13" Road Tires: ZZS vs R888R

[CarlB]

It would not be my choice. This is an all-season tire. I would use a tire designed for more performance. All season tires have a chunky tread pattern. This type of pattern reduces the grip and makes the steering response less responsive. The Avon tires were designed for the car. I am not aware of any other street tires that were designed for such a light car. The Toyo tires seem to work well, but their tires were designed for heavier cars. Heavier cars require stiffer sidewalls and that can affect performance.  

[Timothy Keith-Lucas]

Thank you. I appreciate your expertise. The Toyo 888R is a possibility, but I’ve got some reservations for my use. Standing water is a recognized hazard here, because hot asphalt gradually groves and the groves hold water. It rains unexpectedly. One of our deputies found out about hydroplaning at 60 mph on the straight. Spoiled his whole day. The boys in blue have no problem with my taking corners and curves at a bit over the speed limit, but drifting around a traffic circle is discouraged. Toyo says no street use for the 888R, and I‘m guessing from the design that it would hydroplane with enthusiasm. So, if I’m going to choose from among “real” street tires, what would you recommend?

[Croc]

9 hours ago, Timothy Keith-Lucas said:

So, if I’m going to choose from among “real” street tires, what would you recommend?

 

This is going on the S2 Seven?  What wheel size are you using - diameter and width?  That will dictate the answer to a large amount.  

[Timothy Keith-Lucas]

Yes. SB 1160 is coming to me with left over rubber from a Mini, since it had worn-out racing tires on it and I'm going to use it for street only. A good assumption would be 3.5x13, the original, but I'll definitely measure before I order.

 

I think that this is a real question. I continue to be leery of using racing tires for the reasons I've gotten into above, and I want the best performance available within street tires. Sidewall rigidity seems an important factor - even in a hard turn the load on any one tire is going to be way below that on, say, my Miata.

 

I apologize for highjacking a thread on an only related topic. 

 

Thank you for sharing your expertise with a beginner.

[Croc]

14 minutes ago, Timothy Keith-Lucas said:

I apologize for highjacking a thread on an only related topic. 

 

 

Thread hijack is a classic part of the USA7s experience.  Thread drift is another.  

 

 

Modern tires are a very different construction to period era tires.   You will want higher profile sidewall tires as 1) you are on 13 inch wheels but 2) you want some ground clearance for your sump.  

 

Depending on your driving experience you may be used to a stiff sidewall promoting mechanical grip.  Period tires could have been older style bias ply or early radials.  Both allowed sidewall flex which permitted a consistent contact patch and allowed for progressive breakaway at the limit with a level of controllable drift/slide.  The Caterham of today is all about mechanical grip.  
 

I would be looking at a modern manufacture of a period style tire.  They are most likely to have sizes that will match your wheel sizing.

 

What about a Pirelli Cinturato CN36?  Maybe more road style than performance style?

 

Michelin XAS?  They use them on Lotus Elans and a period seven is a good match.  Probably the best choice as they are more performance focused? 

 

Not sure what else is suitable for a Lotus Elan but I would have an explore there in case they have an extra option you could adapt to a seven.  

Longstone tyres is a useful resource for ideas for older cars - its worth having a browse

Lotus 7 Tyres - Classic Tyres (longstonetyres.co.uk)

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

[CarlB]

I did not realize this was for an older car. If you have 13X3.5-inch wheels you need a 165/ R13 tire. Croc made good recommendations; however, they are expensive. If you have 5-inch wheels you might look at the Vrdestein classic. They make a 185/70R13 tire. I have a set of Toyo Proxes R1R tires for street use and they are fine in the rain. This is a street tire with a 200 treadware rating. The RA1 is a DOT legal competition tire that is also good in the rain. 

[Timothy Keith-Lucas]

Wow! That's alot of options to look at. I do need to see if those rims really are 3.5 inches - given an extensive racing history and very little road use, the first owner (I'm only the second, other than the dealer) may have switched them out. 

 

Thanks a bunch, guys.

[Timothy Keith-Lucas]

I seem to be centering in on the Pirelli Cinturato CN36. Is it OK to go with the 165 rather than the 145 version with 3.5 inch wheels?

[CarlB]

I checked some old tire guides. Once Apon a Time I was in the tire business. For a 3.5-inch wheel the recommended tire is 145.  

[Timothy Keith-Lucas]

Got it.  Thank you, CarlB.

[MV8]

With a 3.5 width, look for a 145 and leave out the side wall percentage back when everything on the street was an 80 (145R13 = 145-80-13 and R for radial):

 

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/145r13-firestone-f560.html

[Timothy Keith-Lucas]

Thank you, MV8.

 

SB1160 arrived last night about 11:00. I'm busy doing things like attaching 4-point belts. I won't get to drive her until the insurance goes into effect, but I'm in love.

 

--Tim.