Well, I finally got my new stuff installed. Replaced my heavy-*** Miglias (23lb) replaced with Konig Rush wheels (19lb) and the winter tires with Yokohama S.Drives. Also replaced the stock non-sport sway bar with the Alta 19mm bar set to medium.

It's like night and day! Acceleration and braking are greatly improved, even over what I recall of the stock wheels and RF dunlops I had before the winter. I am actually pushed back into the seat when I really get on the gas. Haven't had a chance to tear up the twisties yet so I can't speak to the traction, but of course they aren't scrubbed in yet so it's difficult to tell anyhow. Haven't broken loose hammering the throttle out of sharp right handers though.

Overall the car feels more planted when turning, and I imagine it will be more dramatic when I get into some more "spirited" driving.

Some downsides to my experience: the shop initially forgot the center caps on the wheels. Then they found them, but they are missing the Konig emblems, so they look a little weird. Also, there are 8 holes in the wheels and of course only 4 lugs for the Cooper. I didn't even notice until I had left.. I am questioning the shop on this one. I have to go back tomorrow so they can figure out what size the emblems are *sigh.*

Also, I curbed the old wheels so that cost me about $100 extra on the trade, but I can chalk that up to an expensive parking lesson.

I may be paranoid, but I thought I felt some vibration at about 110 (KMH, don't worry mods!) and I'm not sure if that indicates improper balancing or just the stiffer ride over the winters on a poor road surface. I will mention it tomorrow.

And finally, now that I have gone from 205/55/16 to 205/50/16, there is so much fender gap! Next up, slam the car.

 

Mods please delete this thread, just updated my earlier thread instead. Thanks.