any recommendation for tires that will give the softest ride on 18-inch wheels? I am running Kumho ECSTA 215/35's (which I love) but my wife hates the stiff ride. we are going on a trip and I agreed to get softer riding tires for her enjoyment. I am not concerned with performance, just soft ride quality. I am not prepared to go to 17's or 16's.

Thanks for your recommendations.

 

Are you lowered? Maybe go with a 215/40/18??

 

I have 215/35 Pirelli PZeros(A/S) and they ride pretty soft..

 

General Exclaim UHPs. I've got the 215/35/18s. My wife's wrx was on the Kuhmos (17s) and the UHPs are more comfortable. I'm lowered w/ H&Rs and have no rubbing issues except w/ brisk speed bumps and that's only the felt liners.

 

I just ordered General Exclaim UHP 225/40/18's. Now I just have to get my car.

 

General Exclaim UHP in 215/35-18 would be a good choice.

If you are lowered then
215/35-18 $85 each 18 lbs 23.9" tire diameter Y speed rated

If you are on stock suspension (then with more clearance)
You can use
225/40-18 $81 each 21 lbs 25.1" tire diameter W speed rated
380 treadwear fits rims 7.5-9" wide, perfect fit for 8" rim

Both good values, comfortable ride for street use, 40 series is a bit softer,
both options good depending on your suspension setup. Be sure you have alignment set to factory specs, makes a big difference for smoothness.

 

Koni FSD shocks would help with the ride.

 

Let out a few PSI from the tires before your wife gets in the car for the roadtrip, and then reinflate for better steering response later. I wouldn't drop below 30 psi, however, and even that might be too low depending how much luggage and weight you have in the car. Seriously, though, a few psi can make a big difference in ride quality. Experiment with that first, before you blow a few hundred on new tires...

 

you want 18's but need to use low profile tires. you need to lower the
car so it does not look like a 4x4... you limit your sus stroke even more
so you need to run higher spring rate. but yet you complain of stiff ride.

hummm...

 

He's not complaining... the wife is.. lol

18s FTW!!!

 

right. I love the ride. But I have a steering wheel to hang onto to. For therecord, MINIMOTO is not lowered. Stock suspension.

Looks like General Exclaims's might be in my future. But I'll keep the Kumho's for me.

 

or just get some tempurpedic cusions and put it under her butt.

kinda like that hertz rental bus driver seat setup.

 

Here's an little more fuel for the fire, I was going to start my own thread but I think it's all related

MINI S 215/35/18 lowered was thinking of going with a 225/35/18 as that would match the stock tire more closely (17) and or the 205/40/18 that is stock on the JCW

MINI 215/40/18 currently thinking of going with the 225/40/18 as to get better ride, the 215s ride fairly well but I want even better for my daily driver

On the S, I'm concerned about the tires rubbing (no rub with the 215/35) but ride suffers and I've just recenlty replaced a strut mount that was cracked so I want to soften her ride up a little

On the MINI I'm concerned about rubbing but I also want the best ride with my 18s...

BTW, I'm running Pirelli P Zero Nero M&S on both

 

Trying to get a soft ride on 18" wheels is like pulling your hair out because it doesn't grow fast enough - a waste of time.

Oh, and BTW, they don't perform well on real-world roads, either in acceleration or cornering...

 

Hmm...... OldRick, not sure you're entirely correct. Most cases, I agree with you, but not all. I think you can have better acceleration with smaller, lighter wheels, but by definition, changing your contact patch to a wider stance would increase cornering ability. And as far as comfort, softer sidewalls can be had in any diameter tire.

Just my opinion, not trying to change the world.

 

Ok guys,

This is NOT a debate on the "cornering/handling/weight/etc" of 18" rims/tires. Yes, I do know they weigh more, they don't handle as well, we can do better with a 15 or 16" rim if we are autocrossing...

The thread is asking about ride of 18" tires and sizes...

And I'll personally be happy to run with my 18s

 

For street use on fairly decent roads 18" wheels are fine.
For an MC, 18" are a bit heavy.
Sometimes a style only comes in 18" or sometimes for brake clearance you need the 18" wheel.

 

I'll admit, the ride on my 17s was better than my 18s. But the 18s are sick and I'll deal with it.

 

Does anyone really need the biggest brake kits which require 18" wheels.

 

Anyone who tracks their MINI more than a few times a year will appreciate a big brake kit.

Once you commit to a bigger brake caliper it really limits the possible rims that can be used. 16s are out and some 17s might or might now fit. 18" wheels usually fit but you get limited sizes of tires that will work with the MINI.

For those that do big brake kits for looks or car shows then larger wheels that fit will do better.

Some will get 18" wheels for the looks and find the stock brakes look too small so bigger brakes follow naturally whether needed or not.

For street use only big brake kits are necessary and mostly look good but add to expense and weight. It's like semi-functional art.

 

These guys (anyone who tracks their MINI more than a few times a year) aren't using 18's are they?

What would be your ideal wheel size/tire and big brake kit for "anyone who tracks their MINI more than a few times a year"

Thanks for your insight.

 

MGIBRACE - the slightly wider contact patch is the same area, (assuming the same tire pressure) and it doesn't help at all when it is not in firm contact with the pavement.

The handling issue is that heavy wheels don't stay in contact with the pavement very well on real roads where bumps and tar-strips happen even while you are cornering.

 

You can use any wheel size or brake you want. Tastes vary based on looks and what will fit.

Opinions vary with what is best for track but there are many other considerations-
1- Do you want to keep the same fenders or add a wider fender flare kit?
Wider fenders mean larger wider rims and tires. Then 18x8 and low profile tires could be better. Stock fenders limit sizes.
2- How much more power are you adding. If you run 300+ HP twin charged you'll need more stopping power and larger brakes- the exact brake kit is not as important than the total brake upgrade (esp rotor mass and pad composition). For more info see Todd at TCE brakes or talk to various vendors.
3- How big is your budget for brakes and for wheels/tires? This can get very expensive.
4- Do you want to be practical or is this setup for track use only? Some are using their MINIs as daily drivers and for track use while others have dedicated track only MINIs. Makes a big difference which direction you want to go. If for street use then a good 17" wheel and larger Willwood brake kit would probably work fine. Depends some on whether you can find a good tire that suits your needs for track or street use. You can have dedicated track wheels and another set of street wheels/tires.

 

OldRick, You're right.

 

Got my Mini and put on the 225/40-R18 General Exclaim UHP tires. No rubbing and doesn't seem like there is any chance of rubbing. I look all round the rear wheels and there are plenty of room left. I have my two 200+ lb coworkers in the car and still no rubs.

The tires are definitely much more quiet than the 17" run flat. The ride is a little better but the 17" wasn't too bad either.