[Ravenbk]

Hi Guys,

its time for me to change my tires on my 2007 Elise.
I am thinking of the following on my stock Rims:
Yokohama S Drive
Front: 195 (stock is 175)
Rear: 245 (stock is 225)

What do you think of this? will i gain any advantages while on the track and road? are there any disadvantages?

also, i am seriously thinking of installing the rear toe link brace.

any comments or advise is welcome,

thanks guys
Jon

 

[Murix]

I think you would be installing a longer lasting lower performing tire. It might be good for commuting but not so hot for the track. Do you care more about the street or the track? I would personally just stick with the stock AD07's unless you were willing to go to a bigger wheel and expand your options.

 

[Ravenbk]

i care about performance.... how about the size... do you think its too big? will it fit on the stock rims?

thanks much

 

[larez2]

Those sizes will definitely fit on the stock rims. I've actually put 205's on the front and 245's on the back and they fit fine with no rubbing. I didn't like how the 205's looked though...

I drove around on the above setup for about 500 miles I didn't notice very much of a difference in terms of driving - the steering felt a little different, not in a bad way; i figured it was just because they were wider.

good luck!

 

[mjf]

I looked at them and came to the conclusion they didn't offer a tire in the same height as stock, and therefore would suffer in ride and potentially rub.

If you're looking for a better wet tire there are options. The R1R is good in the wet.

 

[Ravenbk]

if i wanted to go wider, what would be your recommendation. i do not want to downgrade from the stock tires, because i do track the car at least 4 times/summer and i avoid rain

 

[mjf]

if i wanted to go wider, what would be your recommendation. i do not want to downgrade from the stock tires, because i do track the car at least 4 times/summer and i avoid rain

The S4 is not a track tire, it's a street tire, good for like an Audi Quattro. You want the Toyo R1R or R888, or perhaps the Falken AZENIS RT-615.

Your best bet is:

205/45R16 + 235/40R17 (about 1/2 inch shorter)
215/45R16 + 245/40R17 (marginally shorter)

Stock on the non sport cars is: 175/225, stock on the sport pack cars is 195/225, I'd recommend sticking with the same proportions as stock + sport.

 

[tireshoppe]

The 195/50R16 is the largest you can go on the 5.5 wheel. Squeezing the 205 or the 215 on a smaller rim isn't a good idea. If you have the 175 now, upgrading to the 195 will definatly improve performance. The 225/45R15 R888 is a reinforced tire and has a higher weight capacity than the 235/40 or the 245/40. The 225/45 is 25" tall, the 235/40 is 24.6" and the 245/4 is 24.7". Not a lot of difference but it could be enough.
Joe

 

[mjf]

The 195/50R16 is the largest you can go on the 5.5 wheel.

Good point, I was going from the sport pack perspective with the 6.5" rim in front (which is what I have).

 

[Phantom]

also, i am seriously thinking of installing the rear toe link brace.

any comments or advise is welcome,

thanks guys
Jon

The toe link brace would be good insurance, especially if you plan to track the car-

 

[Ravenbk]

Joe,

what tire brand should i go with? do i stay with the YOKOs or do you recommend something else?

thanks much

 

[Bane]

Raven:

Check this out -

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f91/new-street-tires-my-base-wheels-review-63797/