Tires for my 17's?
 

I have a 06 MCS JCW (factory) that I want to run in stock class. To do this I have to use the 17's. It seems that 17" tires that will fit are not that common.

I am a noob with auto-x and fitting tires, etc. I am looking for advice on tires or sizes that I could use. I am looking at using wheels that are 17x7 +42.

Thanks,

gonzo

PM Minihune

He is the man when it comes to wheels and tires. :thumbsup:

06 MCS JCW factory is eligible for-
B stock (best more favorable handicap)
DSP (Street Prepared)
SM (Street Mod)

17x7 wheels with +42mm offset is fine.

For B stock you can use-
R compound tires but there isn't that much for 17" that will fit well for the MINI and work with 17x7 rims.

Street tires-
Extreme Performance summer tires like:
Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R in 205/45-17
or
Max Performance Summer tires like:
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 or similar in 215/40-17

Hankook Ventus Rs2 Z212 and Falken Azenis Rt-615 are also possible tires.

Problem is fitment and sizes for 17" wheels. Most of us in stock or modded classes will run 16" wheels or smaller and have better sized tires to choose from in either category.

On the track some MINIs do run 17" but with fender flares or other mods to help with fitment not allowed in SCCA stock classes.

I have already PM'ed Gonzo on the tire particulars but we would love to hear from those who do run B stock or G stock and have found workable solutions for using 17" stock sized rims.

Hoosier A6 225/40/17 fit fine. the Hoosier 225/45/17 will fit but will rub and be too tall for good gearing.

Kumho does not make a tire that works, I'm not sure about BFG, Hankook or Avon.

See also
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=106349

Just ran my first event with the Hankook Ventus RS-2's, and they were great! I easily carved a couple seconds of my usual times. 215/45-17's, and no rubbing.

Looks like they'll make good daily driver tires also.

I had thought about Falken RT-615's, but I read a lot of comments about how greasy they get in hot weather. The Central Valley get's damned hot, plus we're a two driver car. We just had the Hankook's out for a night autocross at Primm's in southern Nevada, and they stuck very well.

So did you decide?

Going with 17x7?

And which tires? Let us know how it works out and what your impressions are.

It's usually good to start with street rubber and gain experience first then switch over when ready to competition rubber.

No. I'm not at the point of making a decision yet. I wanted to get this feeler out there well in advance to give people a chance to chime in and give me time to check my options.

When I am ready to get a new set up, I'll be sure to give my impressions. In the mean time I will be running my street tires, at least for the next few sessions.

See you Sunday!