Lotus Elise Service Notes page 550

Lotus Service Notes 340R
340R.G - WHEELS & TYRES
The 340R uses, according to market, either special Lotus styled 10 spoke magnesium wheels, made by
Tecnomagnesio, or 10 spoke alloy wheels made by Rimstock. Both types are mounted on standard Elise hubs
using longer (42mm protrusion instead of 36mm) studs, but standard wheelnuts. The magnesium wheels are
common in size and inset to the race wheel set (6J x 15 front, 8J x 16 rear, inset 10mm front and rear), with the
alloy wheels differing only in the rear rim width (7.5J) and rear inset (4mm). All wheels should be carefully and
regularly cleaned, especially if used on salted roads.
Before fitting magnesium wheels, a coating of Duralac anti-corrosive compound (A111C6017S) should be
applied to the hub mating face to prevent electrolytic corrosion. Wheel nut torque for all wheels is unchanged
from standard Elise at 80 - 85 Nm, but it is most important that following the first fitment of a N E W MAGNE-
SIUM wheel, the wheel nuts are retorqued after 25 miles driving to allow for material settlement.
The Yokohama A038-R tyres fitted to the Elise 340R have been jointly developed by Lotus and Yokohama
specifically for Elise models, and whilst the specification is optimised for track use, the tyre is road legal in the
U.K. and some European markets. The tyre offers a high level of grip in both dry and wet track conditions
combined with good braking performance. The water clearing ability of the tyre is limited in standing water,
such that appropriate allowances should be made in these conditions. For competition use, the eligibility of the
tyre should first be checked with the appropriate organising authority. Full tyre specification is detailed in sub-
section XA.15. Note that the tyre tread pattern is directional, with the correct rotation marked by an arrow on
the sidewall.
For cars used predominately on public roads, it may be preferred to fit Elise 111S specification Pirelli P
Zero tyres with appropriate suspension geometry (see front and rear suspension sections).
2000 / 02
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