How to Setup the Elise, Tires
Base Suspension:
| option | brand | front | weight | rear | weight |
| wheels | Rimstock(?), cast | 16 x 5.5 | 15.2 | 17 x 7.5 | 21.0 |
| base tire | Yokohama Advan AD07 | 175/50R16 | 18.0 | 225/45R17 | 25.0 |
Pro:
- well balanced tire
- good wear capability
- good weather capability
Con:
- narrow front rim tends to understeer
The base tires will not wear as rapidly as optional tires. The front tires fit on a rim that is one inch narrower than the LSS optional rims, which encourages the car towards undesteer.
LSS Suspension:
| option | brand | front | weight | rear | weight |
| wheels | Rimstock(?), forged | 16 x 6.5 | 13.2 | 17 x 7.5 | 15.2 |
| base tire | Yokohama Advan A048 | 195/50R16 | 20.0 | 225/45R17 | 24.0 |
Pro:
- softer compound results in higher cornering capability
- more neutral handling, less understeer
- light weight
Con:
- wears faster, rears need replacement after 7,500 miles
- noiser
- poor wet handling
The A048 is a softer tire and the tread pattern increases the contact patch and reduces the tread blocks. The tires wear more rapidly. The fronts will last over 15,000 miles but the rears will need replacement after about 7,500 miles. The tires come in three different softness compounds: M, MH, LTS. The LTS is the stock Lotus compound and construction.
Autocross Tires:
| option | brand | front | weight | rear | weight |
| LSS | Yokohama A048 | 195/50R16 | 20.0 | 225/45R17 | 24.0 |
| Hoosier AS304? | ? | ? | |||
| Kumho V700 | 225/50R16? | 21.0 | 225/45ZR17 | 26.0 | |
| Toyo RA1 | 205/55ZR16 | 23.0 | 235/45ZR17 | 25.0 |
These tires are very soft compound and get very sticky. Note carefully the sizes and fitting. "s" indicates a spacer is required to make the wheel and tire combination fit inside the wheel well. Some interferance may be experienced and these combinations may not work.
Which Hoosiers?
Will the Toyos fit?
Right Kumhos?
Track Tires:
| option | brand | front | weight | rear | weight |
| LSS | Yokohama A048 | 195/50R16 | 225/45R17 | ||
| Hoosier RS304? | ? | ? | |||
| Kumho V700 | 225/50R16 | 21.0 | 225/45ZR17 | 26.0 | |
| Toyo RA1 | 205/55ZR16 | 23.0 | 235/45ZR17 | 25.0 |
Which Hoosiers?
Will the Toyo's even fit?
Tire Pressure
Tire pressures are an easy way to tune your handling while at the track. The pressures are important when trying to get the maximum handling from the tires.
Setting cold versus hot, where to start?
Should I have a chart with recommended start temperatures or is it to variable? Often asked question!