Different size front to back?

[barefoot]

I have 215 50 15 tyres at the back and I am struggling to get some front tyres what the best size that I can put on the fronts at a reasonable cost?

[amarshall]

205/50/15.

(this may have been discussed before. Several dozen times)

[don.hasi]

I would never choose the element which decides that you will drive on- or offroad only regading the costs.

I have yesterday decidered too throw the barely new 215 dunlop of the rims and get the best tires I have found also for the rear after 3 spirited drifts in moisture conditions. The Dunlop is soo bad... I can´t imagine that we all have driven it. It is scaring...

[IanM92]

Really.... I find the Dunlop sport 9000 215 ZR 15 to be very good in the wet. If this is what you have and they are young and virtually new (hardly worn) I maybe interested in purchasing them as I will soon need to replace two of mine. No idea what it would cost to ship them to the UK though.

[don.hasi]

Yes, they were brand new for Croft and are like new (as they could be after Croft )

We will find a way for them to you you are welcome

Will take pictures and measure them.

[barefoot]

Sorry my question was really 2 parts as in the heading is it ok to have different tyre widths front to back as in 205 front 215 back?

[amarshall]

Sorry my question was really 2 parts as in the heading is it ok to have different tyre widths front to back as in 205 front 215 back?

Lotus themselves have suggested 205 on the front (to avoid hitting wheelarches) and 225 on the rear. Best to check with your insurer, just in case.

I prefer to run the same size all round so I only have to carry one spare.

[RRHANS]

Is there any official Lotus communication on 205 on front and 225 back to show to the Insurance company or MOT.
In Belgium the MOT refuses this combo.

My speedlines are only used to go to the Belgian MOT, otherwise I am perfectly happy with 205 on the front and 225 on the back on my 16" wheels.

[don.hasi]

I think i have read in former times that Lotus / Andy Garham has advised to use the same tire all around cause the Excel was engineered in that way. As 225 may have problems on the front 205 would be their advise. Must search for it....

I am now using 205 front and 215. Before I had 215 all around and 215 front, 225 back. The smaller the tire is, the sharper the handling. Some weight reduction is noticeable. But the greatest effect is, that the 205 is the best tire of all, I have used. It behaves best, has the most grip in all circumstances.

For the looks I have loved the 225 at rear. it looks gorgeous.

[don.hasi]

I am getting old... it was of course Dave Massey one of the best men at Lotus and a walking library http://www.lotusexcel.net/phpbb/viewtop ... =Different

[marky]

I have Dunlop 215s at the front and 225s at the rear - car handles beautifully. If I floor the throttle in 2nd on a wet road then the back slides about a bit - but I reckon it would do that on any tyres.

A question though - my spare is a 215 - slightly concerned if I get a puncture on the rear and have to drive home with two different sizes on rear axle!

If I took it really easy would I be OK?? surely it cant be any worse than driving on a space saver? Has anyone tried it?

Mark.

[MrCoolA]

No it's not a problem, I run different sizes front back plus my tyres are directional so I would have to carry a large assortment of spares to get home. You just treat it as you would with space savers