I am getting ready to invest in a track set. I will not do SCCA events and only participate in BMW CCA auto-x and HPDE events so 15"s are an option. The car has stock brakes. I like the option of 15" due to lower weight of the rims and lower cost of replacement tires. Any fitment or performance issues to consider? Also what size tires (falken azenis) should I go for in 15 and 16" fitments?
cheers

 

I can't say for the mini.
The people in my CRX club swear by the smaller
size tires for auto-X. Because the rotational mass
on the outside of the rim is significantly less with
smaller tires. Meaning easier to accelerate it I think.
I might not have said that right.

They also seem to really like the falken tires.

I have a set of non racing falkens on my CRX.
I think they are H rated I forget. They were
very cheap from tirerack and have been an
excellent tire.

 

i would personally go with the 16s. Im not a huge autox er but I have done it from time to time. I think 16s would be a good choice because its a compromise between lower rotational mass and tire sidewall height. Too much sidewall flex will cause sloppy turn in and just dosent feel good. I personally hate it. I would also imagine there might be a bigger selection of 16 inch tires on the market.

 

good point on the sidewall flex. thanks

 

it all depends on tire choice. I ran 205/50/15's and just put on 225/45/16's....same Yoko A048 tire.

You can get 15's to clear the JCW brakes so it really comes down to what tire you intend to use. Most of the budget racer tires have moved away from 15/16 and you need to go to 17's to get MINI friendly sizes (Direzza Z1 Star Spec and RE01R for example).

 

i know a magazine did a comparison on track, of 15,16,17 on the same car (trying to keep the same OD)
and said 15 had the best times but 17 had the best feel and stability and and such they choose the 16, i don't remember what car it was, i will try and find that article and maybe a link

but that pretty much echos what you guys where saying

be back in a bit!

 

ps PGT brings up a good point, quite a few people pick the tire first, that makes it easier and makes sense if you think about it, wheel is just there to allow the tire to do its work... i think lol

 

with the R56 its just very difficult to find 15s that can fit. But if you have the R53 then the 15 will be the higher performing option due to weight when going with similar wheels. The azenis have a pretty decent strength sidewall, which you will pay for in weight, so there shouldn't be any sidewall roll over issues with that tire.

 

the 15x7ET38 Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 clears the brakes just fine. Now, the 14mm holes...should be ok but that's an easy fix.

I have autocrossed on Azenis, A048's, RE01R's and even A/S tires. To be honest, the Azenis are disappointing and I'd pass if you are looking for a dedicated set.

 

Well the azenis are relatively cheap. Although for the moment you can get the A048s on tirerack in the 225/50s for 150 a piece.

 

exactly. I just got 225/45/16 and they aren't even in the same league as the Azenis. Last time out with 215/40/16 Azenis, the car was all over the place. The previous time with a smaller size 205/50/15 A048, the car was much more predictable and precise (and faster of course). Putting it frankly, the car sucked to drive on Azenis. YMMV.

 

I love 15s for the track after running 16s for a while. The only issue I have is that my brakes get too hot and aren't cooled due to the minimal clearance of the smaller rim:


BUT brake ducts should take care of that.

mb

Edit - BTW, I cooked those rotors after 4 track days and 3k of street driving.

 

I could be wrong but I think the Azenis and A048 are in two different categories, hence the disparate prices.

Anyhoozle, I love the Azenis on track when they get squirmy and I start sliding. I've gotten to the point with them where I know them very well, know when they're going to give, and how. It's fun and educational (on track) to know when you're overdriving the car. With r-comps, you're undoubtedly quicker, but you might be less informed, too. Good thing there are no trophies for HPDE.

mb

 

I did say they are in a different league, didn't I? The thing about a good r-comp....it is progressive at the limit. The other thing - if the OP wants a dedicated set for track/autox, why compromise with a street tire like Azenis? One could just run that normally.

 

For the track I run 15x7 et35 Team Dynamics Pro Race 1s with 225/45/15 Toyo RA1s. I get the best of everything: Small and light, cheap, I still kept a low profile tire, a smaller overall diameter means better gearing and it lowers the car, and it still fits over my BBK. The Toyos are a R-compound tire, so they are not meant for the street, but they have so much more grip and good wear.

 

thanks for all the input. I am not looking at r comps, dont want to get in that class yet. I would like to learn to drive better on high performance street comp first in order not to mask bad habits with the r comps. I think the difference on 15 to 16 boils down to personal preference and cost issues. There is a set of 15" team dynamics with azenis for sale on the used market for $400. That is a good enough deal to try them out personally.

thanks folks

 

That looks like a good choice; if those Azenis have some miles on them, they'll be better than if they're brand new. When I got the Azenis, I really wasn't that happy with them at first, they were too slippery--but after a few events, now that I've worn some tread off, they're pretty darn good at HPDE's. Auto-x may be another story, but I don't auto-x. One thing I've found for HPDE's is the Azenis like fairly low pressures (cold), like low 30's, in warm weather.

My next set of tires will be R-comps, but I won't buy those until the Azenis are completely shot--I'm really happy with them at present.