Cooper (non S) Modifications specific to the MINI Cooper (R56).

Taking the spare wheel off?

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  #1  
Old 01-18-2011, 01:27 AM
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Taking the spare wheel off?

Thinking of taking it off for saving some weight.
My rides are short enough so I can use those sprays.
What do u think?
 
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Old 01-18-2011, 10:05 AM
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I never kept mine on unless I was going on some sort of road trip.
 
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Old 01-18-2011, 12:21 PM
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I haven't had mine on in a year. I also upgraded to bigger wheels and ditched the runflats and I still don't cary it. You will be fine.
 
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Old 01-18-2011, 02:15 PM
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One of my deciding factors for buying a non S was the availability of a spare. My son has a late model Miata (with no spare); the first flat he had was beyond the capabilities of the flat fixer provided with the car and he ended up stranded on the side of the road. I don't know what the spare weighs but I'm keeping mine. Why not routinely run with 3 gal less gas in the tank to make up for the weight of the spare? Yes, I have roadside assistance with my car insurance but the quickest they've ever responded was about 45 min; I can change a tire in 15 min or less.
 
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Old 01-20-2011, 02:30 PM
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Do it. I think the spare is about 35lbs. Unless you get a side cut the tubeless are known to leak slowly. Hopefully you can get home before it goes completely flat.

I once had a nail in a tire on a road trip to Canada. Was too lazy to change to the spare cos I had a lot of stuff at the back. Every time I stopped for gas I topped it off with a air pump and made it to Canada.
 
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Old 01-20-2011, 03:28 PM
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What measurable benefit do you all expect from 35lbs less weight?
 
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Old 01-21-2011, 08:42 AM
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Less weight will certainly produce better performance; however, the gain produced by the loss of 35lbs will be negligible. Assume a test weight of 2800 lbs (with fuel and a driver) and the loss of 35 lbs would be the roughly equivalent to a 1.5 hp gain based on the car's power to weight ratio. (A 23lb weight loss = 1 hp gain.) If you believe their advertising, a K&N or foam aftermarket filter will yield 2-5 extra hp. I don't know if I would notice changes that small. If it makes you feel better, remove the spare.
 
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Old 01-21-2011, 09:33 AM
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It's only 35#, and it's well located; very low in the rear. Still, this is a matter of personal preference.
 
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