HELP!!!! Getting conflicting info. on tire options.

[dogsoldier]

I AM SOOOO CONFUSED!!!

Everyone I talk to gives me different information regarding an alternative tire for the OEM Yoko ADO7s. PLEASE keep in mind that I have the standard package wheels.

I am leaning toward the Goodyear F1 GS D3s. 195/50-16 front; and 225/45-17 rears. Tire Rack told me they would not fit the front. Discount Tire Direct told me they would fit. The tire manager at my dealer called Lotus; who said they would not have enough clearance. When asked who I should trust; the dealer's tire manager said that I should listen to the Lotus owners.

With that in mind. I read in a thread here; that the Goodyears would work in a 195/45-16 and 235/35-17 set up on my current wheels, but all the shims had to be removed. First of all, I have not been able to find a Goodyear F1 in a 235/35-17 size, and secondly I do not want to have to remove the shims.

I have also read here, that Goodyear F1s will work with a 205/45-16 and 245/40-17; but I need to change my wheels to the Roto Slipstreams. Which will cost an additional $650. I am not opposed to changing the wheels; but only if there is no other option. Keep in mind, part of my reason for changing tires is to keep down cost.

PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME FIND ACCURATE INFORMATION!!!

[cpforyou]

Originally Posted by dogsoldier

I AM SOOOO CONFUSED!!!

Everyone I talk to gives me different information regarding an alternative tire for the OEM Yoko ADO7s. PLEASE keep in mind that I have the standard package wheels.

I am leaning toward the Goodyear F1 GS D3s. 195/50-16 front; and 225/45-17 rears. Tire Rack told me they would not fit the front. Discount Tire Direct told me they would fit. The tire manager at my dealer called Lotus; who said they would not have enough clearance. When asked who I should trust; the dealer's tire manager said that I should listen to the Lotus owners.

With that in mind. I read in a thread here; that the Goodyears would work in a 195/45-16 and 235/35-17 set up on my current wheels, but all the shims had to be removed. First of all, I have not been able to find a Goodyear F1 in a 235/35-17 size, and secondly I do not want to have to remove the shims.

I have also read here, that Goodyear F1s will work with a 205/45-16 and 245/40-17; but I need to change my wheels to the Roto Slipstreams. Which will cost an additional $650. I am not opposed to changing the wheels; but only if there is no other option. Keep in mind, part of my reason for changing tires is to keep down cost.

PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME FIND ACCURATE INFORMATION!!!

I own a Lotus Elise w/ Sport Package, so I don't know the full answer, but I can give you a good technical response.

The front wheel is 16 x 5.5"

For 195/50/16, the usual approved wheel width is 5.5 - 7.0. This means that the tire WILL mount on the wheel itself.

Now the question becomes CLEARANCE. If it doesn't clear, then spacers should fix that problem by bringing the wheel out more, and lowering the positive offset.

Now the question goes to Lotus owners with the standard package, does it clear or rub?

[JonOrangeElise]

The AD07s kick ass for a street tire. I would stay with AD07s unless I planned on never driving fast, and/or wanted a tire that would be great for the rain.

No justification for ever skimping on tires. They are your single interface to the road. As far as the "road is concerned," your car IS your tire set. The contact pathc interface determines everything about adhesion, braking and acceleration. All the other parts of your car just send inputs to your tires.

[Newhouse]

Here is a link to some one using 195 A048'n their base wheel.
http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18326


The 195/45R16 GSD3 are actually smaller in diameter as compared to AD07 and A048's.

Section width wise they are in between the A048's and AD07's.

[dogsoldier]

Originally Posted by JonOrangeElise

The AD07s kick ass for a street tire. I would stay with AD07s unless I planned on never driving fast, and/or wanted a tire that would be great for the rain.

No justification for ever skimping on tires. They are your single interface to the road. As far as the "road is concerned," your car IS your tire set. The contact pathc interface determines everything about adhesion, braking and acceleration. All the other parts of your car just send inputs to your tires.

I live in Florida, where it rains every day. Therefore, wet traction is a priority for me.

