set of T1-Rs for road use - the saving on the T1-Rs helping towards the cost (and wear-rate!) of the 888s.
I wouldn't be too swayed by the loudest shouts on here or any other Lotus forum - whilst tyre choices for the Elise are limited, if you ask a cross section of owners they'll all have different ideas but have you any idea of how they use the tyres, how they drive, their skill/knowledge level???
I once bought the latest cheapo 'wonder tyre' after many others praised them (and they continue to) - my view of them - Rubbish! And a well known (in Lotus circles) on/over limit driving instructor took one look at them and commented 'crap tyres' (he'd experienced them) - Indeed!
Curious as to why you don't like the Advans and this has me wondering if your suspension geometry needs checking. When was it last done? The elasticity of the Toyos may be masking things that are a little 'out'
on your car. Well worth getting a full geo done if its not been done for more than a year (less if you track the car).
Don't bother with stickies for your use: on a car set up (suspension/brakes etc) for track, used once and you'll never want to use anything else: grip and precision are wonderful. Wear rates however are horrendous and they are 'lively' in standing water.
Edited by TIPPER on Tuesday 7th February 03:49
John D. said:
Tipper - care to say what the cheapo wonder tyre was?
Kumho at a guess, but I am sure Tim will be along to confirm.I have run a variety of tyres on my Elise including Yokohama A539, Yoko AVS Advan, Toyo T1R, P Zero all of which have been good for mainly road use. The A539 was good on track but I didn't like it as much in the wet, The AV Sport were excellent all round, but unavailable in 225/45R16 size and Toyo I liked a lot on the road but found their behaviour V poor on tight circuits like Abbeville and OK on faster circuits like Goodwood. I am pretty comfortable with the car moving about under me and I'm more than capable of calibrating my driving style to the tyre so Toyo's were acceptable.
If my car was track only, I would probably stump for AD08's, LTS Advans or possibly R888/A048 but it's not, so road performance is key and Toyo are pretty good, especally considering the money they cost.
If the car is road and track use but not everyday, then AD08 or LTS Advan is ideal.
If road and the odd trackday where budget is important, then either the Toyo or Kumho I am sure will be good enough.
If just road use, in all conditions where budget is key, the Toyo and Kumho are ideal.
If I were keeping my car I would also be taking a serious look at the Hankook V12 tyre for my next set as I really liked them on my current car and they get good reviews from a lot of drivers with different cars. My current car, a BMW 3 Touring, is in no way a comparison to an Elise, but they gave good performance never the less.
I ran mine on Hankook RS Ventus I think. Think that is different to V12? I might be confused!
I followed the previous owners lead more than anything. Had the car for less than 2yrs unfortunately so only had cause to change the rear boots once. So I'm far from an expert but they seemed reasonable and certainly good value (ie; cheap!).
I followed the previous owners lead more than anything. Had the car for less than 2yrs unfortunately so only had cause to change the rear boots once. So I'm far from an expert but they seemed reasonable and certainly good value (ie; cheap!).
Kuhmo's are fine on S1's with standard suspension and driving at 7/10's. Road use and the odd track day work is ok.
Add Nitrons to the mix and the sidewalks of the tyres simply can't cope!
I've used p-zeros (originally on my first S1), yoko lts Advans, R888's & toyo R1r's. I've got a set of Ad08's ready to go on as a cheaper but hopefully as good replacement for the trusted S1lts Yoko Advans.
For Alround use the Advans are by far and away the very best option, but they are expensive! Great on track, excellent on road and quite gods in the rain. The wear rate is also good. I get 8/10k out of rears with a Honda engine.
R1r's are also good and offer more grip, but are subsequently less fun, if you like getting the back end out a tad. They are also expensive and last around 6k for rears. Fantastic grip and they're currently the only tyre that I use, but I do alot of Euro trips, so I probably wouldn't take them on a 3k trip incase the rears need replacing during it.
R888's are only worth using with stiffer suspension. Anyone not using them in conjunction with a track set up is wasting their money or simply trying to show off. Notwithstanding S2 Exige owners where it is standard, but again, most are effectively burning £50 notes as they drive around for no real gains over more standard tyres as they don't go on track and aren't going quick enough to get heat onto them. The other factor is that you should upgrade the toe-links. This isn't me passing on Internet hearsay, I've seen a brand new Lotus with a broken toe-link on A048's. S1 wheel bearings also don't like sticky tyres, I.e. you'll be replacing them more often.
