What tires and wheels combos should i buy to autocross my "S"? I don't plan to do it toooften and don't want to spend too much. I've been tod to get 205/50/15s. How does that sound? Any specific recommendations and sources would be appreciated.

 

There are a LOT more tires available in 205/50 R16 than in the stock 195/55 R16.

I'm currently using 205/50 R16 Yokohama AVS ES100 tires mounted to the R84 V-spokes. The tires run $75 each at Tire Rack. My first autocross is on the 20th.

 

I agree completely with 205/50/16, its an ideal size on your OE Mini wheels! Take a look at Bridgestone S-03. Excelent lateral grip, and unparraleled water traction. Michelin pilot sport is also a great contender, featureing a more comfortable ride, and increasingly quick turn in responce. Either tire is a win/win scenario. Except in snow, of course
Dan

 

Dan,

Glad to see the Tire Rack supporting the forums. Welcome to MCO.

 

For racing the phrases, "What should I get?" and "I don't want to spend too much." are absolute oposites.

That being said here are my reccomnendations:

Purchace the smallest (diameter) wheels that you can run in your class (you'll need to do some homework here). The larger your wheels get the more weight you add and the tires for the wheels start to get more expensive (the lighter the wheel however the higher the price, there are however some good deals if you look around). Big wheels look cool but aren't the right choice for most serious racing aplications.

The next question is to R compound or not. If you decide to go with DOT R compound tires you need to make sure they are a dedicated set for racing. If you're not ready to make the leap then do a little research on the tire rack site. They usually have customer reviews for most of the tires.

Just my .02 on wheels and tires

 

Regarding Wheels/tires... Do not get the Lite Speed rims. The weekend of 9/21, the So. Cal Solo2 (www.solo2.com) group held and auto-x at California Speedway in Fontana. An MCS running with 16" Lite Speed rims with tons of offset and with spacers held in place by 1/4" cap screws, grenaded a rim mid-run.

Solo2 now has outlawed that particular rim for Coopers at their events. I'll try to get more info and post later.

That said, I'll be running in an auto-x this weekend at Buttonwillow Raceway (near Bakersfield) in my MCS with the stock 16" rims and run flats. I'll post the results next week.

:smile:

 

What are lite speed rims? There are lots of wheels that are on the market that claim to be lite.

All I know is that in solo 2 and autocross the less unsprung weight on each corner the better.

And the run flats heavy.

 

I hate to show my ignorance on tire and rim combos, but here goes. I have the 16" run flats mounted on 5 spoke 195/55 rims (factory supplied). Looks like that is a little used size. Do I have to stay with that size tire, and if not, what other sizes will fit my rims?? I really like Pirelli tires, but have yet to find anything which suits me.

 

16"(diameter)x7"(width) 5 spoke rims or wheels .

195/55 tires.

example:
16x7 5 spoke wheels or rim with 195/55 Perreli Run Flats.

I cannot answer the second question about sizes. But, I am sure other owners reading this will post what tehy are running.

I have 16x8 Forked 5 Spoke Momo Wheels with 205/60 Kuhmo Ecsta MX.

I was running the same size Dunlops which hav wider stance. So just because we get the same tire size it does not the amount of tread on the road will be the same.

I will be puttting on new wheels soon.
My wheel combo