R50/53 Lowering a cooper with bigger rims
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 795
Likes: 122
From: SoCal
Most any "wheel" (you need more than just the rim) will still work on your car with that change. You may want to ask about tire diameters. Don't go any larger than the OEM diameter.
And for what it's worth, springs ARE...part of the suspension, so yes, you WILL be changing the suspension.
Mike
And for what it's worth, springs ARE...part of the suspension, so yes, you WILL be changing the suspension.
Mike
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 2,360
Likes: 753
From: DFW, TX
I have 17s on my MC40 running 215/45R-17 tires (non-lowered) and they fit nicely but are close to the fenders. Your mini most likely came stock with 205s. After lowering, the width of the tire will be more of a factor/hindrance than the wheel size.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 470
Likes: 100
From: SF Bay Area - Nor Cal
Budget more than just the TSW springs.
You have a 15 year old suspension that is begging for more than just one component change. Things like strut bearings, potentially bump stops (or trim the ones you could potentially reuse), ball joints, and of course, control arm bushings.
Now, maybe you have already did all that and this is the final tweak to make this car handle even better, but your car will be way better by doing this as a system rather than an incremental component upgrade.
Last edited by Zsm; Feb 5, 2019 at 08:33 PM.
They have a gallery with lots of Mini's in it with different wheels and tire combos you can search....it's a great resource for picking out wheels.
Thread Starter
|
Neutral
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Thank you guys. All good points, the car handles amazing factory but i definitely want more grip. Parts are already rolling in for the T16b4 swap. I'm mostly going with OEM parts for suspension other than springs. Not sure what i wanna do for struts and brakes yet.
Trending Topics
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 692
Likes: 91
Jordhan, I have 13 years of modding my 2005 R50. Happy to discuss anything you might be considering. TSW springs are a great spring for our cars, I paired them to Koni Yellows struts(but mine is a track toy, heard great info on the Koni Active and Koni FDS’s for daily driving). Have fun and enjoy the drive!
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 59
Likes: 13
Just wanted to throw a little pedantic note into this thread: Please note that lowering your car and changing the springs will *not* increase traction (unless maybe you drive on ultra, ultra smooth roads). If you switch to a high performance tire that will increase your grip levels. On bumpy/choppy roads lowering the Mini will most likely reduce available traction because you will be much more likely to bottom out the suspension mid corner. The Mini starts with a very small amount of bump travel from the factory, so if you go lower your will be left with very little travel before you hit the bump stops.
Thank you guys. All good points, the car handles amazing factory but i definitely want more grip. Parts are already rolling in for the T16b4 swap. I'm mostly going with OEM parts for suspension other than springs. Not sure what i wanna do for struts and brakes yet.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Interior/Exterior Need a bigger rear view mirror somebody help me and my new mini cooper
bbleung
Interior/Exterior
14
Jun 28, 2004 10:14 AM
kite-surfer
Drivetrain (Cooper S)
9
Jul 8, 2003 06:28 PM