Tyre Choice

Stefan · Post by **Stefan** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 22:37

This afternoon i got a great price on Kumho Ecsta V70A, Dunlop SP9000 or Toyo T1R all in size 225/50R15, so i might go the same way as you Dpr after all.
Are you happy with the 225's, how does the stability feel in corners?

dpr59 · Post by **dpr59** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 23:19

I've currently 225 all round.

The only issues I found (and mentioned elsewhere) are;
Full lock in reverse they can scrub inner wing slightly. This doesn't take much of a drop in lock to stop.
Also at low speed the 'scrub' due to steering geometry is noticable.

These are not everyday issues for me.

In wet no aquaplaneing problems and balanced grip is splendid.

I've had 225 on for 2 of the 3 years I've had the Excel.

Benefits is slightly raised ride height so rubber skirt doesn't scrub speed bumps as much. Along with negligable differnce in speedo reading.

http://www.rochfordtyres.co.uk/TyreCalc.asp

Hence decided to stay with same tyres front and rear.

Guess if you had 205 all round the overall feel would be the same.

Lotus-e-Clan · Post by **Lotus-e-Clan** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 15:40

Definitely zippier on the 205/50s

Its only an opinion but I think the 7 inch rims are too narrow for the 225 section - too much sidewall overhang.

205 Toyos are brilliant in the wet. BTW

It's down to driving style/tastes at the end of the day

Peter

Stefan · Post by **Stefan** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 18:14

Hi Peter

Which Toyos are you using?

Stefan

Stefan · Post by **Stefan** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 18:29

Sat down at the local tyre supplier today.
#Toyo T1-R, here its best to stick with 205/50 since larger size gets unstable sideways on our 7"
#Toyo R888, can be found in 215/50R15, but will cost, and weak on wet surface if you got a light car

which I recon I have.
#Dunlop SP9000 as T1-R can be unstable sideways if larger than original 215/50 (not imported to Sweden

)
#Kuhmo V70A are very stable sideways and it can work fine with 225/50, but wet daily driver the are a nightmare.........

So if im doing a couple of trackdays and some sprints i should go for 205/50's unless i take Kumho 225/50 and get a bit exiting wet driving to work........My competition runs on R888, but swops tyres every year...
I need two sets of wheels to sort this out, but trying to explain that to the rest of the family.....

Lotus-e-Clan · Post by **Lotus-e-Clan** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 18:33

205/50/15 T1R all round.

Very happy with them.

I like the smaller diameter from a performance point of view - no sense in have more unsprung weight - and if responsiveness is a priority then it makes sense to go for the narrower section.

The lighter excel doesn't need wider tyres especially as modern rubber compounds have improved IMHO.

Heavier Audis BMWs and Mercs need wide tyres to cope with weight - but even so, they still overload tieir tyres when cornering hard - ever heard an M5 cornering on the limit?
Reminds me of 70's Yank Tanks!

I haven't got Air con or PAS, so mine is at the lighter end of the Excel model range, mind you.

Peter

Stefan · Post by **Stefan** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 18:37

Have you done any tracks or sprints with them?

Im going to get rid of the PAS after this season.....

Lotus-e-Clan · Post by **Lotus-e-Clan** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 18:44

Not on the T1Rs as yet.

But I have been naughty with them elsewhere...

If you are getting shot of the PAS then you might as well go the whole hog and dump the water pump as well.

I notice a significant advantage.

Peter

CapnBob · Post by **CapnBob** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 11:22

i had the ts1 - nice tyre. But they replaced them with the tr1.
Put the tr1 on the front and they don't steer as well as the ts1, so now they are on the back.
Good wet traction is important on an excel. So it is important not overtyre them.
I like 195's on the front, 205 or 225 on rear. Car steers so much better in wet and dry on narrower fronts.
However, the front springs need spacers to lift the front ride height so that there isn't excess weight transfer under braking.