13" tires TCS

[jlmullen2]

Hi Guys -

I'm trying to decide on replacement tires for my 1973 TCS. As we know, the car came with 175/70-13 front and 185/70-13 rear. My car has the standard Lotus alloys (5 1/2 x 13) and I've been looking at replacements. At this point I'm not interested in moving up to 14" or 15" wheels. The car will be driven only on the street, no racing or track days.

From my research I see that 175/70-13 tires are a more popular size ( and easier to get locally) than 185/70-13 tires. Does anyone see a significant downside to running 175/70-13 tires on all 4 wheels?

Thanks

[BDA]

You might expect a minor difference in the balance if you push it but it doesn't sound like you're likely to push it that hard. The rear tires may look a little small but you would probably be the only one to notice.

I just checked and there are a fair number of 185/70-13s on Amazon.

[Certified Lotus]

As mentioned above, You will find the size tires you need by doing an internet search. The typical tire stores (like tire rack) won't carry them, but on-line tires will. Unusual tire company names that I didn't  recognize so I bought according to thread design. Almost any modern tire will be far superior to the older technology available when these cars were built.

I went with the staggered size as recommended by Lotus on 13 inch wheels. My car is in deconstruction mode so I have no idea about the performance of the tires. I will by spring 2017 ;-)

[kiwiokie]

I have never bought from them but Coker tire has several brands that have 185 widths for 13 inch rims:

https://www.cokertire.com/tires.html#size_section_width_radial=11014&tire_rim_diameter=113

Vredesteins are popular with Alfa owners in 14" that want the period look but are not so concerned about stiff sidewalls and grip.  Michelin XAS are apparently better in that respect but are pricey.  Just from what I have read as I have not owner either tire.

[EuropaTC]

(part quote)
Does anyone see a significant downside to running 175/70-13 tires on all 4 wheels?

Like BDA I doubt you'd feel any difference in just pottering around the roads but personally I would aim to replicate the Lotus ratios of tyre width.  They had the same sizes all round on the S1 & S2 as standard but with the TC they offered slightly wider at the rear. I've assumed (yes, dangerous, I know) that this was down to the different weight distributions between the S1/S2 and the TC with it's slightly heavier rear bias. 

Interestingly enough when the Elise came along with even more rearwards weight balance they also had wider rear tyres, so I think it's more than just a marketing exercise. Understeer, oversteer and other black magic ?

Brian

[BDA]

My MB C230s also have a staggered arrangement. I expect they had a reason, too. Interestingly enough, the rear tires wear out quicker on the C230 just like they do on the Europa!

[jbcollier]

I went to 1010tires.com and plugged 175/70-13 and 185/70-13 into their search by size feature and they came up with two tires that come in both sizes.

[analogmike]

Avoid the Kumho tires, the only brand name I recognized for a reasonable price, and readily available in 175 and 185 at Tire Rack, etc. They are unbelievable bad... no grip in the dry and like ice in damp conditions.

[Chuck Nukem]

I went with Federal 185/60/13 all around.

[tedtaylor]

Avoid the Kumho tires, the only brand name I recognized for a reasonable price, and readily available in 175 and 185 at Tire Rack, etc. They are unbelievable bad... no grip in the dry and like ice in damp conditions.

I had Kumhos on my JPS Europa and was very pleased with them.  Of course i only drove during good weather, but enjoyed "spirited" road driving with no problems at all. 

[Bainford]

I'm running Falken Sincera 175/70-13 and 185/70-13, purchased from Discount Tire through an ebay ad. Free delivery to your door in the continental US. They are a good quality touring tire with predictable dynamics on the road. The car is driven enthusiastically and I have had no problems.

[brucelotus26r]

I just got 2 175/70/13 and 2 185/70/13 Kumho Solus TA11 with the date code on the tires of 3316 at my local tire store on 12/3/16. paid $335 mount & balanced. On my 72 twin cam. So far so good?

[Certified Lotus]

Hi Bruce, pretty amazing that your local tire store had the sizes in stock. And you can't beat the price!

[BDA]

  brucelotus26r

Nice score on the tires!

[cwtech]

I just got 2 175/70/13 and 2 185/70/13 Kumho Solus TA11 with the date code on the tires of 3316 at my local tire store on 12/3/16. paid $335 mount & balanced. On my 72 twin cam. So far so good?

Care to share the source?

Joe's Battery & Tire?