Hi all,
I am driving a 04 production Mini Cooper S.Currently I am having a big dilemma ,am torn between either the tire size of 215/40/17 or 215/45/17 ??? The wheels I am having are Volks racing CE28N 17" with 43mm offset, and I will be lowering with M7 sports springs ,the drop for the spring is about 33mm as quoted from M7.

The 2 tires I am thought of getting are either Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 or Toyo Proxes T1-S. The problem is that for 215/40/17 ,the Eagle F1s are having load index of 83 which is slightly below the recommended of 84,on the other hand the Toyos T1-S are having load index Reinforced 87(wondering how true of a fact is this 87 ).
however to be on the safest end, I was thinking of going the route of 215/45/17 for clearing the slightly under load issue(was concern that the under load index would effect insurance and factory warrenty if anything bad happens). But as I will be having 33mm drop from the M7 springs, I am worried I will be getting rubbing when the mini is carring myself(abt 125bls) ,a passenger(abt 100bls) and some luggage loads (abt 50lbs).
Hope someone can kindly advise some thoughts on this??
Is there anyone out there running wheels of 43mm offset and and 215/45/17 tires ,at the same time lowered abt 33mm using M7 springs comment on my above queries?? Really need your help...

Thank you very much in advance for any inputs,
all are greatly appreciated.

Cheers...

 

Not to worry you're not likely to rub with those M7 springs and a 17" rim with +43mm offset. Either 215/40 or 215/45-17 will work OK (without rubbing) but the load rating with the 215/45-17 is better and safer if you intend to drive with passengers or a load. You never want to be very close to the limit for load rating. The exception would be if you use a tire for only autocross with one person (mostly).

That reinforced 87 load rating of the T1-S is correct. But if I had to choose between those tires I'd always pick the Goodyear GS-D3 for street and some autocross or track. It's especially good for dry and WET traction. The T1-S is lighter in weight but doesn't compare for performance.

So I like the Goodyear GS-D3 in 215/45-17 in your case. See Alex@tirerack for more info. $147 each Y speed rated.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....Eagle+F1+GS-D3

 

minihune:



I like the wood trim in your interior. Are those replacement pieces or do they stick on? Is it real wood? How much did you pay for it?

 

I occasionally rub on large dips with 215/45/17 Kumhos on Kosei K1 TS and our car is at factory height. It's not very often but it is present. That's with one passenger...a light passenger too.

 

I'll also add that the GS-D3's are wide tread tires like the S03's and Azenis...you will probably rub with 43mm offset with 215/45/17.

 

Hi minihune,

Fiest I really appreciate your input and advise, actually my commuting routes are only on streets and I will not do any auto-Xs or tracks,properbly only occassional fast driving on the streets. Is the F1s more superior than the T1-s in terms of dry and wet performance for tracking and auto-Xs?What about for fast street driving? Will their difference be felt physically ? I am more incline to consider getting the Proxes T1-s in 215-40-17 as the load ratio is 87 reinforced in order to be really safe for 0 chance rubbing when loaded with passenger+load.

On the other hand, I am also concern after getting the Toyo 215/40/17 and when my local dealer servicing schedule is due, they might comment on my 40s profile tyres and will threaten to void my factory warrenty if I do not get back to 45s profile....

Still torn in decisions....

Cheers

 

Hi Kenchan,

Thank you very much for your advise, do you have any idea whether the Toyo T1-s are wide tires too? I would love to get the GS-D3s but in 215/40/17, their load index is 83 which is a pity..if only they have it in reinforce ratings above OEMs 84.

Cheers

 

Same here, but I'm lowered with H-Sports which is about an inch (or more). I rub more often then I would have expected. I'll need to do some trim work soon I guess.
Kosei K1 with Yokho AVS es100 215-45-17

 

The Volks CE28N has a 43 offset, SSR Comps, Kosei K1 have a 42 offset.

The 215/45/17 Goodyear has a load index of 91 and is only $5.00 more than the 215/40/17(load index 83)

The Goodyears tread width in 215/45/17 (7.1) is narrower than a Yoko ES100 215/45/17 (8.3).
The Kumhos also have a wider tread than the Goodyears.

Pay attention to Minihune, he won't steer you in the wrong direction.

Hope this helps...