AD08's I'm yet to use on an S1, but the compound is the same/similar to S1advans, and I used to have AD07's on my S2, which were great alrounders. I did however drive a stiffly Nitroned s2 on AD08's a week or so ago and the set up felt very good, so it bodes well.
Not tried the toyo t1r's and I personally wouldn't for my stiffly spring car, but I see no reason why any owner who runs a relatively standard car, spends 95% of their time on the road, shouldn't go for a slightly cheaper option. If you are a more spirited driver, then I would recommend you go for something more suited to your commitment, unfortunately that means spending a little bit more, but then what's an extra £100/£150 to extract more drivi g pleasure?
Add Nitrons to the mix and the sidewalks of the tyres simply can't cope!
I've used p-zeros (originally on my first S1), yoko lts Advans, R888's & toyo R1r's. I've got a set of Ad08's ready to go on as a cheaper but hopefully as good replacement for the trusted S1lts Yoko Advans.
For Alround use the Advans are by far and away the very best option, but they are expensive! Great on track, excellent on road and quite gods in the rain. The wear rate is also good. I get 8/10k out of rears with a Honda engine.
R1r's are also good and offer more grip, but are subsequently less fun, if you like getting the back end out a tad. They are also expensive and last around 6k for rears. Fantastic grip and they're currently the only tyre that I use, but I do alot of Euro trips, so I probably wouldn't take them on a 3k trip incase the rears need replacing during it.
R888's are only worth using with stiffer suspension. Anyone not using them in conjunction with a track set up is wasting their money or simply trying to show off. Notwithstanding S2 Exige owners where it is standard, but again, most are effectively burning £50 notes as they drive around for no real gains over more standard tyres as they don't go on track and aren't going quick enough to get heat onto them. The other factor is that you should upgrade the toe-links. This isn't me passing on Internet hearsay, I've seen a brand new Lotus with a broken toe-link on A048's. S1 wheel bearings also don't like sticky tyres, I.e. you'll be replacing them more often.
AD08's I'm yet to use on an S1, but the compound is the same/similar to S1advans, and I used to have AD07's on my S2, which were great alrounders. I did however drive a stiffly Nitroned s2 on AD08's a week or so ago and the set up felt very good, so it bodes well.
Not tried the toyo t1r's and I personally wouldn't for my stiffly spring car, but I see no reason why any owner who runs a relatively standard car, spends 95% of their time on the road, shouldn't go for a slightly cheaper option. If you are a more spirited driver, then I would recommend you go for something more suited to your commitment, unfortunately that means spending a little bit more, but then what's an extra £100/£150 to extract more drivi g pleasure?
Edited by 4pot on Thursday 9th February 08:46
Edited by 4pot on Thursday 9th February 08:48
Kuhmo's are fine on S1's with standard suspension and driving at 7/10's. Road use and the odd track day work is ok.
Add Nitrons to the mix and the sidewalks of the tyres simply can't cope!
I've used p-zeros (originally on my first S1), yoko lts Advans, R888's & toyo R1r's. I've got a set of Ad08's ready to go on as a cheaper but hopefully as good replacement for the trusted S1lts Yoko Advans.
For Alround use the Advans are by far and away the very best option, but they are expensive! Great on track, excellent on road and quite gods in the rain. The wear rate is also good. I get 8/10k out of rears with a Honda engine.
R1r's are also good and offer more grip, but are subsequently less fun, if you like getting the back end out a tad. They are also expensive and last around 6k for rears. Fantastic grip and they're currently the only tyre that I use, but I do alot of Euro trips, so I probably wouldn't take them on a 3k trip incase the rears need replacing during it.
R888's are only worth using with stiffer suspension. Anyone not using them in conjunction with a track set up is wasting their money or simply trying to show off. Notwithstanding S2 Exige owners where it is standard, but again, most are effectively burning £50 notes as they drive around for no real gains over more standard tyres as they don't go on track and aren't going quick enough to get heat onto them. The other factor is that you should upgrade the toe-links. This isn't me passing on Internet hearsay, I've seen a brand new Lotus with a broken toe-link on A048's. S1 wheel bearings also don't like sticky tyres, I.e. you'll be replacing them more often.
AD08's I'm yet to use on an S1, but the compound is the same/similar to S1advans, and I used to have AD07's on my S2, which were great alrounders. I did however drive a stiffly Nitroned s2 on AD08's a week or so ago and the set up felt very good, so it bodes well.
Not tried the toyo t1r's and I personally wouldn't for my stiffly spring car, but I see no reason why any owner who runs a relatively standard car, spends 95% of their time on the road, shouldn't go for a slightly cheaper option. If you are a more spirited driver, then I would recommend you go for something more suited to your commitment, unfortunately that means spending a little bit more, but then what's an extra £100/£150 to extract more drivi g pleasure?
