I use my 2004 to play on the track. It has 200+ hp. Currently it is equipped with 18" OZ rims and Kumho Ecsta MX tires. It has Stop Tech brakes and wheel spacers. What would be the best choice for a rim/tire combo for just the track? I have found a 17" rim with Falcons recommended to me. Someone else thought going to a 16" package would be better. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

 

im assuming you mean Falkens, and if its track tires its probably azenis... which is fine, i am on azenis now and its a good short period kinda tire if im running track, but i hate the fact they get greasy when they are hot, great as a autocross tire, not so good on the track, i'd think the MX'd be a better track tire overall, but being 18s it doesn't help

the consensus is that 15 with some super wide 225/45-15 would probably be the best but seeing you got stoptechs that is out of the question

i ran 16s before, tire selection is too limited, that said, i have had good luck running 205/50-16 Hankook Z214s

for 17s, depends on how low you are you can try 215/45-17 Yokohama A048s, which are excellent track tires and will last you awhile, other choices to look at is RA1, Hoosiers, etc. etc., other sizes to look at, again, depends on how low you are
235/40-17 - BF Goodrich R1
225/40-17 - Hoosier R6s

 

The smallest and lightest wheel you can still fit around your brakes. If you go with a smaller wheel and still get a low profile tire, the overall height of the tire will be less which improves your gearing and acceleration. It is generally lighter which helps handling. I have 15x7s squeezed over my Wilwood BBK running 225/45/15 Toyo RA1s.

 

How many track days have you done? If it's not many spend your money on entry fees, then start thinking about tires, wheels and the rest of it.

It's all about seat time.

 

It's sitting at standard height. I was told about the Falkens over the phone yesterday and had never heard of them so that's why the spelling miscue.

These MX's are not grippy at all. They are 215 35 ZR 18's. I'll just wear them out on the street.

Is there a good 16" rim for under $100 that will clear these brakes? Available at Tirerack? Discount tire?

With spacers will a 15" rim clear these brakes?

 

look through local civic clubs for rotas, drags, rotas have lots of low price light weight wheels worth a look

as for 15s over stoptechs... i've never heard of anyone even trying, the calipers are too big

im kinda with emmathecheesedog... how much tracking have you done on street tires? moving to r-comps is a totally different game

 

It's not a money issue. I am deciding if I want to do this more and if I want to move to or add a rear wheel drive car to the mix. This car corners pretty good but seems limited by the tires. I push it in a little hard and it slides all the way across the track. I don't think anyone can drive this car much faster regardless of their seat time. I took an instructor along and he was pretty uncomfortable but he usually runs a Camaro which feels vastly different I am sure.

It takes a pretty good car to out corner it but lots of cars will out run it. I want to outcorner the Vettes and Vipers. These tires aren't doing it. I have a heavier sway bar so it stays pretty flat.

 

I live on the northern border of Minnesota. The other side of my lake is Canada. Town consists of 30 people in the off season. I need to make a decision and be ready to go in 30 dyas.

OK...16" or bigger.

Why would r-comps be more difficult or different to handle?

 

"I don't think anyone can drive this car much faster regardless of their seat time."

Bet you're wrong on that one, slow down Mario and do 10 or 15 events before you start to decide what you need to do. The MINI is a pretty good car on of the box.

 

You aren't helping.

 

I'm trying to help. I've done a whole lot of track days and if I'd listened to people I'd have saved myself tons of money and when I'd got to the point that I can drive pretty well been able to decide what I wanted to do with the car or what car I wanted to get without taking a big loss.

R compound tires don't give you the feedback street tires do and cover up lots of errors you can make.

You need a plan and the plan at the start is lots of track time.

 

let's just say i've had more than my share of scares when i first slapped r-comps on the car
tires need to be warm, if its cold you will have absolutely zero grip, means like a race car, you gotta do warm up laps just to get some temps into the tires
any standing water means you will absolutely get no feel, combine with cold weather and it is a recipe for disaster
like emma said, street tires squeal at the limit and tell you that you are on the line, r-comps will not do that, they grip and grip and grip, until you breach it, then its a scary experience, i came within about 6 inches of slamming into a light post at an autox once when the tires let go (that said, i also manage to cord the tires that run)

back to topic... if i were u just find something light locally, civic guys should have what you looking for, if not, some rotas in 17s can be had for about 500, check gtmwheels or 18racing

as for tires, 205/40-17 is probably your best bet if you are going to lower soon... if not, i'd try to track some 235/40-17 which should be nice and wide

also, have you considered it could be suspension setup? i had a set of crappy coilovers and it handled like shyt, put on some H&R coilovers and everything changed,

 

Still has the stock shocks. Where are H&R coilovers available?

My buddy put his SRT 10 in the kitty litter last year with Hoosiers. No warning. If I decided to stay with a streetable tire what would be the best in 235/40/17? Would the car be as quick as it is now ie does the tire weigh a great deal more than the current MX's?

 

Talked to a fellow in Wisconsin. He sells racing tires and is thinking a 205-45-16 or a 225-45-17 Hoosier would work well and that he sells lot's of them to Mini drivers. Any opinions? Too heavy? Wide? Tall? Thanks for the help guys.

 

Go for the 225 45 17 Hoosier R6's great cheap tire for beginners. Tire Rack has them for only $235 ea. plus $10.00 for heat cycling plus shipping you'll get a set of tires for a bit over $1000.00.

 

if your at stock height, 225/45 should fit without much problems...

 

Note that Hoosier A6 (better for autocross) or R6 (better for track)
Are slightly smaller in tire diameter for 225/45-17 size.
They measure 24.7" vs 24.3" for stock tires. 21 lbs each
This allows for a bit more clearance vs street tires in the same size

Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R in 225/45-17
25" tire diameter 25 lbs each
Less clearance

The Hoosiers might work with a slight drop in suspension and a bit more negative rear camber. I run 215/45-17 (24.7" tire diam) street tires with very close clearance with coilovers and 1.8" drop. Minimal rubbing. -1.2 degrees rear camber.