Edge, I was just going by what you get from tirerack and from MINI2. 18" RFs are 27 pounds vice about 22 pounds for 17" in stock size. Assuming your stock MINI size. Thats 5 pound difference. Go Non-RF and its back down to 22.

As to the racing references, I've read those recommendations at least 1000 times here on NAM from the people who are into racing. Just going by what people say here who enjoy doing it.

I also notice that MINI2 and the UK people are heavy into getting the 18" JCWs. On the other hand, I can't remember hearing or seeing anyone saying they own 18" JCWs???

I might be generalizing but I'd like to hear from anyone who xcrosses regularly or actually races (not track days) on 18" wheels

 

Well, I saw the R90 anthracites on a Mini today, and I think I like them more than the black JCW 18s. The ones hanging @ tate are not anthracite, they're silver or dark silver or something... But the ones I saw today were definitely dark, and I asked a MA at Tate, and they confirmed theirs are not A-cite.

USAA didn't call them today either, so I suppose there's no update until Monday.

 

HEY Wagnbat! This should cheer you up, I just discovered that my picture of your car is in the "Highest Rated" in the NAM gallery with 10 thumbs up.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...=12295&cat=871

I'm not sure how the rating works, but that's very cool!!

 

Wow. That's pretty keen! Before I even had the boot stripes on!

That does make me feel better!

I've never seen that pic before either. Double keen!

 

Will's been very responsive to my queries, and has a very positive attitude, which is most impressive for someone in his position, likely taking hits from every side while trying to make Tate service 100000% better.

Tate got the green light from USAA on Wednesday (I believe) to complete the work. As of Thursday they were waiting on 1 more part to come in. As of 1pm today, they're working to complete the job before this weekend to allow me to attend the graphics event, but it's "50/50" that it'll be done today.

Sucks if I don't have it this weekend, but it's mostly on USAA for letting the issue sit so long... So even though it's a little frustrating, 0% frustration, hate, & discontent towards Tate & Will...

Edit:
Just got an update from Phil @ Tate (Will went to an appt), and he says no Batmini till Monday.

 

Monday has turned into Tuesday...

 

and so it begins...

 

...and so it ends...

THE BATMINI IS HOME!!!

Wish I could say back in the cave, but this poo poo duplex I live in hath no cave nor car storage facility. Limited to the confines of painted markings on the street, but oh so good to finally be back in MY Mini! The loaner was nice and all, but no where near as... well anything, as compared to the Batmini.

OMG WHEEEEEEE!!!!!

And the new Alta SSK is in. 3 more Alta parts on the way, and I picked up a graphic from Dragonflyer this weekend... Although I have to install it myself, it looks like things are on the up and up.

A special thank you to Will.

Being more than reasonable, responsive, and even going way above and beyond not only my expectations, but beyond all experiences with Tate Service thus far. 1 man making it better than just 'tolerable' for the rest of us. One time I called and Will was gone, and I had to talk to a BMW service rep... By the time I hung up the phone, I was irked and asking myself where Will was.

All's well that end's well... And this has ended fairly well, again, thanks to Will Mitchell, Tate Mini Service Hero.

 

Excellent!!

So, you got some Alta toys comin aye? I ended up doing a last minute CAI and pulley Saturday... It's AWESOME.

 

Ha, you gave in! Good for you

 

I'm glad your BatMINI is no longer de-fanged and back in the proper environs. I'm headed to Tate MINI on Thursday to get some stuff done to mine - I'm actually looking forward to it now that Will is on watch.

 

I'm curious - what did you decide to do about the wheels and tires? Did you go all new - the R90s, 3rd party, or just replace the damaged one(s)?

 

New Slites to replace the old. Not ideal, but oh well. At least I got my car back.

 

*sigh*

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...797#post686797

 

Wow, you got the worst luck lately. I feel bad for you.

Take it back, make them fix it. Its Tate's problem.

Just think, it can only get better

 

Yeah, I do.

Took the Batmini to Tate Service this morning to check software revision, and do a quick inspection to make sure it was drivable until my appointment next Tuesday... Will said the supercharger bypass valve was extremely hot, and was most likely the faulty component in this scenario... Tate doesn't have any, but Will has ordered one, and along with the wheel bearing fix, should be 100% back to 'normal Batmini standards' next week.