Lotus Europa Community

Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: Daysineuropa on Saturday,October 15, 2016, 09:40:34 PM

Title: New Member in Southern California.
Post by: Daysineuropa on Saturday,October 15, 2016, 09:40:34 PM
Hi Folks,
I used to own an S2 (1287R). After detours through modern Lotus, Porsches and Hillman/Sunbeam Imps, I am finally back to Europa ownership.

I have just acquired a fairly decent Twin Cam Special (3276R). It has been off the road for more than five years.

The car was red when it left the factory.  The current yellow paintwork is fine for its purpose of rolling restoration.

I will be going though the car and changing fluids and checking all the systems for wear/leaks.

Are there any recommendations for 13" tires?

Cheers,
Mark Costello
Fillmore, CA
Title: Re: New Member in Southern California.
Post by: andy harwood on Sunday,October 16, 2016, 04:02:02 AM
Welcome Mark.
Nice TC you have. And keeping excellent company too!
Title: Re: New Member in Southern California.
Post by: BDA on Sunday,October 16, 2016, 05:37:48 AM
 :Welcome: Daysineuropa!
Title: Re: New Member in Southern California.
Post by: blasterdad on Sunday,October 16, 2016, 07:04:12 AM
Welcome!
Looks like you found a beauty... 8)
Being the owner of an S2 I hope you won't take offense to my next question...
WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THE BLUE ONE? She is SEXY!!! ;)
As far as tires go, found this old thread, some pretty good info...
http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=313.0
Once again, WELCOME  :)
Title: Re: New Member in Southern California.
Post by: Grumblebuns on Sunday,October 16, 2016, 08:04:09 AM
Availability of performance 13" tires were slim even 5 years ago. It probably hasn't changed since. I've fitted both of my S2s with Toyo R888s, 185/60/13 all around, and couldn't be happier with their performance. Tires are well suited to my local roads, mountainous with both tight and sweeping turns. If you plan on getting frisky with you Europa, I highly recommend the R888s.

 
Title: Re: New Member in Southern California.
Post by: jbcollier on Sunday,October 16, 2016, 08:38:53 AM
Don't forget that the plain old passenger car tires available now have far more grip than what was available back in the day.  I'm running Michelin defender 175/70-13 meant for a minivan.
Title: Re: New Member in Southern California.
Post by: EuropatcSPECIAL on Sunday,October 16, 2016, 12:37:29 PM
 :lotus: Welcome Mark, happy motoring, Stuart
Title: Re: New Member in Southern California.
Post by: HealeyBN7 on Monday,October 17, 2016, 09:27:42 AM
Being the owner of an S2 I hope you won't take offense to my next question...
WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THE BLUE ONE? She is SEXY!!! ;)

Thank you.  The blue one (S2/Zetec) is mine.  Mark's TC is hiding in my barn until it is safe to....

Dean
Title: Re: New Member in Southern California.
Post by: fgigler on Monday,October 17, 2016, 01:59:42 PM
I can second the recommendation on the R888s.  I don't know what others have experienced but a few of us in our local club have found that they seem to run wider than the tires we replaced.  I replaced 185/60/13 of my older tires with 185/60/13 Toyo R888s and they are quite a bit wider.  I just wanted you to be aware of this possible issue if you order a set.

Frank
Title: Re: New Member in Southern California.
Post by: LotusJoe on Monday,October 17, 2016, 03:32:09 PM
 :Welcome:
I'm here in Southern California (Costa Mesa) as well.
Title: Re: New Member in Southern California.
Post by: blasterdad on Tuesday,October 18, 2016, 03:58:48 AM
Being the owner of an S2 I hope you won't take offense to my next question...
WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THE BLUE ONE? She is SEXY!!! ;)

Thank you.  The blue one (S2/Zetec) is mine.  Mark's TC is hiding in my barn until it is safe to....

Dean

I thought it looked familiar, Mark is definitely in good hands then... Looking forward to his progress!
Title: Re: New Member in Southern California.
Post by: Bainford on Tuesday,October 18, 2016, 08:10:38 AM
Welcome to the forum, and welcome back to Europa ownership, Mark. That is a good looking Europa you have there.

Regarding tires, I am running Falken Sincera 175/70-13 frong, 185/70-13 rear, purchased from Discount Tire (from an ebay ad) and delivered to my door. For US addresses, the shipping is free.