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One of the best speed secrets is that reducing unsprung weight AND rotating mass is a great way to improve perfomance at low cost. Instead of spending thou$ands for more power, just give your engine less work to do.
When Car & Driver tested the new MINI convertible they wrote "Inexplicably, (because the engine and gearing were unchanged) this is the fastest-accelerating stock MINI we've ever tested." They failed to note this one wore lighter wheels and tires than all the other MINIs they had tested.
So, here's the secret:
Many Cooper S MINIs came with 17" R85 8 spoke "S-lite" wheel in white or silver. It looks like the "Minilite" wheel fitted to rallye Mini's in the 1960's. However, with its stock run-flat tire, one R85 weighs 51 pounds!
This 5-spoke 16" R83 wheel came stock on the Cooper S, and was optional on the Cooper. With its stock run-flat tire, the weight drops to 46 pounds! Much better!
The run-flats have a very stiff sidewall, so they give a VERY stiff ride and the handling and grip are just okay. So we ditched the run-flats for these great performing Yokos. And now our weight per wheel/tire is down to 41 pounds !!!
By reducing each wheel/tire weight by a whopping 20 %, here's what happens:
Your MINI will accelerate noticeably faster! (less rotating mass)
It will stop quicker (less rotating mass)
It will corner better (less unsprung weight, much grippier tire)
It may even get better gas mileage (less rolling resistance, less rotating mass, less weight)
Three rims are absolutely perfect, and one just has a small 1.6" rash on the edge (see photo), that's it! The Yokohama AVS-ES100 tires are 195/55R16's. They have 1000 miles on them. Mounted, balanced and ready to go; the four center caps shown are included. Even if you have 17" wheels now, your speedo will still read okay... the overall tire diameter is nearly the same.
Reason for sale: My kids outgrew my MINI's back seat, so, reluctantly, I've sold the MINI. Save hundreds... $750 for the set. They are at Lake Norman, NC, buyer pays shipping from zip 28117.
Thanks, Mike
