Going to 18's
 

Toying in the back of my mind with going to 18 inch wheels some time in the future (probably when I have to replace my tires next). Would be doing it just for looks. Haven't ever replaced wheels on a car so kinda in the dark about what to watch out for. Would it necessarily mess up my speedometer or odometer readings or is there an 18 inch tire that would have the same OSD that would prevent that? Pros/Cons? BTW I'm looking at the OZ Ultraleggra? Any other suggestions? TIA :thumbsup:

4x100 56.1PCD, +40 to +48 offset 7 to 7.5" width.

215/40/18 or 215/35/18

lower your car at least 1"

this should get you started. :nod:

So if it is lowering, does that also mean the mileage and speedo will be off? And what do the numbers at the top mean Kenchan? Like I said, I've never had anything but original tires on any car I've owned.

4 x 100 is the bolt pattern - this is the only pattern that would fit a MINI. Some wheel companies use a universal pattern that fits more than 1 hub, but looks really ugly because it has empty bolt holes left over...

56.1 is the bore- if the wheel you choose has a larger bore than this you can use a "centering ring" to make it fit

+40 - +48 is the offset- this will determine how far out the wheel will be. A 7.5" wheel with a 40 offset will be around 14mm further out than a stock rim.

7" - 7.5" - wheel width. Wider is nice because it pushes the sidewalls out which helps turn-in response- something you'll be giving up when you get rid of the run-flats....

Oh yeah, speedo will be fine as long as overall outside diameter of the tires is the same. Lowering won't change that...

but it will look oh so sexy!

Use this link: http://www.1010tires.com/tiresizecal...?action=submit

You can compare your stock tire size to various 18" sizes, and by varying the aspect ratio and width, you can almost equalize overall diameter. I think the 18" size you'll want is 235/45.

P.S. Choose "front and side view" for the scaled tire images option.

Gracias for all the information.

One thing I might add. I run a 215/35/18 and I'm lowerd on M7 springs (1.3 drop) and before that were H-sport (1inch drop), also have a set of lower control arms. I have no rubbing what so ever but, to do it over again I would have gone with a 215/40/18. There are two guy's in my Mini group that run this size and it really works well as far as looks (wheel gap) and as a benifit I'm sure they ride just a touch better. My 215/35/18's ride about the same as when I had my S lites and run flats and I like the look very much but when my Perelli's wear out I will go with a 40 series tire. I don't think 18's look very good without a bit of a drop (IMOP).

and don't forget to Hydro your wheels.


www.detailersparadise.com

:grin:

here's a pic of our Mini with 18's ....we also have the H-Sport Springs

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y29...niindayard.jpg

Big Norm,

What size tires are you running on those 18s? And how much is it dropped?

i think it was 1.5 drop, not sure on the size.....cant remember and it's pouring rain so i cant check right now

doesn't rub unless someone heavy is in the back seat, which is never.......smooth ride to......

Go for it! But you HAVE to drop the car at least an inch.
 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...m/DSC_2612.jpg
Click on picture for full-size shot.

My car on 18x7.5 SSR Comp with 215/35/18 tires on it. Dropped on H-Sports, about a 1-inch drop. Ride isn't too bad on the 18s. Wheels are for sale, sorry I had to lol. :grin:

215/40/18 is the optimum size tyre.

215/40-18 is taller than stock tire diameter at 24.8" which could rub in the rear with lowered suspension with wide 18x8" rim depending on wheel offset less than +42mm and how much rear negative camber you have.

For example. I have 17x7 rims +42mm offset using 215/45-17 tires with 24.7" tire diameter and one inch drop from H-sport springs and it rubs in the rear with passengers in the back, or on any dips in the road.

See also
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=115948
For alternatives in tire sizes for 18" rims.

For stock suspension 215/40-18 is a workable size and may offer a street friendly sidewall.

.

215/40 IS THE OPTIMUM SIZE FOR 18'S.
Why would you put 205 width tyres on an 8" wide rim, thats crazy.
Just for the sake of the OP....go for an 18 x 7.5 rim with a 45 offset & an 18/215/40 tyre.
Dont go for 8" wide rims they will rub & dont squeeze a 205 width tyre onto a 7.5" rim.

There is a discussion about various 18" tire sizes in another thread.
For more info see

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com...d.php?t=115948

Hmmm.....my Michelin PS2s in 205/40/18 are rated by the manufacturer to fit on 7" - 8" rims. While I currently have them on 7"s, moving them up to an 8" would push the sidewall out more (not enough to rub anything on my Works suspension car) and create a much crisper turn in, but probably ride stiffer too.

That's where you couldn't be more incorrect. A 205mm wide tire will work perfectly fine on a 7.5" wide wheel. Yes, a 215 would provide more of a contact patch but that is not to say you're "squeezing" the 205 onto the wheel.

Also, you're also incredibly incorrect about an 18x8 rubbing, it's all about offset. I am not doubting your knowledge of wheels/tires, but the MINI certainly does not seem to be your area of expertise. An 18x8 with about a +42 offset will not rub, even dropped an inch. (Well, aside from big dips in the road and hard turns with a full car)...

Before you say I spend too much time on websites, I used to work at a car shop for high-end vehicles and wheels/tires was part of the job.

BTW, I love your Subaru's. That model is one of my favorites to date. :thumbsup:

i always thought i was stretching tires, not squeezing them. :razz: :wink:

If that's at me, that's why I put squeeze in quotes. If not, then nevermind.. :lol: