what are the pros and cons of each? I plan to run the 175 sumitomo tires. I know that the wider wheels will pull a little more as well as increased wear on the bearings, but this is not a problem for me. I am more concerned about how the tire fits on each, rubbing issues, etc. seems like a 175 on a 7" wheel is quite a stretch. My 195's on a set of 15x7's had a decent euro stretch to them. If anyone has any pics of that size tire on either size wheel, please post a closeup of the wheel. Thanks ahead of time. I plan to run the sport pack flares. Oh, and any comments on brand? Minilite, superlight, ultralight, mws, etc.

 

SPORTSPACK cars came with 6"
Both wheel/tire conbination will rub on any pre96 body.

 

I have the superlites in both 13X6 and 13X7. With the sportpack arches, the 13x6s fit up under them. The 13x7s will stick out just enough to through dirt and grime all over the side of the Mini. I noticed a big difference when I went from the 6 inch wheel to the 7 inch wheel. The 7s rubbed when the 6s did not and the steering got much heavier. With the sportpack arches, the 7 inch wheels look better (IMHO) but the 6 inch wheels drive better. You can look in my gallery for pics of each. The 7s are white and the 6s are silver.

EDIT - I don't have any pics of the wheels with the sportpack arches that you can see. I will post some pics for you to compare.

 

those were awesome pics. I notcied you are in CS. I will be returning to Denver in another 12-18 months.

Did you run the same size tire on both sets of wheels. If so, did the 7's cause the 175 tires to taper in a lot?

I am more concerned with the look of the car as of now so I may run the 7's but am still undecided.
Also, where di you experience rubbing: at full compression, full turn, etc. and what part of the car?

 

I have pics of the car with both size wheels. If I remember, I will post them up tonight.

Yes, I simply took the tires off of the 6s and put them on the 7s. They do taper in a bit, but it doesn't look bad.

The tires rubbed at about 90% turn and during compression of the suspension. With the 6s I was able to run the car just about on the bump stops without any rubbing. Once I put on the 7s, it rubbed while turning and during any compression of the shocks. I had to install hi-los in order to raise the suspension. I have about 2 inches or so of travel for the suspension. It looks a little high, but it does ride better.

You will have to cut your front fenders for either 6 or 7 inch wheels. If I cut more out of the front fender, then I could lower the car

 

i know there is a template somewhere that you can get, so that you dont cut to much off, when cutting for the 7's......Dion at djminis.com can get the templates "i think"

 

i have 7's on mine and like it. never had 6's tho so i cant compare
Tamer

 

I had 12x6 when I bought mine, but now I am running 13x8 with 195 dunlop sp 9000 tires. The steering is heavier and the ride is a little bit more bumpy, but still handles quite well and with those tires, I have alot of traction

 

holy mother, 8's are wide. I am leaning toward the 7's now. (especially since the wife likes them better ) Just need to get all the maintenance stuff done, then wheels, then.......

Are the yoko tires worth the extra money vs. the sumitomos? I am not racing the car (only have factory 41hp), just street cruising. I use this as my daily driver in portland (= rainy weather).

 

No, the yoko tires won't last long, so go with the other ones.

 

I have the Sumutos and they are just fine

 

Had 13" Sumitomos also and liked them...inexpensive but good performance...

13" will give harsher ride and heavier steering...I wouldn't do it again....

 

Minis handle best on lightweight 10" or 12" wheels up to a max of 6" wide with 165 tyres. 13" wheels make handling worse the wider and heavier they get but many like the look. I fitted 6 x 13" wheels a few years back for that Sportpack look but now I think 6 x 10" Minilites are the best all round for classic looks and handling.

 

I wish they made 11" wheels. it would be a good combination of looks and handling. i say that 6" wide is the widest you can go while still keeping performance. personally, id say the 13" by 7" LOOKS the best.

 

I wish they made 11" wheels.

put down the pipe!.....lol