Dirk-
When exactly are you coming to Hawaii-early July I remember?
And how would you compare the MCS to your 2001 M3. With all my upgrades to the MCS people here are asking the logical question- why didn't I buy the M3? Answer: because I like the MCS.

 

minihune,

Our target is late-July/early-Aug. The reason we are rushing is we found out (kind of late) that the Kapolei area schools are also year-round (as we are) and school actually begins in July (although they are multi-track, which we are not clear about). We are going for a househunting trip (and check out the schools) on June 15.

Hard to compare an E46 M3 with MCS. MCS was bought strictly for Hawaii move and what I thought was a better car for the roads there (versus our mega freeways and freeway-like blvds. here). The M3 is basically an "out-of-box" race car - too fast for any good off the track.

Minihune, you sound like the person who would've upgraded an M3 too so it would be the same; albeit, the upgrades would have cost way more. My 2003 MCS w/Sport & Premium, cost about the same as the money I lost selling the M3 for (out-the-door fully-loaded M3 was $64,315.18 for $59,000 car).

I agree though MCS is a great fun car and I don't regret it at all. For me, living in and traveling to Japan a lot, Minis were something I always liked and wanted so this was a great chance for me. I do miss the awesome power of the M3 on freeways, and the awesome look (which will change soon and would've forced me to WANT another one) but I am VERY satisfied with the power and look of my MINI.

>>Dirk-
>>When exactly are you coming to Hawaii-early July I remember?
>>And how would you compare the MCS to your 2001 M3. With all my upgrades to the MCS people here are asking the logical question- why didn't I buy the M3? Answer: because I like the MCS.

 

Multitrack schools mean that the population of students of a school are split up into groups and some are in class from one time segment to another like weeks 1 to 10 they are in class while group two is off for two weeks but finish at a later time and group three is staggered a bit later. This is all done so that one school can have more students than would be possible if all the students were present at the same time.

June 15 is around the corner. Let me know if you need anything. Send me PM.

Thanks for the info on the M3. While I could buy the M3 I choose not to. Same with porsche or audi, volvo or jaguar. I think I feel that the MCS gives me enough fun on a reasonable budget that I can live with that. Otherwise I would be worrying about my car which I don't want to do. I don't care for high maintenance, and I like that the cooper can be good gas mileage if needed which many of the perfomance and luxury cars cannot match.

Also I find that the people that buy coopers are an interesting bunch- quite a mix of people that like the car on various levels. Some people really like the appearance and some the performance. The whole MINI thing is for the FUN factor. I think our dealership is very supportive of that idea- it's more like family than any other dealership I have seen. As for BMWCCA- we would like to get more MINI owners involved-not sure how many we have now but we can also form our own club for MINIs like a MINI CCA- that is in the works nationally. I got the BMWCCA membership to support the beastmaster and to go to the driving schools. I can get a discount on parts at BMW of HI too. Not bad.

Anyway if you have time you can look us up- there are alot of mini owners in Minilani and some in Kapolei. I work in Kapolei most of the week.

 

minihune,

Thanks for the clarification. I'll have to check with them on the first day of school as it is still not clear (there seems to be three tracks but all have the same start date - yikes!).

I am happier with the MINI (than the M3) also. It seems, at least what I see from the forums and such, that this group of enthusiasts is more in line with me. The M3 crowd, especially the E46 folks, tend to also include Rice Racer graduate kids that ruin it for more mature driver and enthusiast (at least that is what I see in Orange County and on the Roadfly groups). Oh well, that's history for me....I am ready to JUST MOTOR ON!

I will keep my BMWCCA membership for now. I am a BMW nut and the folks at BMWCCH seem great.

I may take you up n your offer and PM you, but I think everything will be OK for now. Maybe if you guys have an event or gathering while I am there (6/15 through 6/24), I can't meet up with you folks and trade alohas. We will be at my folks home in Ocean Pointe (Ewa Beach). Will have a rent-a-car so I can be mobile if needed.

Thanks,
Dirk

 

Dirk,

Try http://www.doe.k12.hi.us for the Hawaii DOE website. It's a little harder to use now, but there is alot of info there. Probably the best thing to do is click onto the sitemap at the top for easy info seeking.

If you need more info, PM me with what you need with your e-mail address and I'll see if I can find it for you. BTW, I'm a DOE administrator out of the State office. Shhhhhh!

