Hello there, Long time Lotus lover in Cardiff here, had my Exige 15 months, need a new set tyres Whitedove quoted �800, any body got any other suggestions ( are the Lotus Yoko’s a must) or do I just look big and pay up!
Ps. For thrills we use Llandow circuit near Cardiff �65 for1/2 day.
Jonney
I’d go for AO48’s and get them from either Nick Whale or try Eliseparts - should be about 550 quid
Who do you call about Llandow ? Wanted to set up a test day in Feb for a few people
Yes, for anything on a track Yokos are a must (unless it’s raining!). The car just doesn’t do the incredible things they designed it to do without them.
A048s yep - cheaper, more grip, last longer and (I’ve found them) okay in the wet (at least whilst the groves have some depth).
Hey Andy, what ya testing in Feb?
Ian
IT’S GOT 3 SETS OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS!??!!
Anybody know the noise limit? [ Or don’t the sheep care? ]
Ian
Is there a noticeable differance between the 09’s and the 08’s other then price? and does it affect insurance?
Cannot find the number for Llandow will get it for you later, Its only a short circuit, but its good fun, there is one very fast corner with very little run off, so be warned!. I could join you in Feb…
Jonney
Its got a zebra crossing too and the sheep are lush!
Barrrrrgain at �65
Jonney
Pesky’s already posted the number above.
Yes, 48s have more grip in the dry and perhaps a little less in the wet. Personally, I think the 48s feel slightly less compliant, giving a firm ride. I’m not aware of anybody having any issues over insurance, it’s still an offical Lotus approved tyre after all (LTS stamped on the sidewall).
Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Ian
Thank you for your help, will sort out today…
Jonney
I did an airfield day with Andrew Walsh from 1st Lotus a few weeks ago and he said that he knew of a Sprint circuit near Cardiff which I guess is Llandow.
He said he could set up a day with exclusive use of the circuit (all day) and his services for a very reasonable fee. He usually does it for four cars, would be neat to get four Exiges out for a day,…?
BTW Andrew seems like a top bloke and I certainly learnt a lot on the day I spent with him.
I am up for it…
Jonney
As a cheaper alternative, I have Toyos on mine (Proxes T1S)… �300 for a set, but are much harder compound than the Yokis, and will ultimately not give as much grip as them on the track. I have yet to push them hard anyway, as the weather has not been suitable
You pays yer money…
Plus I’m sure Evosal has some ‘part-worns’ lying around!!
If you are doing lots of track work then the car will certainly be quicker with Yoko’s. If you use it mainly on the road though then I would recommend the Toyo’s. I have them on my car and not only can you get a set for �290 but they are also much more effective through the minter months. The A039’s I had on before were much worse at dealing with wet roads and only start to really work when they have some heat in them.
Llandow is probably the nearest circuit to me after Castle Combe and I have been there at least three times…
It is 1.1 miles long and there is plenty of run off IMHO, which I normally need !!!
If we are arranging anything there, particularly with Andrew W doing driver training, count me in
As to tyres, I have probably got the highest mileage Exige in existence and now swear by the 048s, except when it’s wet, when I can’t get the car to turn in, but that is at track speeds… This may be linked to my nitrons and 600 lb springs, cos Ian (IDG) flew past me in the wet at Oulton when I had on a set of AndyD’s 39s !! (Thanks again Andy )
If calling Llandow, ask for Sharon
It is 1.1 miles long and there is plenty of run off IMHO, which I normally need !!!
Mud doesn’t show up so well on a black Exige though mike!
This may be linked to my nitrons and 600 lb springs, cos Ian (IDG) flew past me in the wet at Oulton when I had on a set of AndyD’s 39s !!
Oh thanks mike! Nothing to do with my driving then!
I had brand new 48s with full depth tread and found them fine. Although AndyD and I both noticed, they did kinda turn-in okay and then understeer a bit, slightly odd.
I’m up for some fun in Llandow. I’d be good to get some more instruction.
Ian
Mud doesn’t show up so well on a black Exige though mike!
No - but Sheep do
Llandow - 1000-1500 quid a day for exclusive hire …
Curborough 180 quid a day exclusive hire …
Mmm …Difficult decision this …
Curborough it is then !!!
Not even sure if it is Llandow that AndrewW uses, I will get in touch with him and find out (and some dates) and post up details…