I hope this is the correct forum

I'm hoping to be able to autocross an MC in a stock class. As I was told yesterday or the day before, anything that comes from the factory counts as stock -- except the JCW because that's a dealer installed item.

So, since I do not want run flats, and I understand the importance of a light wheel, which wheel option is the best?

Get the 15" because I'm presuming that they are lighter than the 16"?

Get the 16" because the 1" less sidewall flex more than makes up for the weight?

I don't think I want to pay for 17s, so I'm not even asking about those.

 

Just to clarify, are you going to buy a the Cooper or the S?

The Cooper races in H-Stock and can run either 15" or 16x6.5 inch wheels.

The Cooper S races in G-stock and can run either 16x6.5 or 17x7 inch wheels.

If you are a novice such as myself, the subtle weight difference will make less of an impact on your performance than your choice of race tires. Best value seems to be the Falken Azenis, and many people like the Kumho V700's also. Expensive Hoosiers are a better but a lot more expensive. Tires for 15 inch wheels are always cheaper than those for 16 inch but the 15 inch wheels are narrower than the available 16 inch wheels.

Lightweight aftermarket 16's are the AK Monza wheels in the 16x6.5 size (make sure you do not buy 16x7's or you will not meet stock class rules). Or you can find a set of used OEM MINI wheels. I got a barely used set of the 16" V-Spokes which are relatively light and commonly can be found for a good price in the Marketplace classifieds here since many people upgrade to aftermarket wheels.

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SE Regional, BAMA Club Moderator: PM me

 

Since you mentioned the 15" wheels, and didn't mention having an "S", I moved this to the "H Stock" forum where the standard MINI Cooper runs.

For the Cooper, the 15" wheel is a good option for budgetary reasons and some tire selections.
The advantage of the 15" wheels is the lower unsprung weight, less expensive tires, and more tire availability.
The disadvantage of the 15" wheels is the narrow wheel width of 5.5" as opposed to the 16's 6.5" width.

Until recently, the wheel to have was the 16x6.5" with Hoosier 215/40R16's. That still may be the case. But there are no Kumho V710's available yet in the 16's for the MINI.

Being that you can't find an aftermarket wheel in 15x5.5", and the stock wheel is about 12lbs, your better option would be the 16's. You can get an aftermarket 16x6.5's that weigh less than the 15's and have the wider and lower diameter tire choice (215/40R16).

All of that said, and now that you're confused...the 15's are a very good starting option and can run Kumho V710's, Victoracer V700's, and all Hoosiers in a 205/50R15.

The tire market is changing quickly this year, so for better advice, please specify your experience and what your competitive desires are.

Brian

 

Yup, H Stock should have been where I put this. thanks. I'm looking at getting an MC

Hmm, my competitive desires. I presume you mean the realistic ones and not my F1 and WRC dreams, right?

B.K. (before kids) I autocrossed my completely stock Miata against the Miata club guys. My first race against those guys, my goals were modest. To not be the slowest new guy. But, based on my times, they started me in the experienced group, where I was not the slowest. On a good day and with the right track layout I would occasionally get fastest time of day -- even against guys with slicks and lowered Miatas. To be honest, I'm sure most of that was being very aggressive as opposed to being very good.

So, not trying to blow my own horn, but you asked.

My competitive desires are limited to autocross, driving schools and track days. This is because it will be my daily driver and I, like most of us, need to reduce the likelihood of sheet metal damage.

I would like to start out completely stock and go up from there. Springs, coil overs, headers, exhausts, etc., can all follow later.

Based on your comments, it seems like the thing to do is buy the 16" wheels, drive the tires off of those wheels and then look at after market up grades and options later. Does that about sum it up?

 

So you're trying to be competitive...
If you've never run on R Compounds, I'd recommend starting on the Kumho Ecsta V700's in a 205/45R16 and getting them shaved.
After a set of those, consider getting Hoosier A or R3S04's in the same size. If you're feeling bold and have the dough, skip the Kumho's.

Brian

 

>>
>>My competitive desires are limited to autocross, driving schools and track days. This is because it will be my daily driver and I, like most of us, need to reduce the likelihood of sheet metal damage.
>>

In case you haven't heard........The 2nd place HS car at Nationals this year was completly stock minus some 16" Road Race Hoosiers..........

If you want to show your stuff you've picked the right car and class.....Really, no more excuses....

 

As well as the 2002 H Stock Pro Solo Champ car, which won it's first Pro Solo on 7-Holes and 205/50R15 Kumho Victoracer V700's...

Brian

 

Thank you one and all. Exactly the kind of information I was looking for. :smile:

 

1) Yes, DOT R Compounds are legal for Stock Class.
2) You don't have to get most shaved, but the Ecsta V700 is particularly bad about chunking and blistering if not shaved. Since it's the only inexpensive R Compound for the 16's, that's why most would suggest it. It is said that you will actually get MORE life from them if you shave them.

The other option is of course to run Hoosiers in their Road Race compound R3S04 Until someone runs a set all the way through, there's no guarantee on their life. But, I've run 60 runs on the R3S03's before and the new ones are supposed to last longer, so I'm guessing at least 80 runs.

Brian

 

>>
>>2) Okay, I'm putting on my nomex before I ask this to ward off the potential flaming :smile:

Okay....Gotta go......My wife is a getting a little concerned about me and this forum lately. I don't want to get my privledges yanked.

 

I've read this thread with interest. I've just taken delivery of my MC and plan on running it soon. My previous experience in autox was in an M Roadster and an E36 M3, so this is a whole different world.

I'm planning on using my stock 16" x-lites (R83?) and need to make the choice on which tire to run (R-comp).

As usual, Hoosiers seem the favored tire. However, I'm wondering if the Kuhmo is a reasonable option. I guess the Victoracers aren't available.

Going with a set of shaved 205/45-16 Ecstas will save me $220. Are the Hoosiers worth the extra $$ ?

thanks

 

>>I've read this thread with interest. I've just taken delivery of my MC and plan on running it soon. My previous experience in autox was in an M Roadster and an E36 M3, so this is a whole different world.
>>
>>I'm planning on using my stock 16" x-lites (R83?) and need to make the choice on which tire to run (R-comp).
>>
>>As usual, Hoosiers seem the favored tire. However, I'm wondering if the Kuhmo is a reasonable option. I guess the Victoracers aren't available.
>>
>>Going with a set of shaved 205/45-16 Ecstas will save me $220. Are the Hoosiers worth the extra $$ ?
>>
>>thanks


No and Yes... it all depends on your goals... For learning the Cooper / Local events I would use Kuhmos ... for a run at Nationals (with an eye on gaining every advantage you can) go for Hoosiers... (or the new Kuhmo 710) I guess the question to ask... is it worth it to gain a few tenths to at best 1 second.... at 220 bucks thats an expensive second...