My car will never see the track; but I do drive it 50-60 miles daily. That is why I would like to find a more affordable alternative. One with a little more tread life.
The Yoko ADO7 has tread life rated at 180, for $242; the Goodyear F1 GS D3 is rated at 280, for $158. Quite a difference in both tread life and price; with minimal difference in handling and performance. In fact, the Goodyear way out performs the Yoko in wet weather! (According to reports, I have not yet tried the Goodyears.)

The problem I am having, is conflicting reports on whether the Goodyear F1 GS D3 195/50/16 will fit on my standard package wheels. (Without rubbing of course.)

Does anyone know for sure? Have any of you tried or seen a standard wheel with the Goodyear F1?

[Lotusmotion]

dogsoldier, I have been researching street tire alternatives for my Exige, because AO48s get chewed up on the street very quickly.

Yes, have shared your frustration....I found other people's information could be conflicting, inccurate, very biased, and sometimes it is just plain BS. Instead, I now do lots of reseach, seek opinions from people with actual experience on the subject (everyone has an opinion but few have actual experience), and then make my own informed decision.

The Goodyear F1 is a great tire as indicated by tests and driver experience. It is the obvious first choice. I have yet to fully explore size fitment issues, but thanks for the heads up on shim removal...I'll have to check that out.

I would prefer AD07s for street use on my Exige, but the 195/50/16 size is not available.

But, I have found Toyo T1's to be a direct and near perfect match to AO48 size specs for the Exige, but I have not compared size specs for the AD07s on the Elise. Toyos are affordable and a good tire, but they are not the Goodyear F1. I recently ran at Willow Springs raceway for a day with Dan Duffy, who has T1s on his Exige. He ran with the pack just fine...most cars had AD07s and AO48s....so the T1 is competitive for track day purposes, and it has a reputation for being a very solid street tire.
http://www.toyo.com/tires/tire_lines...tures_benefits

Be sure to compare tire specs...tire diameter, revolutions per minute, cross-section width, tread width, etc... against specs of your AD07s.

[Arno]

195/50R16 will fit fine on the 5.5J standard front wheels and there is NO clearance issue.

Bye, Arno.

[fzust]

I run the F1 GS D3s on my BMW M3. They are a great rain tire. You WILL NOT have a problem with fit. Here is why:

#1 The GY's run narrow. The 195s are going to be narrower than the A048s.
#2 The LSS can fit(with the same wheel well) 225s in the front(which is what I run on the elise now with the LSS wheels.
#3 the base wheels will pinch the 195s even narrower than 195s on an LSS wheel.

Don't over think it. Get the GYs and be happy.

[Newhouse]

If you are going to get Goodyear GSD3's, they don't come in 195/50R16 but in 195/45R16. Others that have use 195's on their standard wheels seem to have no problem with rubbing. http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18326

[tvacc]

Nice to see some straight answers here. I will be going to the Goodyears when my newly purchased rears and 1/2 worn fronts wear out next year.

Of course...is something else comes out by then.....

[dns57]

Also consider the Azenis 615.

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by dns57

Also consider the Azenis 615.

Yes, get these if you can, they are great tires at a great price point. I got 215 45R 16 front and 235 40R 17 rear; however, I have 7 inch wheels front and 8's rear (Toybox). I don't know if they make the Falken Rt-615 Azenis in your size, but if they do, I would recommend them over the Goodyears.

[tvacc]

Originally Posted by 05EliseNM

Yes, get these if you can, they are great tires at a great price point. I got 215 45R 16 front and 235 40R 17 rear; however, I have 7 inch wheels front and 8's rear (Toybox). I don't know if they make the Falken Rt-615 Azenis in your size, but if they do, I would recommend them over the Goodyears.

These are the sizes off the Falken webpage...I dont see any in our size for the fronts...



