Just did my first AutoX in my 2019 JCW this past week. One thing was clear that that stock runflat’s didn’t help my time. Looking to upgrade the tires to Azenis 660’s and while I’m there I might as well upgrade the rims to 17x8’s. Couple questions when upgrading as I’m looking to stay in DS:

1.) Can I run a 45et offset? Stock rim is 54, and SCCA Solo II rules say we can go +-7mm….. so that’s out of range for DS, correct?

2.) If I run a 225/45/17 or a 225/40/17, will it rub at all using a 17x8 rim? I’m maintaining stock everything, no lowering.

3.) What Rear Sway Bar is recommended?

Thanks.

 

KuZo,

SCCA Rules Excerpt:
"13.4 WHEELS
Any type wheel may be used provided it complies with the following:
A. It is the same width as standard and as installed it does not have an off-
set more than ±7.00 mm (±0.275”) from a standard wheel for the car.
The resultant change in track dimensions is allowed.
B. Wheel (rim) diameter may be increased or decreased 1” from the stan-
dard part. This change may be applied to the front, rear, or both axles."

Note the phrase "the same width as standard".

Therefore if you install 8" wide rims you are not in DS.

Rattle my cage for tales of my attempt to compete in STU (with 17x8 rims, Quaife, and a tune).

Your car, with good tires and a tight nut behind the wheel is a decent DS car, but not great. The rim width and lack of LSD prevent the latest Mini from being truly competitive at the National level.

Great autocross car? You bet! Tons of fun? Absolutely! Class winner? Nope.

So that's the conundrum! My answer was to spend stupid money and create the best street rod I have ever driven, and also to accept that in STU (8" rims Quaife, Tune) I'd be beaten like a rug!

All the best,

Charlie

The whole story is here, if you are curious: https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/f55-f56-hatch-talk-2014/316983-gollum-iv-power-corrupts-25.html.

 

Annnnnddddd….. I’m glad I asked 🤣. I kept reading the diameter rule and thinking width as well. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

Well that sucks! I guess it’s just tires for the stock rims then. Bummer.

 

Are there any recommendations for tire size in the stock wheel? I’ve seen the tire rack video on tire with and rim size which says a wider tires isn’t always better, however I have questions as the 215 on a 7 inch rim did worse than the control tire but the 225 on a 7 did slightly better. The Azenis also have a 205/40 tire, so not sure what the right combo is for the mini jcw.

 

Unless you'd be changing wheels at the event, I'd run a Falken RT 660 in 215/45-17. See HERE.

Unlike the A052 and the RT71, the Falkens have served me for two years, delivering the type of grip I expect from a TW200 tire, but not wearing out as quickly as some competitors.

Just my two bits.

Cheers,

Charlie

 

Thanks for the help Charlie. I will be changing wheels at the event but planned on getting the 660s for the reasons you mentioned.