Well here goes.
I finally did it, bought a set of Avon zz3 tyres from national tyres on eBay for just £361 (fitted) and changed from runcraps to normal. Not without problems though.

1) Rear brake pad drivers side was in 2 pieces, that would be £95 sir.
2) Tracking out? That will be another £25 sir.
3) tyres are great, massive difference, no problems there. However, if I go over a hump in the road or steer sharply round a left bend I hear a rubbing noise.
On closer inspection the inner wheel arch liner is being worn away. I dont understand why, the tyres are the right size and there is enough clearance.
I'm wondering if the shock absorber is on the way out, but the car handles just fine.

Has anyone got any ideas?

what width tyres are they?

also are they mini wheels or aftermarkets!

Hi mate, they are r98 wheels with 205/45/r17 tyres.

if the tyres are the correct size and the tyre hits the wheel arch when going over a hump then it must be a problem with the suspension.

strange how it shows up after you get the tyres changed ??.............is anything broken ?

Iain

ps and is it only the one side ?

Thanks Iain, yep it's only on the one side. I've just come back from a 200 mile round trip (mostly motorway) and the car is handling really well. Apart from the scuffing sound when I go cover a hump of steer sharp left.
I've just measured the edge of the wheel rim to the wheel arch and it's 10cm on the good side and 11cm on the side that rubs.

Does that help?