Hi all,

On the advice of JustGo4It_, I'm moving my question about wheels to the SM forum:

I have the Wilwood 11.75" big brake kit for my '04 MCS. I autocross in SM due to my mods.

I want the best wheel for this application.

Presumably, that means I should get the lightest, widest wheel that will fit on the Wilwood 11.75's and my MCS? Correct?

From what I've read on NAM, It sounds like I should stick with a 15" wheel, and not go to 16" wheels for my application.

So...hardly any 15" wheels fit the Wilwood. Team Dynamics Pro Race 1 fits. I don't know of anything else that does. SSR Comps sure don't. These Team Dynamics wheels weigh 13.2 pounds and are 7 inches wide.

Should I get the Team Dynamics Pro Race 1 wheels? Presuming I'm looking for the lightest, widest wheel that fits my Wilwoods?

 

Dan, I speak with zero experience when it comes to auto-x...

With that clear, it seems that more rubber is king. And although a 16" wheel will weigh more than the same make in a 15, you've saved 1.5 pounds with those rotors already . I'd say get the wider 16" wheel, and then more rubber...

This kit cleared my 16's with complete ease. My 16's weigh 10.75 lbs - Volk CE28Ns. I'm also running a rather unique tire size (16 - 205/45s). While I'm sure this is too narrow for what you want on the track, the rolling diameter is about 1" less than the stock 16" runflats. This effectively changes the gearing, making her more torquey, at the expense of some top-end; which I find well worth it. I also found that not all tire widths are the same when it comes to contact patch. I'm very happy with my choice in the Yokohamas as the contact patch is equal to that of several 215 tires...

While your application is different (SM), I think these should be considerations for you to ponder...

Good luck to you!

 

Since there isn't a 225 that will fit in a diameter the same or smaller than stock, other than a 15", than you should probably go with a 15". I'm assuming that if you're spending the money on brakes that you can afford to get some Kodiaks or another custom wheel. Do a 15x8 or 8.5" wide wheel to make the most use of the 225's.

It wouldn't be the worst to be running a 205/45R16, but my guess is that if you are in SM, you need more meat for your power. Plus, there may be a 215/40R16 in the Kumho V710 next year.
And moving to a 16, there's probably a non-custom 16x8 out there that would be less expensive.

But, to get what you want at a decent weight, custom Kodiaks would be the way to go.

Brian

 

Thanks TonyB and Brian.

After reading these and other posts, I've decided that I definitely want to stick with the 15" wheels for the "increased torqueness", lower gearing, etc.

Whatever wheels I buy, I'll buy a second set and put street tires on them, just because I want to enjoy what lightweight 15" wheels feel like in everyday driving. Today I'm running stock S-lites with stock runflats. For a brief moment, I had 15" Team Dynamics just on the front of the car, and the car felt completely new to me in its straight-line acceleration!

Regarding the Kodiak wheels:

I found their website (kodiakracingwheels) and the 15x8" / 15x.8.5" wheels. I'm fine with their prices, as long as the Wilwoods fit in there and as long as the wheels are light. I'll call them this morning to find out.

Brian, regarding tires, are you saying I should autocross with 225/xx/15 tires?

 

Yep, 225/45R15 Hoosiers, etc. The 215/40R16 was almost as wide, but that's gone. That 225 is the widest tire possible for the MINI without going above the stock diameter.
Of course, I'm not sure of the exact sizes of the new Kumhos coming etc., so you'll have to watch for that.

Brian

 

Does anyone know if the Kosei K1 TS will fit in a 15x7" size? It only weighs about 10# and looks like it has decent clearance with the way the spokes are designed.

 

Wow, Topic sorta went stagnant. Anybody have an idea about the K1 TS wheels?

 

Yes they fit. I have a set on mine for autocross with 225/45 tech r Avons. Really nice set-up. The wheels have a 38 offset so it makes your car a hair wider.

 

Thanks. It's great that they fit as they are light and inexpensive. do you have any pics of them mounted?

 

Here's a few pic's

 

Thanks a lot Rory!. You made the decision to buy a lot easier.

 

It didn't look like you had the Wilwood brakes though? So, are you saying that they fit the Mini or they fit the Mini with Willwood Brakes like the post was inquiring about?