Bryan

 

BeastM,

Thanks for the site! I have been looking only at Kapolei's regular site and couldn't make heads or tails with this multi-track thing but now I have a better understanding. I had my Dad go over and talk to them but you know how that goes......

If you don't mind, I will PM you with some questions.

Thanks Bryan,
Dirk

 

Will have a rent-a-car so I can be mobile if needed.
>>
DaKine-There's a couple of post in the Hawaii Forum under Honolulu British Car Day that has info on renting Minis.

 

You're welcome, Dirk! I actually have a Business Support Specialist that works for me out of Kapolei Elementary. I've been there a few times for training classes for the BSS' that work for me and the campus is nice and modern. The unfortunate part is they have portables due to the rapidly expanding West Oahu area. However, unlike other schools, the portables are air conditioned.

The principal is a great guy and an awesome educator.

 

minihune, the_Beastmaster, Latka, et-al,

You guys got me pumped about ordering stuff before we ship our cars so I ordered some tires and rims for my MCS. Ordered through Tire Rack and I thought about sizes so much that I couldn't sleep last night. (Latka, now my wife will kill me.......)

I am still waiting for my BMP stuff too.

Now I just have to figure out if I should sell my S-Lites with Pirreli R.F.

Dirk

 

Tiretrack called me back and recommended 245/45-17 over my choice of 245/40-17 due to load handling. I said go ahead with the change and they will ship from Nevada tomorrow. Can't wait!

 

I think you meant to write 215/45-17 not 245/45-17 but that is OK and I agree. The problem is that when you use the 215/40-17 the tire load rating is lower even at 36 psi so that could be a problem. When I replace my wheels I will be adding 215/45-17 maybe those SO3 or maybe the new Goodyear F1-GSD3- the highest rated tire from customer reivews on tirerack.com! SO3 was #2- better for rear wheel drive while GSD3 was supposed to be better for front wheel drive and rode quieter. Both are excellent and do well in the rain, both last about 20-22K miles. Take your pick- the Goodyears are cheaper- running a special now but they are heavier by about 2 pounds than most light tires (like the Toyo T1S).

By the way I can tell that you are getting whipped up into an upgrade frenzy by reading these posts on MCO so lay off the computer a bit.

 

minihune,

Oops your right - 215/45-17. I had the S03s on my M3 too.

I actually have a funny hatred for Bridgestone but I keep getting them because they are so good. To make a long story short the last company I left had a Pres. from Japan that came to us from Bridgestone (he was a former Engineering Exec.) and he would constantly tell me how great Bridgestone was (as if he made it great). I REALLY wanted to get something else this time and was stretching out towards the Pirreli PZero Nero, however, when it comes down to it, the tires are great. I was also thinking about the KDW because a buddy who tracks had good things to say about them. If I would've found a place that had both the SSR and Toyo T1S I would've gotten them.

 

I just talked to RandyBMC today and asked about tires. He says the Bridgestone SO3 are very good but can be double the price of the Yokohama AVS ES100 in the same size that he generally recommends $160 vs $93. Performance is similar with a slight edge to the SO3, the Yokohamas are lighter weight. Both are good in the wet and wear past 20,000 miles. He didn't have much good to say about the highly rated Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 tires I mentioned. Tirerack.com has them in stock but right now only in the 195/55-16 and 205/50-16 sizes and 205/40-17 size. Otherwise backorder on the others. The SO3 is in stock in 215/45-17 and 215/40-17 at tirerack at about $159.
Toyo T1S also very good tire on sale at Edgeracing.com at $150 in 215/40-17.

The SSR GT1 wheels I like. 18" a little nicer than the 17" but more weight and harsher ride. Not really racing wheels but are lighter than the stock 25 pound S-Lites. The GT1s in 17" are about 16.5 pounds each.

I working with Randy to get centerline RPM 17"x7 in polished finish (like chrome but $400 cheaper for a set of 4)
I found them in stock at centerline so will try to mount Yokohama ES100 tires. I gave up on my one month backorder of Team Dynamics pro racer 1 white rims. I liked the chrome look better anyway. The RPM rims are very strong and light at 13 pounds each- matched with the light yokohamas 22.5 pounds in 215/45-17 vs 25 pounds for the SO3 in the same size.

So the RPM with Yokos are 13 plus 22.5 = 35.5 pounds per corner vs
Stock S-lites and Pirelli runflats are 25 + 22= 47 pounds so a savings of 11.5 pounds per corner.

