As for the 16X8 question - given teh correct offset you won't need spacers. I think 30 is the right number. With a 205 fender clearance shouldn't be an issue with autox level camber.

7.5 should do fine unless there's someone you really want to beat.

As for cheating with boost - well yea the time/money spent protesting and checking is not worth it at any local event. However turnout by me is higher in STX with prepped BRZ/FRS than SMF with K24 swap Civics. So I actually have a better shot in SMF even though right now I have no tune and am catted therefore legal in STX.

FL State champs is in 1.5 weeks where I'll be running SMF. In autox the AP tune just makes the car harder to drive so I usually take it off.

 

from sunday, the GTI had slicks too, I was on old re71r

 

That's true. I'm coming from the position that as a new autocrosser, he's unlikely to be fighting for class wins, and instead of worrying about the arcane SCCA class system, he should be focused on improving his driving. Also, with the prep level he's been talking about, the car probably wouldn't be that competitive against a fully prepped STX car, even with more boost. Finally, I thought he already had a tune.

Also, in my experience regional events tend to be a little more lax about car classing.

 

Ive taken the family Honda Fit through the same cones as my Mini, the Fit is modded too,,, just coilovers and rear swaybar same wheels/tires and again its how I hold my rpms. the Mini has way more power but in x its so much about getting the timing right that I dont miss it but shifting aghhh missed a shift abused the box. Of coarse the start is very important, there more power and a good launch, I just never fully commit to my start I always feel like Im about to rip an axle off burn a clutch or some terrible thing.

205's arent bad and they kind of keep the steering a bit lighter, Ive gone up in width and had the steering input throw me off for a bit (Ive had to redo alignment/suspension settings going 205 to 225). also experiment front rear pressures I like going down a lot on the rears relative to the front it can let the rear slip angle increase but does depend on sidewall

 

Hmmm we always get into engine mods but beyond an LSD we never get into gearbox stuff fast shifts are nice, still not going auto double clutch.

 

That's what our club does. We run 10 events every year and the club uses participants' top-7 results to calculate the championship points

 

I've only done a little research but am having trouble finding a 16x8 wheel with proper camber for MINI and that doesn't weigh a ton. I'd appreciate info if anyone has info on wheel brands / models I should be considering. Thanks

 

I start even at 36-38 and as they heat up I lower the front psi back down and let the rear get high so it oversteers a bit

I love re71 at 32-34 but they roll over real bad on my DS car, I'm still playing with the STX -camber car and the lowest psi I can go

 

for stx I would go 15x8 949racing makes some very light wheels in +36 offset, 11.6 lb, stx allows any wheels up to 8" wide and tires up to 265 for FWD cars. If you go 15" you are stuck with no larger than JCW brakes, I'm ok with that as mine dont overheat on the track and with HP+ autocross pads they will put your face into the glass

they even make a 15x10 I wanna throw some huge flairs on one of mine and try some giant slicks like those SMF civics run

with 15" wheels you are gonna be lower to the ground without changing suspension and the speedo is pretty far off, I drag all over the place

 

Yes to going small/light Its quite amazing really the Mini just jumps even shifts easier and it rides smother and you can just change your wheels and tires to go back. 15's also have good support in slicks and all kinds of racing

 

If I understand, you're saying that 949Racing 15-inch wheels clear the R53 JCW front brake calipers.

 

yes, very little gap between caliper and wheel, I have a factory JCW and a r53 with R56S front calipers, clears both

I run a spacer in the rear so there's a little more room on the trailing arm but it does clear without the spacer

if I went 225 I would have to run a spacer up front, the tire would probably hit the coilover

 

I was just going to suggest 15's.

Check Tire Rack also. There's Koseis and Sparcos that fit. I think with 36 offset you need a tiny spacer for rear trailing arm.

Remember, most lightweight 15X8s that have NA/NB Miata friendly offsets are modeled after the 6UL. Meaning inside spacing is the same. I have 15X8 +20 Koseis on my R56 S right now.