OK, here goes. I'm starting a new thread since I think wasn't specific enough. :| People thought I was after brand names and such. I'm not. I'm just after the tire size and wheel size that provides optimum performance on the MCS.

 

Dominic, I was not seeing the answer either, diameter and width will affect preformance, I hope to see a good response

 

For optimum handling, acceleration, and braking (due to less unsprung weight) your best bet would be:

225/50/15 on a 15x7 wheel (et 38mm)... but they can be visually challenging :smile: with that little tiny wheel (personal preference).

This set up would allow you to go the lightest.

 

It is not that simple to pick one size to give the "best" performance. One must realize there are always trade offs. Optimum traction will be gained by reducing tire sidewall flex, and therefore contact patch distortion. This is achieved by using a larger diameter, lower profile (shorter sidewall) tire such as 35 series. Quicker acceleration will be provided with a smaller overall wheel and tire diameter, and lighter weight. However smaller overall diameter has it's disadvantages, ie higher engine revs at all speeds, lower top speed, inaccurate speedo. If the car is primarily for track, this may not be an issue, but for general daily use, it may be of real concern. If you go to a smaller wheel diameter to use light weight wheels, the negative effects of the heavier, taller sidewall tire may offset the benefits of the lighter wheel.
Ask yourself what you want to do with the car, what type of performance you want to prioritize, and find a reasonable compromise. In the case of wheels and tires, one size does not fit all.

 

I'm sticking with my original reply to the original post. I've read every post/reply in MCO and MINI2, every MINI article, and every FAQ I could find. 16x7 w/ 205/50-16's will suit the MAJORITY of MINI owners, providing the best combination of weight, ride, acceleration, and overall performance (unless you're strictly concerned about a set of full-time AC wheels). The weights for the wheels I mentioned are in Dan's post and on RSpeed's site.
There's a new article in the Feb issue of Grassroots Motorsports about their "...fastest stock-class MINI in the country." More info to boggle your mind.....

 

>>It is not that simple to pick one size to give the "best" performance. One must realize there are always trade offs. Optimum traction will be gained by reducing tire sidewall flex, and therefore contact patch distortion. This is achieved by using a larger diameter, lower profile (shorter sidewall) tire such as 35 series. Quicker acceleration will be provided with a smaller overall wheel and tire diameter, and lighter weight. However smaller overall diameter has it's disadvantages, ie higher engine revs at all speeds, lower top speed, inaccurate speedo. If the car is primarily for track, this may not be an issue, but for general daily use, it may be of real concern. If you go to a smaller wheel diameter to use light weight wheels, the negative effects of the heavier, taller sidewall tire may offset the benefits of the lighter wheel.
>>Ask yourself what you want to do with the car, what type of performance you want to prioritize, and find a reasonable compromise. In the case of wheels and tires, one size does not fit all.



I compeltely agree with DK23 I just didn't want to type all that :smile:

 

>> 16x7 w/ 205/50-16's will suit the MAJORITY of MINI owners,

Thanks mojoey for the 411!

 

Grassroots Motorsports magazine (February 2003) did an extensive article on making your MINI handle. They discussed weight vs. traction/width while prepping their car for the Solo II nationals, Stock Class MINI. I think they spent the time and had the resources to be the definitive authority for this application. They ended up with the fastest stock class MINI in the nation! You guys and gals should subscribe to this magazine, it has the most thorough technical info to date for any magazine. These guys really compete, aka walk the talk. They also have a website where you can get updates on a killer MCS they plan to campaign in the future. Their web site is
http://www.grmotorsports.com/

BTW, they went with 215/40ZR16 with 16x6.5 wheels (wheel size is manditory for stock class) for the Stock MINI competition.

Their MCS is shod with BBS 17x7 inch with 215/45R17 Kumho Ecsta MX

GO GRM!!!!!!! :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile:

_________________
MINI Pilot with Pure Sivler wings! 2003 MCS

 

Here are direct links to the Mini articles on the Grassroot's site:

2002 Mini Cooper

Mini Cooper S

See ya,
JS