 

Just got back from the Mighty Ducks game 6! Man, that was awesome for us Ducks fans! (That's one thing I will miss moving to Hawaii is the local Anaheim Angels and Anaheim Mighty Ducks games!)

I like your thoughts on reducing the unsprung weight at the wheels - smart! In that category I really like the SSR Comps (although I am partial to Speed Star - been using them since 1979 in Japan, and my M3 had SSR GT3s). Good luck on getting your order in. My order from Tire Rack was shipped yesterday from Nevada so I am expecting it to arrive on Monday.

Are you sure your guy was comparing AVS ES100 and not AVS Sports to the S03? From my experience (personaly and those in the club) the S03 are in a different league than the ES100. On my M3 I had both the S03 and AVS Sport mounted. I first had the AVS Sport because I got an awesome deal through my daughter's classmate's father (who is a Japanese Engineer at Yokohama Tires in nearby Fullerton). According to him the ES100 was introduced as a more economical version of the the AVS Sport that is targeted to more the tuner crowd than the sport driver. The AVS Sports looked great and I was counting on the claimed wet handling and traction; however, I was disspointed by the wet characteristics (only a little better than the stock Conti Sports). I heard so much about the S03 that I had to try them out and sure enough they were much better! I never really got to wear the S03s out because I sold the M3 but I hear from the Tire Rack forum the grip is pretty good throughout the grip.

I am kind of kicking myself for not being adventurous and trying the PZero Nero like I wanted to but too late now. The new issue of Roundel has a write-up on Pirreli.

Of course, for our cars (MCS) maybe there will not be much difference between the tires. Interesting to find out.

Can't wait to Monday!

 

RandyBMC said that the Bridgestone S03 was very good but the cost factor for him was double the Yokohama AVS ES100. Everything boils down to price vs performance. Tirerack has a great price for the SO3 at $160, anyone with 17" rims and buying from tirerack for a cooper has got to consider the S03 but at $640 for 4 vs $372 for 4 ES100 which are close in handling in dry and wet, last as long, close on road noise and ride comfort, then the choice is for each buyer to decide. For most people on streets and occasional track use, Randy thinks that the cheaper option is not at all bad. He's a practical tuner and doesn't think that spending more is always the best option if the returns on investment don't make sense. He didn't have much good to say about the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3. (maybe limited experience).
The other thing is with a $372 plus shipping investment in ES100, one can always buy a new set of S03 down the road in some 20,000 miles or so. Not bad, most people give good reviews to the ES100.
He was not talking about the Yokohama AVS sports which is a different tire.
Anyway let us know how you like your SSR wheels when they come in. I'm sure they will be much better than the stock S-lites with runflats.

 

minihune,

I agree with RandyBMC that for "bang for the buck" the AVS ES100 is a great tire and maybe for our cars they are the best fit (meaning anything more may be overkill).

I do realize that the AVS Sport is a totally different tire but this is the tire Yokohama makes that is competitive with Bridgestone's S03 (at least in the American market). It may only be me but I don't agree that the ES100 are "close in handling in dry and wet". I have not had the experience with the ES100 but have had experience with the AVS Sport and according to a Yokohama Engineer I know, the AVS Sport has much better handling than the ES100.

I have only heard good things about the GS-D3 from Corvette owners; on the other hand, I have a track buddy that swears by BF Goodrich KDWs. I guess a lot of it comes down to personal preference - I especially notice this on the forums as the stores running the forums only concentrate on products they sell.

Yeah, I realize the S03s are a bit pricey, however, I had good experience with them on my M3. I don't particularly like Bridgestone, however, I like how the S03 tire handles. I believe the ES100 will actually last longer, and may be quieter, but these are not critical factors to me.

Yes, I will let you know how the wheels/tires go....yeah, they will definitely be better than stock. Actually while the tires weigh about 3 lbs more per spot, the SSR GT1s are 16.5 lbs. so they are 8.5 lbs lighter per spot than the runflats. I guess saving 22 pounds of unsprung weight is a great plus on top of the added performance.

Can't wait until tomorrow!

