Alloy/Tyre size

[Midlife]

I will be running Avon Crosslpys on my Elan +2 in sprints and hillclimbs. Initially standard power, but will be increasing the neddies later... any ideas on alloy wheel size (knock on) and possible suppliers?

Do I run 13" or 15" dia? I have looked at some set ups and they are mostly 13x7...

I am hoping I stimulate some debate here?

Cheers

Doug

[1964 S1]

I think fifteen inch wheels would be inferior. Few of us can outdrive these Elans, they are designed and set up so well in stock form that they handle absolutely beautifully. A strong case can be made that the +2 handles better than a small Elan... that's another debate.... but I wouldn't mess with the suspension geometry too much, wider thirteen inch wheels is as far as I'd go.

[zeteclotus]

Just finished building a spyder zetec +2 with standard knock on hubs and wheels.

So far I have tried steel wheels with 165 80 13 pirelli 3000 nice handling
steel wheels with 185 60 13 handles well but makes the car feel too modern.

Alloy wheel original spec with 165 80 13 pirelli best over all I found for road use.

Chris n sells knock on alloy wheels for the +2 for ?120 +vat

I am just sad I have to sell the car

13 inch wheels with narrow tyres is what the the car was designed for. and they handle 175-180 BHP just fine.

[rgh0]

The Elan with its narrow track can easily reach the ultimate chassis limits with a modern sticky compound 175 width tyre on a 5.5 inch wheel. The wider track plus 2 can use a signficantly wider tyre to reach a higher ultimated grip limit, provided the rest of the suspension is stiffened to match the loads.

How wide you go I dont know as historic racing here in Australia limits you to 6 inch wheels and 185 /60 tyres. I suspect around a 205 /50 or 60 would work well if you can fit it under the guards.

Whether you use 13 or 15 inch wheels depends really on what allowed and what gearing your looking for. Bigger wheels and lower profile tyres ultimately work better all other things being equal and suspension geometry being well controlled.

regards
Rohan