Sure it's the end of the season (at least here in Toronto)...

I'm looking to pickup a set of 16" MINI Wheels, actually looking to swap for my old 17".



I'm trying to figure out what R-Compounds would fit on these wheels. I seem to have two size choices 205/45-16 or 225/50-16, the latter offers more tire choices. I'm pretty sure the 225 will be too wide but I'd figure I'd ask.

Tires will be used primarily for autocross with a few track lapping days/driving schools thrown in. To that end can anyone recommend a tire? I'm thinking Victoracer.

Paul

 

205/45 for track use!

 

We ran 225/50 Yokohama A032R S compounds on the front of the Yokohama Mini at Solo2 nationals, but those were on 15 inch rims, with 205s in the back to help the car rotate. Are you dead set on a 16?
Our base mini ran 215/40 R16 Hoosiers in stock class autoX competition, but these are pricey...

The harder A032R compound might suit your needs well, if durability is what you're looking for. You might also want to check out the Hankook Ventus Z211, they're going to have a number of new sizes coming out soon.

 

Wow! That's a neat idea...so you're running 225/50s on the front and 205/45s on the back...all on 15s? Sounds very interesting. I was surprised to find over the weekend that simply air pressure adjustments can get the car to begin to rotate...I'd love to see what different tire widths might do!

 

Although I am still figuring out the Mini (I just ordered my MCS and it will be here in a week !!), my experience auto-x'ing my M3 is to get as much rubber on the road as you can.

Changing the diameter is another story. When you do that, you change the effective gearing (i.e. final drive ratio) on the car. By going to a smaller overall wheel/tire diameter, you improve the acceleration coming out of a turn, but you you give up top end speed. It is a balancing act.

As far as the staggared setup is concerned, I know I don't like it on a RWD car, but I am not sure with the FWD Mini, although I understand the logic.

 

The 225/50/16 kumho victoracers will rub signficantly in the rear.

 

I have used the Michelin PIlot Cup tires in a 225/50-16 and the Kumho Victoracer in the same size and both had rubbing, but not to the point of damage. If the mod in the How-to section is done, they don't rub at all.

I am running Hoosier R3S03s in a 215/40-16 with very good luck. I have been extremely happy with the stick and weight of these. The issue is how long they will last and the price.

Hope that helps!

Randy

 

Hey Randy,

When did you change from the Falken Azenis tires? For most of the past year you were a pretty strong supporter of these tires.

Spike

 

I've been strugling with a decision between 15" or 16", does anyone run 15" on the track outside of just autocrossing? There is no doubt that the MINI would benefit huge from the gearing effect the 15" provide. I'm leaning toward the Victoracer as I've read that wear pretty good (especially compared to Hoosier), the price is right and it seems to get pretty good reviews.

As it turns out the person I was going to swap wheels with has the 16" 5-Spokes which are 20lbs each, too damn heavy, heavier than my aftermarket 17s. So I'm back to thinking 15" with 205/50-15 is the way to go. Paired with a set of 15" AK Monza or Kosei K1 Racing.

If anyone is curious as to the effective gearing benefits of smaller diameter wheels check out this URL. gs.tolan-hoechst.com/tirecalc.htm


Anyone have any further thoughts?

Paul

 

I use the 205/50/15 kumho victoracers for local autocross events. they work great.

Just a reminder, If you do plan to autocross, you have to use the stock size wheels.

 

>>I use the 205/50/15 kumho victoracers for local autocross events. they work great.
>>
>>Just a reminder, If you do plan to autocross, you have to use the stock size wheels.

I'm in Canada so the rules are a bit different. This year we could run R-Compound on any wheel in stock classes (ya I know, weird). However for me, because of my Pulley I get bumped to street prepared where I can do whatever I want. :smile:

Paul

 

OHH. I'd look at the 225/50/15 Kumho Victoracer on 15x7 or 15x7.5 wheels.