R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 15's for AutoX and fit

Old Apr 3, 2009 | 04:07 PM
  #1  
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From: Redwood Empire, N. CA
15's for AutoX and fit

Looking for liteweight 15's for autoX.
I know Kosei K1's and holies fit, but does anyone have
other liteweight 15's that might be more available and affordable that
they are using that fit an 05 MCS.
It would be great to have a bigger list of possibilities
Using TSW slotted rotors/stock calipers.
thanks
boxcars
 
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 05:35 PM
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rota slipstreams
949racing's 6UL's
most bbs's but those arent so affordable :P
 
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 06:27 PM
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I have the Konig Heliums in 15" x 6.5" for autocrossing. Fairly light at 10.8 pounds per wheel and pretty cheap at $105/wheel.
 
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Old Apr 4, 2009 | 05:55 AM
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What size tire is best to run on 15" wheels for autox? Any pictures of what the 15" feathers look like on the mini?
 
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Old Apr 4, 2009 | 08:19 PM
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i run 15x7.5 949 racing wheels, nice and light for autocross
 
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Old Apr 5, 2009 | 07:00 AM
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What class do you run in? That makes a difference on what size's you can legally run.
I am a big fan of the 949 racing 6UL's. I run the 15x8 with a 225/45/15.

Jason
 
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Old Apr 5, 2009 | 09:09 AM
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jason
haven't run yet, but i checked with a memeber of my club ( REME ) and he said with some of my suspension mods it won't be stock.
Just trying to find a set of 15's for weight reduction and and sticky rubber and then i won't have to worry about tire roll (i think ? )
Auot X is new to me and it is fun anticipating it, hoping to be ready to go in a month or two.
thanks for yours and fitters response on the 949 ( hey fitter , i bought your TSW springs, love em ) i'll add them to my list of wheels to look for on NAM, craigslist and ebay.
thanks
boxcars
p.s.
hey fitter , what size tire to you use for your 15x7.5?
 
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Old Apr 5, 2009 | 09:39 AM
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Boxcars,

I had a peek at the REME Megabbs, and it seems that perhaps REME would run with the SFRCCA for some of the autocrosses.

If so, then my question is are you committed to R compund rubber?

If so then I believe you'll be in Street Prepared under SCCA Solo rules.

My own MCS is a JCW wearing coil-overs, and other mods that take me out of all stock classes.

I ran ASP in 2005 and although I enjoyed the Hoosiers the car was unarguably outclassed whenever another competitor joined in.

Since 2006 my car (and I believe yours too) became legal to run in Street Touring Extreme (STX) which required "street tires" with a minimum treadwear rating of 140.

In '07, '08, and again this year I have been in STX, and for the following reasons:

1. I run Kosei K1 and the best street rubber I can get all summer, which means I have the pleasure of truly outstanding handling and grip on the street as well as during the dozen or so events I run annually.

2. I buy three sets of tires every two years, which keeps the budget under control (one dedicated set of the hot tire for that year each spring, and a set of off season tires that go on the 16" stock rims every other fall).

3. The car is more competitive in Street Touring than Street Prepared.

4. The Dunlop Z1 Star Specs I ran last year pulled 1.1g, which isn't that boring in comparison to the 1.2g that the Hoosiers pulled back in '05

5. I don't change tires at events - and I don't replace the competition tires halfway through the year.

6. As an apprentice driver, even after five years and two regional class championships, I still don't reckon I'm smooth enough to get the max out of R compound tires anyway.

If any of that resonates with you, I'll only add that this year I am running the Toyo R1R 225/45-15, which is as wide as the Hoosiers were (and indeed as wide as it is possible to fit on my suspension).

I'm not sure if the Toyos will be the National Championship winner this coming fall - it might be the Bridgestone RE-11, or even the Kumho - but I am sure that they are among the top three and therefore a competitive choice.

And now I am driving around the local twisties with a grin, wearing light wheels and great tires even for daily driving, which I do much more of than racing.

2 bits is all.

cheers,

Charlie
 
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Old Apr 5, 2009 | 09:58 AM
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im running 205/50/15
 
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Old Apr 5, 2009 | 11:22 AM
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Charlie,
awesome info , thanks for taking the time.
I'm really finding autoX ers put alot of thought into what they do, it's not just some cones and a parking lot,
but i like the thought process too.
i believe you are right the member said i'd be in STX and probably get my but whooped by subarus or something else, but who cares,
i'm there to have fun and improve my driving skills in mid age.
no rub on the 225's?, or do you adjust your coilovers to prevent,
i'm on TSW with a 3/4 inch drop getting no rub with 215/45 17's
thanks again for the info
hey you too fitter,
boxcars
 
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Old Apr 5, 2009 | 01:38 PM
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I have a slight rub at 10 and 2 on the rear inner fenders, but only at full bump

I had it also with the Hoosiers, and after re-examining the situation I do not think I'll even bother to trim the fender liner

The reason is that the rub is rare, and it is hard to find a perceptible scuff on the tire as a result, and the liner erodes very rapidly at point of contact - my guess is that it will self adjust in the next 100 miles

But bear in mind I am running K1 (I forget the offset, very sorry) and H&R coil-overs with camber plates. With the front at -2.5 the tightest clearance is from the inner shoulder of the tire to the coil - a static dimension of course

At the back the car is also down over an inch, and the lower control arms are set to stand the wheels back up to only -1.0

So the angles and dimensions on my car are not at all stock...

I strongly suspect that the 225 will have clearance for most Mini's running stock geometry if the wheel offsets are correct, but I can NOT prove it from my own experience

Many more folks run 215s, and perhaps someone could weigh in with their own experience on the 225s - surely I'm not the first to try it.

By the way, the WRX is often the top dog in STX, but only with equal drivers. As I am sure many folks have said it's 90% driver and 10% car at least for the first few years. One of the nice things about the Mini as opposed to the WRX is that your clutch will last forever in comparison - there is only just so much one can do off the line with FWD!

I should add that the absolute worst beating I have ever received in STX was Chris Shenefield and Cy Lee in an '89 Civic at the '08 National Tour at Devens. Chris was something like two seconds up on the class and whipping other more powerful classes including some running R compounds. What a lesson! More on that here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...onal-tour.html

I do hope you have tons of fun no matter which direction you choose - be careful as I find the support awfully addictive.
 

Last edited by cmt52663; Apr 5, 2009 at 01:57 PM.
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Old Apr 5, 2009 | 06:30 PM
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Boxcars, you should check out BMWCCA. Their autocrosses are a ways away from you, down in Marina, but are much more fun than SCCA. It would be well worth the drive, and their class system is points based.
http://www.ggcbmwcca.org/index.php
 
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