Add Nitrons to the mix and the sidewalks of the tyres simply can't cope!
I've used p-zeros (originally on my first S1), yoko lts Advans, R888's & toyo R1r's. I've got a set of Ad08's ready to go on as a cheaper but hopefully as good replacement for the trusted S1lts Yoko Advans.
For Alround use the Advans are by far and away the very best option, but they are expensive! Great on track, excellent on road and quite gods in the rain. The wear rate is also good. I get 8/10k out of rears with a Honda engine.
R1r's are also good and offer more grip, but are subsequently less fun, if you like getting the back end out a tad. They are also expensive and last around 6k for rears. Fantastic grip and they're currently the only tyre that I use, but I do alot of Euro trips, so I probably wouldn't take them on a 3k trip incase the rears need replacing during it.
R888's are only worth using with stiffer suspension. Anyone not using them in conjunction with a track set up is wasting their money or simply trying to show off. Notwithstanding S2 Exige owners where it is standard, but again, most are effectively burning £50 notes as they drive around for no real gains over more standard tyres as they don't go on track and aren't going quick enough to get heat onto them. The other factor is that you should upgrade the toe-links. This isn't me passing on Internet hearsay, I've seen a brand new Lotus with a broken toe-link on A048's. S1 wheel bearings also don't like sticky tyres, I.e. you'll be replacing them more often.
AD08's I'm yet to use on an S1, but the compound is the same/similar to S1advans, and I used to have AD07's on my S2, which were great alrounders. I did however drive a stiffly Nitroned s2 on AD08's a week or so ago and the set up felt very good, so it bodes well.
Not tried the toyo t1r's and I personally wouldn't for my stiffly spring car, but I see no reason why any owner who runs a relatively standard car, spends 95% of their time on the road, shouldn't go for a slightly cheaper option. If you are a more spirited driver, then I would recommend you go for something more suited to your commitment, unfortunately that means spending a little bit more, but then what's an extra £100/£150 to extract more drivi g pleasure?
Edited by 4pot on Thursday 9th February 08:46
Edited by 4pot on Thursday 9th February 08:51
I hated the Advans with their woody feel and lack of progressivity, already bad with the unbalanced weight distribution, Khumos (K31 SPT) were much better. I'm amazed with comments that those tyres can't cope - I have had them on much heavier cars and they have, including the track work. I think Proxes are quite similar although haven't used them on the track. Stay with them if you are happy.
Edited by chris7676 on Friday 10th February 14:28
Goes to show how much personal preference counts.
I ran Advans and loved them, put a set of Kuhmos on which I hated with a passion; I felt they had horrid squidgy steering feel and lack of communication at the limit of grip in particular, though outright grip levels weren't bad and they coped with the wet OK. I managed 200 miles before I binned them and put another set of Advans on.
I found the Advans to have a far superior steering feel, a higher level of absolute drip, easier progression between grip and slide and better resistance to overheating at extremis.
I put a pair of Kuhmos on the front of our family MPV as I don't think they're a bad tyre per se, but I can't see any place for them on the Elise.
I ran Advans and loved them, put a set of Kuhmos on which I hated with a passion; I felt they had horrid squidgy steering feel and lack of communication at the limit of grip in particular, though outright grip levels weren't bad and they coped with the wet OK. I managed 200 miles before I binned them and put another set of Advans on.
I found the Advans to have a far superior steering feel, a higher level of absolute drip, easier progression between grip and slide and better resistance to overheating at extremis.
I put a pair of Kuhmos on the front of our family MPV as I don't think they're a bad tyre per se, but I can't see any place for them on the Elise.
Thanks for all the replies.
Odd hows peoples opinion varies so much.
For me the Advans on the track were sometihng of a let down. i overheated the rears FAR to easily. Proxes seem to take a lot more abuse.
Possibly my car. And maybe more so due to the the fact (gonna get shouted at now) that i've NEVER had the geo done. EVER. And i've owned the car for 9 years! :S
I've just fitted Nitrons this year so maybe it's time to get my finger out. Ball joints have been done recently so i'll try to get the bushes done befire it goes in.
Anybody suggest somewhere that'll set it up in the midlands (Derbyshire)??
Cheers,
Odd hows peoples opinion varies so much.
For me the Advans on the track were sometihng of a let down. i overheated the rears FAR to easily. Proxes seem to take a lot more abuse.