Load / Item # Meas. Approved OD Section RPM Tread Tread Weight Max PSI Max Reinforced
Size Speed Rim Rims Width Width Depth (lbs) (Cold) Load
195/60R14 86H 2835-2440 6.0 5.5 - 7.0 23.2 7.9 900 6.6 8/32 18.7 51 1,168
205/50R15 89W 2835-2540 6.5 5.5 - 7.5 23.2 8.2 895 7.6 8/32 20.8 50 1,279 Reinforced
225/50R16 92W 2835-2642 7.0 6.0 - 8.0 24.8 9.0 881 8.2 8/32 25.2 51 1,389
215/45R16 86W 2835-2641 7.5 7.0 - 8.0 23.6 8.4 768 8.0 8/32 21.7 51 1,168
205/40R16 83W 2835-2640 7.5 7.0 - 8.0 22.5 8.5 911 7.2 8/32 18.2 50 1,074 Reinforced
215/45R17 87W 2835-2748 7.0 7.0 - 8.0 24.7 8.3 871 8.0 8/32 23.1 51 1,201
225/45R17 94W 2835-2742 7.5 7.0 - 8.5 25.0 8.9 822 8.3 8/32 25.3 50 1,477 Reinforced
245/45R17 99W 2835-2743 8.0 7.5 - 9.0 25.6 9.6 806 9.1 8/32 28.7 50 1,709 Reinforced
205/40R17 84W 2835-2740 7.5 7.0 - 8.0 23.4 8.5 875 7.2 8/32 19.4 50 1,102 Reinforced
215/40R17 87W 2835-2741 7.5 7.0 - 8.5 23.9 8.7 861 7.4 8/32 21.2 50 1,202 Reinforced
235/40R17 90W 2835-2747 8.5 8.0 - 9.5 24.4 9.6 836 8.7 8/32 24.3 51 1,323
255/40R17 94W 2835-2744 9.0 8.5 - 10.0 25.0 10.3 825 9.4 8/32 27.5 51 1,477
275/40R17 98W 2835-2745 9.5 9.0 - 11.0 25.6 10.8 806 10.0 8/32 28.8 51 1,653


What size rims are on our cars? non Sport?

[dogsoldier]

Originally Posted by tvacc

These are the sizes off the Falken webpage...I dont see any in our size for the fronts...



Load / Item # Meas. Approved OD Section RPM Tread Tread Weight Max PSI Max Reinforced
Size Speed Rim Rims Width Width Depth (lbs) (Cold) Load
195/60R14 86H 2835-2440 6.0 5.5 - 7.0 23.2 7.9 900 6.6 8/32 18.7 51 1,168
205/50R15 89W 2835-2540 6.5 5.5 - 7.5 23.2 8.2 895 7.6 8/32 20.8 50 1,279 Reinforced
225/50R16 92W 2835-2642 7.0 6.0 - 8.0 24.8 9.0 881 8.2 8/32 25.2 51 1,389
215/45R16 86W 2835-2641 7.5 7.0 - 8.0 23.6 8.4 768 8.0 8/32 21.7 51 1,168
205/40R16 83W 2835-2640 7.5 7.0 - 8.0 22.5 8.5 911 7.2 8/32 18.2 50 1,074 Reinforced
215/45R17 87W 2835-2748 7.0 7.0 - 8.0 24.7 8.3 871 8.0 8/32 23.1 51 1,201
225/45R17 94W 2835-2742 7.5 7.0 - 8.5 25.0 8.9 822 8.3 8/32 25.3 50 1,477 Reinforced
245/45R17 99W 2835-2743 8.0 7.5 - 9.0 25.6 9.6 806 9.1 8/32 28.7 50 1,709 Reinforced
205/40R17 84W 2835-2740 7.5 7.0 - 8.0 23.4 8.5 875 7.2 8/32 19.4 50 1,102 Reinforced
215/40R17 87W 2835-2741 7.5 7.0 - 8.5 23.9 8.7 861 7.4 8/32 21.2 50 1,202 Reinforced
235/40R17 90W 2835-2747 8.5 8.0 - 9.5 24.4 9.6 836 8.7 8/32 24.3 51 1,323
255/40R17 94W 2835-2744 9.0 8.5 - 10.0 25.0 10.3 825 9.4 8/32 27.5 51 1,477
275/40R17 98W 2835-2745 9.5 9.0 - 11.0 25.6 10.8 806 10.0 8/32 28.8 51 1,653


What size rims are on our cars? non Sport?

The standard package wheels are: 5.5 J x 16 front and 7.5 J x 17 rear.

