Lotus S3 Rim measurements

[Darcy]

Hi, I'm a new S3 owner and I want to replace the steel wheels with some aftermarket rims.  Can someone tell me the offset on the stock steel wheels from 1970? 

Ground clearance under the oil pan seems really minimal, but I don't want to change the handling, so I think I will stick with stock 13" diameter rims. 

 

Thanks

[11Budlite]

According to the Tony Weale book, the correct negative offset for S3 wheels up to 6" wide is 3/4" or 19mm. The negative offset could have been an error because doing a Google search shows offsets of positive 15 - 25. You might want to measure your wheels to determine what you have. 

 

This guide shows offsets of positive 15-25 as well: https://www.vtowheels.com/cars/lotus-7-1957-1973

[San Augustine]

The original steel wheels came off the Ford Cortina which were 13x5.5 with ford pcd 4.25  or 108mm. 
 

Lotus had offered optional Lotus brand alloy wheels similar to the Dunlop D1 in 1970. They were also used on the S4. Specs on these were 13x5.5 4.25 pcd. These are very rare today, however, John Brown Wheels in the UK makes replicas of the D1 in the correct pcd and an offset of 16mm which are probably better quality than any 56 year old wheels you could find today. I found a set of original Lotus Brand alloys for my S4 on this site. They are still in the box and need to be refinished. If I find they aren’t true I would have been better off to go with the modern replicas. I got one of my Lotus brand wheels out this morning and got an offset of 15 which +/- 1mm close enough to 16mm. 

 

Tires 165 80 13 or 185 70 13.  

The only 165 80 13 tires that I am aware of is Pirelli and can be bought from Lucas tires. - Considering how light these cars are this would be choice. 

 

https://lucasclassictires.com/tires/165vr13-pirelli-cinturato-cn36/

 

185 70 13 is more common and less expensive. 
 

Here is a link to an original S3 with the Lotus Brand wheels 
 

https://www.gpsevens.co.uk/portfolio-item/lotus-super-7-s3-holbay-s-1969-the-only-factory-built-lotus-s3-in-existence-5949

 

 

The John Brown D1 replicas

https://johnbrownwheels.com/product/55-x-13-d1-4x108-5513D14108

 

Revolution wheels would also be period correct. 
https://revolutionwheels.com/product/rvb940-4-17561mbhr-wip/

 Pricey 

 

John Brown makes a copy at half the price. 

 

https://johnbrownwheels.com/product/6-x-13-revolite-4x108-6013RL4108

 

I followed the auction and I think you got a very good deal on an amazing original car. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Edited 50 minutes ago by San Augustine
Clarity