Hey all. I'm looking to get some new wheels and tires. I'd really love to get some advice from you guys.

Here is my inexperienced thinking on the whole thing: 16's seem to be the way to go from the performance angle, while being cheaper than some of the bigger setups at the same time, which is good in my book. Also it sounds like there are better tires available for 16's (falkens, etc). Anyway, I'm thinking I would go for 16x7 or 16x7.5 unless someone advised me otherwise. Here is what I am looking for:

1) 16x7, 16x7.5, or maybe even a 15x7 if it will fit right
2) easy, no modification install - I don't want to shave fenders or anything
3) all black wheel
4) $300 or under per wheel
5) light
6) preferably forged

The Centerline RPMs looked like a good idea (www.minicooperonline.com), but I'd rather stay away from 17" wheels. I have S-lites now, and the motivation for buying new rims is 2 damaged rims+tires from a pothole (the dealer wants 700 for just the tires and installation - new rims would put it up at 1100 - why not just get new rims and tires?) I want to get out of the 17" range because of expense of the tire and the potential for damage. The savings in higher profile tires and the weight savings of a 16" are added bonuses. Its unfortunate the Centerline isn't in 16", cuz the price is borderline acceptable, they're forged and light, and you can get them in black.

The SSR comps seem like a good idea too - forged, light, in plenty of sizes including 16x6.5, 16x7, and 16x7.5, and I can get them from tirerack :smile: Unfortunately, they aren't black.

I haven't fully worked out the wheel sizes thing yet. I might be interested in going 15x7 if it will fit and save me some cash, while still getting the performance. As far as 16's go, would I be silly to get 16x7.5's or should I just go with the 7's or 6.5's. I am seeking input on this too.

Thanks for bearing with the long post and helping me out. I hope I made sense. I've searched the forums extensively here and at mini2, but I want to be sure when it comes to a potential 1500-1600 dollars.

 

Racing Hart CP8R's are available in black, and are forged, although the price may be a little higher than you want.

I have them in 17 x 7. They help blend the top and bottom of the car together being black.

 

Do you have pics of your car? Thanks.

 

why not use the 16x7 or 16x7.5 anthracite SSR competitions?
11.3-11.8 pounds, readily availible via the tire rack, wrap em in s03's and you are done.
The difference is truly amazing.

 

How about these? They're as black as can be, weigh less than 17lbs, and come in a wheel/tire package that include Falken tires.

_________________
Mel A.
just a warning...you're talking to a 18 year old
2003 Mini Cooper S (DS, packages 1,2,3, HK)
1995 Land Rover Discovery (for sale)
1974 MGB