Tire and or wheel size

1360 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by maxvelocity, Nov 27, 2013

loadedmind

Discussion Starter · Nov 25, 2013 (Edited)

93.5 - having problems finding correct tires. Looks like I'm going to have to go to something other than oem as I'm unable to find any anywhere.

Alan told me of his setup, but it seems they're about impossible to find as well.

Haven't taken delivery of the car yet, but I know it will need tires so I might as well be prepared.

Any/all feedback welcome. Thanks in advance.

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sleekgt

· #2 · Nov 25, 2013

Your 93.5 OEM sizes (15x7 and 16x8) are really limited in matched vendor sets. BFG T/A (H rated tires) may be the only choice. Even then, the availability is difficult. If you're willing to do BFG TA front and Pirelli/ Michelin in back, it may be possible but the handling may not optimal. 15 and 16 inch tires are simply too old/small of a market, hence the limited choices.

I started off with 15" BFG TA all around. Ok tire but nothing special. Just bought 17" S4s wheels that allow better choices of tires.
For 17" I'm going with a Dunlop Direzza DZ101

Upgrading wheels on Esprit is quite an adventure - search the Esprit forum for 'wheel' and there are a few threads on tire/wheel fitment on the older cars.

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loadedmind

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 26, 2013

Thanks for the info. Ultimately, since it seems finding the ideal tire size is going to prove so challenging, I'd like to go with what the community suggests for a 93.5 that's currently outfitted with the oem wheels. The goal here is to find a wheel/tire combination that will have plenty of options available from folks like tirerack and discount tire so I don't run into the problem of finding tires for the car in the future.

I realize how important it is to get the right combination which is why I'm reaching out to you all for your recommendation. Honestly, I'm not interested in the blinged out look and am quite satisfied with the OEM wheels, but since tires aren't readily available for these (at least that I can see and am open to other vendors if this is the case) wheels, I'm guessing I don't have much of a choice but to find another wheel/tire solution.

All input welcome.

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sleekgt

· #4 · Nov 26, 2013

Check out this site for the various wheels/tire sizes used on Esprits:

The Lotus Esprit Fact File

Click on Support->Components->Wheels & Tires->Road Wheels

This is very useful if you prefer to stick with a Lotus OEM wheel from the
other model years (MY) (used obviously). Sticking close to the DIAMETER for the rear tire helps keep your speedo more true.

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A thread similarly looking for relatively inexpensive alternative to OZ Nova wheels and fitment

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f164/help-wheel-fitment-adapters-etc-180146/#post2522954

My thread on moving from 15" to 17"

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f164/15mm-wheel-spacer-esprit-front-hub-181730/#post2541002

A discussion on 15" AND 16" tire choices

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f164/215-50-15-tires-89-se-171754/#post2415282

A forum member's spreadsheet for calculating various tire options

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f164/running-17-f-18-r-wheels-s4-160170/#post2278602

This is an indispensable site for doing 'What if' on wheels and tire sizes

http://www.rimsntire.com -> Size Comparer (lower left of screen under 'Tools')

One of my older posts trying to migrate from 15" to something with better tire choices (17" OR 18")

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f164/88-esprit-wheels-help-124152/#post1845391

For after market inexpensive wheels, the choices are limited - the tradeoff is using spacer or adapters and heavier weights.

The inexpensive possibilities I've evaluated (plenty others that I didn't check out details):

5x108 sizes:

Voxx MG3
Voxx Maglia
ESM 004

5x120 sizes (requires adapters all around)
Bayern

The expensive options (custom - no spacers)

Boze Forged
Fikse

See less See more

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loadedmind

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 27, 2013

Thanks!

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maxvelocity

· #6 · Nov 27, 2013 (Edited)

I'm having the same problem finding tires. I think I found acceptable Z rated tires. Toyo PROXES T1-R 245/45 16 and 215/45 R15. The 16's are available in the USA, the 15's are only found in Europe. I think they are a popular size for BMW. I found a company in Europe willing to ship 2 of the 15's to the USA via DHL/Fedex for around $250 for the pair plus $60 extra for shipping. Anyone have experience with the performance of this tire? The 15's might be v rated.

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