Transition elements Zr, Sc and Ti were added to an AI-Li alloy equivalent to 8090 to study the influence on grain structure. Increasing the Zr content within the 8090 composition range (having 0.02% Ti) resulted in a change from coarse columnar to fine equiaxed as cast grain structure. When So was added to the 8090 alloy, containing the highest level of Zr (similar to 0.14%), further grain refinement was noticed for Sc contents in excess of similar to 0.4%. Grain structure of high Zr + Sc containing alloys did not change if Ti was not added. Processing of ingots (4:1 reduction) and further heat treatments did not result in recrystallisation. Tensile properties (especially the % elongation) were superior in products originated from fine grain ingots.