So im lowering the mini (R53) and adding some white team dynamics 1.2's. I asked outmotoring about sizes because i wanted 8" wide, they recomended a 40 off set for 17" x 8" and to add spacers if i have rubbing inside. The hard part is i cant find information on if i can fit 225/40/17's or 235/40/17's.

Most 8" wheels or bigger ive seen here are just using streched tires and dropped as much as they can. Im wondering if i can fit those size tires and what springs you recomened to fit these. Alta springs good? The seem like a decent drop, not to crazy. Thanks!

 

17x8 rims and 40 offset should be OK.

225/40-17 are only for competition track or autocross tires.

235/40-17 is better. Some good tires. Talk to Alex@tirerack.com about your options for Summer vs All Season tires

This size fits rims 8" or wider and has tire diameter of 24.5" which is a little taller than stock but OK.

Anytime you lower your suspension you will have less clearance. Since the 235mm wide tire is some 20mm wider than stock and the rim is wider by 1" then you will have less clearance and a wheel spacer is not going to help you.

If you run stock suspension you will be fine with the 17x8 wheel and 235/40-17 tire.

If you run full coilovers with adjustable ride height then you can lower to anything you want and have enough clearance.

Lowering springs only allow for a set drop which does vary with each MINI.
You can get a bit more clearance by:
Trimming the inner edges of the rear plastic wheel arches with a dremmel tool.
Increasing rear negative camber by using adjustable lower rear control arms but don't go too far negative since that would increase understeer.
Using a tire size that is a little smaller than stock (less than 24.3") like 215/40-17.

 

Thanks for all the info!! Do you know if alta springs are a decent drop and not to extreme. M7 springs seem like a FAR drop so i dont want to get those. Again thanks, i guess ill go the 235 route and trim.

 

OK,

For your suspension.

Realize that when you add lowering springs you will be stressing your stock shocks. If they are worn or nearly worn out the combination of lowered springs and soft shocks will give you a rough or even jarring ride. If you do plan to upgrade shocks at the same time that might be an option- Koni Yellow or Koni FSD is possible but check with the vendor that sells you the springs.

Some choices-

Alta $170 a set Progressively rated springs
0.95" front drop, 0.75" rear drop
http://www.waymotorworks.com/product...cat=290&page=1

M7 has 1.3" drop front and rear, $215 a set
H-sport has 1" drop front and rear, $230 a set

TSW $229 a set
<0.75" front drop, 7/8" rear drop
Linear springs works with stock shocks
http://www.waymotorworks.com/product...cat=290&page=1

Of these choices for daily street use primarily I like the TSW linear springs.
It's enough of a drop and comfortable for street use with stock shocks.

What other suspension upgrades do you have or are planning?
Rear adjustable swaybar
Lower rear adjustable control arms
Fixed or adjustable front camber plates

For tires in 235/40-17:

If you want handling and performance and don't mind faster wear and a little higher prices then-

In Extreme Summer tires
Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 $195 each 180 treadwear
Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec $137 each, 200 treadwear

In Max Summer tires
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric $163 each, 240 treadwear
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 $205 each 220 treadwear

In Ultra HP Summer tires
Yokohama S.Drive $114 each, 300 treadwear

In Ultra HP All Season tires
Kumho Ecsta ASX $98 each 420 treadwear
Sumitomo HTR+ $86 each 360 treadwear

 

Please post pics of the 235s mounted.