I'm prepping an '06 JCW for auto-x. The MINI has painted arches, so I want to keep it from rubbing with the new autox wheel/tire setup.

It's riding on:
Bilstein PSS9s (I believe these have progressive spring rates)
22mm rear sway
225/45-15 (autox wheel/tire)

The street tires are only 205mm wide and tuck in the rear arches, so no rubbing. When installed, the autox wheels have about 0.5inch topside wheel gap. I need to raise the MINI about 3/4inch to get it back to typical ride height or she'll scrape the aerokit/body panels on every speedbump out there.

So, 1.25" is the planned starting gap. During autox, I'm expecting some suspension travel (spring compression) that will close that gap quickly. Any ideas how much more I need to raise it for auto-x loads to keep from rubbing the paint off the arches?

 

unless you are running 7.5 to 8" of rim width, I'd suggest the 205/50-15 will perform as well as either the Toyo or Hankook 225, so that's one option. I'm speaking from experience on that one having spent the last four seasons working that out.

another option might be a -10 mm spacer, to increase the negative offset and move the outer edge of the tire away from the fender line a bit.. negative offset shims are tough to get as most are made from pre-frammulated ammulite, but a bit of web searching might turn them up.

I run H&R progressive springs as part of the coil-overs, and estimate that max compression during competition is actually less than a good road bump. I'd say 1.25" is generous, but of course I dunno your spring rates.

What offset are your 15" rims?

Ps: there seem to be a few of the magic spacers up in CA... (http://www.sccaforums.com/forums/for...s/threadpage/5)

 

I suggest that you switch to linear springs if you want to be more competitive. There's a thread somewhere on here on the switch for PSS9.

Hyperco and Swift are great coilover spring brands. Eibach is fine.

- Andrew

 

Thanks, Charlie. I already have the tires (Hankook Ventus R-S3), so I'll eat them up before taking a look at the 205s.

The autox wheels are Kosei K1 TS with a 38mm offset. 15x7".

I've never heard of a negative offset spacer, I'll look into it. :D

As the next event is 2wks away, I suspect a conservative clearance is called for on this first event. Maybe I'll have my 280# buddy bounce on the boot to compress the springs while I look at the clearance.

 

It's actually the GF's MINI, so I don't want her to be too competitive. I'd still like to edge her out occasionally.

Seriously, though, I'll take a look. She might be up for the swap if she thinks it'll give her an edge.

 

That's the exact same wheel/tire combination that I ran in 2007, and it worked well.

Thanks for getting my dumb joke.

May the force be with you.

Cheers,

Charlie

 

Im on PSS9s with 215's and I dont rub and the thing handles like its on rails....not even tire gap.....LMAO

 

Oh wait....you have a R56...my mistake. I thought I posted in a 1st Gen forum.... Must be those crazy DMC Chandler fellows =P

 

You need to stop hanging around while the MPS cures. Go outside, get some fresh air.

 

 

I was taught that fresh air kills...and I prefer MEK...

Thats a cute little sig you got there. If you want..you can come over and bake me a cake because obviously you belong in a kitchen.....Sally Bakesalot. And dont eat too much of that popcorn..I dont want you to get fat on me...

 

Har, har! You're on now, buddy! We're gonna have some mega fun next autox!



Whatev...you know we are no longer DMCers and that he has the R56 and I have the R53s




hehe

 

Just a followup and closure.

Long story short, no significant rubbing leaving the MINI at just half-inch rear wheel gap.. Just a tiny bit on the far inside lip of one of the rear arches.

I was not able to raise the MINI at all due to technical difficulties. We decided to go for it 'as is' with that little half-inch gap. Set the struts to full dampening, swaybar on stiffest setting and hit the road-course.

She threw the MINI around pretty aggressively and all turned out well. We just took all the speedbumps and intersections slowly to protect the aero kit and all was fine.