I have been told that while technically the 5.5 wheel is at the lower end of the acceptable range for the Goodyear F1 Gs D3 195/45 R16; it would not be recommended to use such a setup. A more optimal wheel would be a 6.5.
If this is true, does anyone have any recommendations for an affordable STREET use wheel?

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by dogsoldier

The standard package wheels are: 5.5 J x 16 front and 7.5 J x 17 rear.

I have been told that while technically the 5.5 wheel is at the lower end of the acceptable range for the Goodyear F1 Gs D3 195/45 R16; it would not be recommended to use such a setup. A more optimal wheel would be a 6.5.
If this is true, does anyone have any recommendations for an affordable STREET use wheel?

Yes, go to blackwatchracing.com:

http://www.blackwatchracing.com/shop...products=elise

There you can get all four wheels (Rota Slipstreams) for $650.00! They are 6.5" front and 7.5" rear and come in silver, grey, black, and with or without polished lip. The weight on these wheels is very low for a non-forged wheel, 13.5 front and 17 rear. These wheels are wider than your wheels and lighter; question is, do you like the way they look? Just keep in mind, when you are driving the car, you will not see the wheels.

Also, at the same site, you can get the Team Dynamics Wheels for $850.00 for an entire set! Also a great price. These wheels are 7.0" front and 8.0" rear, now you can get the Falkens that I HIGHLY recommend. These wheels weigh a little more than the Rota's, but they still weigh a little less than your stock Lotus wheels. Plus, you might like the look of these better.

Blackwatch Racing, owned by Robert Puertas, is a great company with great customer service. I believe he is currently in the U.K. finding more parts for us.

Hope this helps.

Stephen

I just checked the weight of your wheels, yours are 15.2 front and 21 rear. The Team Dyamics wheels are 16.5 front (a little heavier) and 20 rear (a little lighter).

[Stephen]

Now if you want some really light forged wheels at a great price, try these:

http://www.sector111.com/handler.cfm...nction=product

This is a very good price and you are getting a top notch wheel. Sector 111 is also a great company with excellent customer service. They also have forged wheels in 7" front and 8" rear sizes, but now you are talking about $3000.00; I'm guess you did not want to spend that much.

Stephen

[andykeck]

Originally Posted by dogsoldier

The standard package wheels are: 5.5 J x 16 front and 7.5 J x 17 rear.

I have been told that while technically the 5.5 wheel is at the lower end of the acceptable range for the Goodyear F1 Gs D3 195/45 R16; it would not be recommended to use such a setup.

While this is technically true, a couple members whose input I trust have reported that this combination works well. dp1 being the prime example. He tracked the hell out of those tires.

[dogsoldier]

Well I finally did try the Goodyear Eagle F1-GS-D3s; the 195-45R 16 fits perfectly on the standard package wheels. I stayed with a 225-45R 17 for the rears. No clearance problems!!!

The Goodyears handle better than the Yokos in dry, and especially wet conditions. The tread life on the Yokos are rated at 170 the Goodyears are rated at 280. Tire Rack sells the Yokos for $175 for fronts and $242 for rears. They sell the Goodyears for $93 fronts and $169 rears.

By the way, more than one salesman at Tire Rack told me that the Goodyears would not fit on my wheels! It appears that occasionally, even experts do not have all the information they could or should have.

[Ian]

Originally Posted by dogsoldier

Well I finally did try the Goodyear Eagle F1-GS-D3s; the 195-45R 16 fits perfectly on the standard package wheels. I stayed with a 225-45R 17 for the rears. No clearance problems!!!

The Goodyears handle better than the Yokos in dry, and especially wet conditions. The tread life on the Yokos are rated at 170 the Goodyears are rated at 280. Tire Rack sells the Yokos for $175 for fronts and $242 for rears. They sell the Goodyears for $93 fronts and $169 rears.

By the way, more than one salesman at Tire Rack told me that the Goodyears would not fit on my wheels! It appears that occasionally, even experts do not have all the information they could or should have.

Thanks for the update. So you actually prefer the Goodyears to the AD07's? Where did you have them mounted? Did the shop give you any trouble at all?

[sl8anic]

Just confirming that Goodyear F1-DS-G3's 195/45R16 (front) and 235/40R17 (rear) on non-LSS wheels are fine. No installation or rubbing problems, installed a set today.