Possibly my car. And maybe more so due to the the fact (gonna get shouted at now) that i've NEVER had the geo done. EVER. And i've owned the car for 9 years! :S
I've just fitted Nitrons this year so maybe it's time to get my finger out. Ball joints have been done recently so i'll try to get the bushes done befire it goes in.
Anybody suggest somewhere that'll set it up in the midlands (Derbyshire)??
Cheers,
Dixie said:
Thanks for all the replies.
Odd hows peoples opinion varies so much.
For me the Advans on the track were sometihng of a let down. i overheated the rears FAR to easily. Proxes seem to take a lot more abuse.
Possibly my car. And maybe more so due to the the fact (gonna get shouted at now) that i've NEVER had the geo done. EVER. And i've owned the car for 9 years! :S
I've just fitted Nitrons this year so maybe it's time to get my finger out. Ball joints have been done recently so i'll try to get the bushes done befire it goes in.
Anybody suggest somewhere that'll set it up in the midlands (Derbyshire)??
Cheers,
Sports Car Services is a specialist and has just moved up to Cannock which should be easy enough for you to get to and a nice drive out (look out for deer if you come through the chase though!). Mike does great set-up to suit you (not just following Lotus settings) and it isn't even very expensive, especially if you do it with a service or something so it is a similar trip.Odd hows peoples opinion varies so much.
For me the Advans on the track were sometihng of a let down. i overheated the rears FAR to easily. Proxes seem to take a lot more abuse.
Possibly my car. And maybe more so due to the the fact (gonna get shouted at now) that i've NEVER had the geo done. EVER. And i've owned the car for 9 years! :S
I've just fitted Nitrons this year so maybe it's time to get my finger out. Ball joints have been done recently so i'll try to get the bushes done befire it goes in.
Anybody suggest somewhere that'll set it up in the midlands (Derbyshire)??
Cheers,
I don't think I have seen anyone mention the Federal 595 RS-R?
Supposedly similar/slightly better than AD08s with a good wear rate. I have not driven either myself but I am on the look out for an R888 replacement* that would be slightly cheaper and the AD08s and Federal seem to fit. Not seen any bad reviews for either apart from a not entirely positive track review for the AD08s.
Supposedly similar/slightly better than AD08s with a good wear rate. I have not driven either myself but I am on the look out for an R888 replacement* that would be slightly cheaper and the AD08s and Federal seem to fit. Not seen any bad reviews for either apart from a not entirely positive track review for the AD08s.
- not an Elise but an Integra..
They don't make a 225/45/16 rear though...
Gompo said:
I don't think I have seen anyone mention the Federal 595 RS-R?
Supposedly similar/slightly better than AD08s with a good wear rate. I have not driven either myself but I am on the look out for an R888 replacement* that would be slightly cheaper and the AD08s and Federal seem to fit. Not seen any bad reviews for either apart from a not entirely positive track review for the AD08s.
Supposedly similar/slightly better than AD08s with a good wear rate. I have not driven either myself but I am on the look out for an R888 replacement* that would be slightly cheaper and the AD08s and Federal seem to fit. Not seen any bad reviews for either apart from a not entirely positive track review for the AD08s.
- not an Elise but an Integra..
itiejim said:
They don't make a 225/45/16 rear though...
Aha, apologies for the disruption! As soon as I see a thread discussing R888s and AD08s I like to try and get a comparison with the 595RS-R as there's not a mass of reviews (but the ones I have seen are positive). I was on my phone at work so didn't go into much depth, I didn't realise the S1 had that wide a tyres...Looking now I see 205/45/16 but not much else in 16.
Bit of a thread resurrection but looking for my first set of replacement tyres for an S2 elise - blackcircles is coming up with Yokohama Advan Sport and S.drive, no Neovas. Has anyone tried any of these? Or am I better off going to eliseparts for Neovas or Toyo T1-Rs and getting the local garage to fit them?
Cheers!
Cheers!
chris7676 said:
I hated the Advans with their woody feel and lack of progressivity, already bad with the unbalanced weight distribution, Khumos (K31 SPT) were much better. I'm amazed with comments that those tyres can't cope - I have had them on much heavier cars and they have, including the track work. I think Proxes are quite similar although haven't used them on the track. Stay with them if you are happy.
I've never seen an Elise with Advans have the rubber splattered all over the rear of the clam like I have with Khumos when driven hard. Edited by chris7676 on Friday 10th February 14:28
Wooden feel also hints at something amiss somewhere else in the suspension IME - never found anything lacking in the feel dept with Advans in comparison to the other tyres I've tried.
It's all subjective, obviously, though.
Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff