Scottish Elises

Lads,

Got out on Sunday for a wee blat, and was spinning the rears all over the place. Thanks to the previous owner, my S1 runs on Bridgestone Potenzas. The rears are ok tread wise on the outer shoulder, but have run down quite badly in the centre, and are not too bad on the inside shoulder.

Geo was done in May last year, so I hope that's not out already - comments appreciated on that point though.

Secondly, I clearly need new boots on the back. Should I get a new pair of 'stones? If not, can I use a pair of different branded rears from the fronts? Will probably hurt my wallet if I need a new set altogether.

Plus - i know Advans are the ones to get - but are they good for mainly road use, with 3-4 trackdays a year, or will they bald quickly with 'hard' road use.

Finally - standard S1 wheel sizes, anyone know off the top of their head so I can google tyre suppliers at lunch.

Cheers - Will by you all a beer at the next meet for your help

Right tyres wearing in the centre is overpressure, not any geo issues - what tyre pressures do you run? Oh and the geo can be knackered in a couple of months on Scottish B roads (or one SE run )

Tyres - plenty of advice if you search the tech forum - look for Stephen's postings re BF Goodrich. Also good are Toyo T1-R. Best are proably still the Advans though.

Sizes - Front: 195/50 15 Rear: 225/45 16

Best to replace a whole set instead of mixing, TBH. Toyos I believe you can get for about £250, so not a total killer.

the previous owner has just over inflated the tyres - an expensive mistake for you!

i'd stick to the stones tbh but wait for more experienced members to advise.

ninja

Deffo not in the experienced bracket but my Toyos were from Tim Stevens on SELOC, £250 delivered next day.

They are squidgy to start with (Even I could tell) for 300-500 miles or so and on yesterdays run (Now on ~3000 miles) you could feel them squirming over crests. They are also really pressure sensitive by all accounts, I run 23.5/25 seems ok for me.

Loads of tread though, nearly 10mm, don't seem to aquaplane easily (Standing water on the M6 at night at over 65 no probs)

Don't do as the previous owner did and fit Star Performers Bakalite Specials (£30 each!) as it makes going around corners a bit too exciting!

HTH
Rich

There a local tyre guy who I know from the golf club and he gave me a price of 275 for 4 toyos (T-1RS) fitted, that was 195 at front and 225 rears. Not a bad price methinks and he local, so if you want any info give me a shout.

Sounds like a god deal, I had to pay £7+vat a corner to get 'em fitted anyway.

Oh and thinking about it the tread pattern can be seen
<======<<

my stones were 135 quid a pop

think they saw me coming!

ninja

Think they booted you in the stones with that price.

Beware comparisons on s1 v s2 tyre prices - different rim sizes, remember....

oooOOOOoooo

<mystic meg>

Thanks for the advice so far - any comments on maintaining brand loyalty to the 'stones at the back though?

I'm almost tempted to call the previous owner and ask what his motivation was in the first place!

GregR wrote:Thanks for the advice so far - any comments on maintaining brand loyalty to the 'stones at the back though?

I'm almost tempted to call the previous owner and ask what his motivation was in the first place!

LMAO

ninja

What are they - S03s? Better tyres available for less money, if they are. S02's were the SE tyre of choice a few years ago, but they stopped doing them. IIRC, the 03's are a bit hard.

You'd be amazed what a good tyre set-up does for your confidence in the car. If you can stretch, do go for advans all round, everyone I've ever spoken to about them is very positive...

for your continued amusement, I foiund the MMC receipt...

£350 for 2 fitted

Potenza S03s .. £139 each on blackcircles.com.

wonder if i should enter the murky world of SEL*C to see what that lot think....

GregR wrote: wonder if i should enter the murky world of SEL*C to see what that lot think....

Can if you want - SELOC is good for quick answers - but on something like this which involves personal choice, I hope you have a fully working sh*t filter....

Oh and a thick skin for when they tell you to "search the forum, FFS!"...

The big price difference seems to be with the fronts My BFG's were £98 each at the rear and £33 at the front.
Stu posted a site with Advans for £118 at the rear. I couldn't see a price for the fronts but I beieve they come in at about £80 each which makes the difference.

If we could locate somewhere to get the fronts at a better price I would got for the Advans. No experience but they seem yo get the better rep.