Anyone out there running their Mini in HS, Stock? The restrictions are pretty stout to keep it in the Stock class (e.g. cat-back exhaust and a drop-in filter are the only allowable performance mods). I'm definitely looking at new wheels/tires, in accordance with the rules will obviously be factory options size-wise. But the new stuff can obviously be much lighter, and some better rubber is definitely in order. Would just be interested to hear about other people's setups.

 

Moving to Racing and Competition forum... be sure to check the following threads out for further Solo II competitioin:

Survey of AutoX'ers

MCO autocrossers attending Solo2 Nationals - sign up

Mark

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Doh... sorry for posting in the wrong forum. Thanks for the links!

So, anyone have a suggestion on tires? I'd prefer to stick with something that will work on the street and for ax - I keep hearing decent things about the Yoko A520, and Kumho 712's. Anyone tried the Dunlop FM901?

To get started, I'd like to stick with the factory wheels - so would 205/45R16's be best?

 

To start off I would use whatever wheels and tires you have now.... do a few events and see if you are "hooked" just pump up the tires to high pressures (40 to 45 psi perhaps a bit less if you are on runflats) . I say this so you can avoid buying tires twice.... good street tires like Kuhmo 712s up to high end BFGs are not the hot setup for stock (but fine for STS a street tire class) Stock class is dominated by Hoosier and Kuhmo R compound DOT tires (look at the tire rack for prices), I myself run on Kuhmos... I change tires at home and drive in to events (about 25 miles each way)... Kuhmos can handle some street time like that.. Hoosiers can't thus you must carry the tires too and from the event.

In the long run I feel it is cheaper to use dedicated tires for auto-x ( for me that is 205/45/16 Kuhmo v700 tires and 16x6.5" AK tires Monza Wheels which total cost was less than 1200 bucks)

If you race a few times and you just want to show up to an event a couple times a year then your street tire Idea is fine... but try it a few times first... I bet you will get hooked big time and go for the dedicated route... good luck and have FUN!!!!!!

 

Thanks for the guidance. This wouldn't be the first time for me in auto-x. We used to run an old Porsche 924 and a 1967 VW Bug, both of which were shod with a spare set of rims with dedicated auto-x tires. Seems like that's probably the best way to go in the future. I need some more time in the pilot seat of the Mini to get completely comfortable (and finish break-in), and will probably run the first few times on the stock rubber like you mentioned...

Anyway, thanks again!

 

Yoko A520's...thought I got the last set before they stopped making them!

Helluva hybrid street/AX tire IMHO if you can get them. I love mine, use them to commute in and a rain tire if there is standing water.

Otherwise I'm Hoosier'd.

Suspension mods are allowed, I've Koni Yellow's rear, full firm, and as much rear toe out as the suspension allows (41'). Very happy with my set up now. Good transitions, great in slalom.

The Mini Coop in H Stock is all about speed and maintenance IMHO. R compounds help dramatically in that.

UtahAUgs