 

According to alex@tirerack.com the S03 may weigh more per tire but more than make it up in grip and as far as tires go the name of the game is always TRACTION. Anything to enhance traction is a good thing to matter a few pounds to do it. Plus the extra weight loss on the rims are a good thing and besides I like the way the GT1s look so a few pounds is worth the nice appearance.
Sure there are always opinions about each of the tires. I would say that for me I do not have the opportunity to really push my tires to the point of reaching the limit of Yokohama AVS ES100s so for the price it isn't a bad choice. I like some smoothness and quietness for daily street driving, while long tread life is not such a bad thing. I know it isn't a track tire and don't expect that type of performance. It does rain here so some wet handling prowess is appreciated.
If I could have gotten the SO3 with the centerline RPM from Randy at a decent price or from tirerack I would have but with shipping for rims and tires separately to Hawaii and paying for mounting and balancing it seemed like a winning deal for the shipping companies.

 

I like the look of those Centerline wheels (seen a photo of a car with them posted somewhere - good choice). Those are forged too right? As I said before I think the AVS ES100 may be the best bang for the buck for sure so you made a good choice. They look great too. I don't really plan on tracking with my set-up but the great wet traction I get is extra insurance for me (have a thing about the wet).

BTW, what's the shipping going to cost for your tires/wheels? They won't send the tires/wheels mounted (or maybe to save bulk)? Or are you getting from two different places? I guess that is one thing bad about living in HI - the shipping from mainland. :???:

Yeah, I am not really sure what the weight of the S03 are - I just got the weight off of the tire weights chart that alex@tirerack.com posted (but he says those are from the mfg - he confirmed the weight of 18 PZero Neros for me and they were a bit more than mfg claimed, so I wouldn't doubt if posted numbers are low).

 

I didn't care for the centerline RPMs until I saw the polished one posted on MCO-

 

minihune,

Yeah, those look sharp! What color was your car? With AVS ES100 they'll look awesome! :smile: Those tires definitely look good.

Yikes! $240 for UPS! I did Fed-Ex 2 Day (of course it was only from Nevada to So. Cal.) and it was only $78.20 (a few bucks more that the same delivery with regular UPS). Got the tires and I mounted them already! Looks better, fills-in nicer (towards the outside of car), handling is more to my liking, and I saved 7.5 pounds per wheel/tire (I weighed it myself versus the stock S-lites with Pirelli R.F.).

Alex from Tire Rack stated (and I agree) that the reviews are for reference only as they have no control over who writes what and what conditions the writer drives in. I tend to lean towards their tire tests for a better feel for the numbers. You have to also keep in mind the target market of the tires - I too would give the AVS Sport somewhat low marks when compared to other tires in Tire Rack's MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE tire category (as did most sport oriented drivers who bought them). On the other hand I agree with you that in the ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE category, the AVS ES100 is up there. Looks-wise, they are the best! I don't like Bridgestone's per se but in that category I also like the RE750.

So when does your set-up arrive?

Got a call from BMP and they were planning to deliver the strut bar and intake while I was gone (they had a delay in my order while waiting for the intake) so I told them to hold onto it until I got back from Hawaii.

Not sure what kind of track action you guys have there but if I get back into it, I might get the SSR Comp in 16s and mount some Kumho track tires on them.

 

Boy $240.00 for UPS shipping, is that ground within the USA? That doesn't sound right. We ship products by UPS everyday and never, ever have shipped anything with that amount. In fact I am receiving a set of OZ Crono Evolutions and four Yoko's ES 100 tomorrow and my shipping costs were $63.00, $250.00 sounds like who ever is selling you the equipment is making a heap more on the shipping. Sorry, but it just doesn't add up.

 

Hank,

This thread is in the "Regional Forums, Events, and Gatherings :: Hawaii" forum; hence, the shipping is from continental states to Hawaii. Definitely not UPS Ground.

 

We get raped on shipping charges over here in Hawaii! For a set of rims and tires, Tire Rack charges @ $130 which is pretty inexpensive compared to others. For a set of rims from TSW I paid $160. Shipping for tires from Tire Rack was @ $70. Grand total on shipping was $230!

_________________
BMWCCH. I'm not only a member, I'm the President!
DS/DS S Intake, 18s
And a whole slew of BMWs!

 

Oops.

_________________
BMWCCH. I'm not only a member, I'm the President!
DS/DS S Intake, 18s
And a whole slew of BMWs!

 

Sorry 'bout that! My comp kept saying connection timed out!
_________________
BMWCCH. I'm not only a member, I'm the President!
DS/DS S Intake, 18s
And a whole slew of BMWs!