Hey Guys

Just wondering, on the market for some wheels and wanted them to be wide and just snug under the wheel well when I drop it. Can anyone show and example or tell me what's the best fit? I would be grateful for any help.

 

Here is a great pic, 17x7 et37. So niceley tucked to the edge of the fender.



Just an idea

Alex

 

I believe that the offset for the OEM Crown Spoke 17x7 wheels is 48mm. If you can stop by a dealer and see where that falls, you could calculate from there.

This page would probably be useful:
http://www.bigcustomwheels.com/info_specs.jsp

 

The picture with the 17x7 wheel and +37mm offset is a good example.

Compared to stock 17" wheel if you use the +37mm offset you make the wheel sit about 11mm or 0.4" farther toward the outside of the fender.

Assuming different widths for 17" wheels you can use this offset range to shop with.

Stock wheel 17x7 +48mm offset

17x7 +37mm offset as shown

17x7.5 +37 to 40mm offset can run 205/45-17

17x8 +37 to 42mm offset 215/40-17 (fits rims up to 8.5" wide)

17x8.5 +42mm offset and much less clearance. Use a wider tire but keep tire diameter to about 24.3" or less. 235/40-17 is possible.

Note that more rear negative camber will allow a little more clearance for wider wheels.

Tires that are taller tire diameter than stock 24.3" will give less clearance and could come closer to the inner plastic wheel arch liner. Using stock sized tires or smaller tire diameter would give more clearance.

Often 215/40-17 is used for more clearance and fits rims that are wider than stock.

 

Wow, an 8.5" width wheel is huge, and are you you advocating a 235/40-17 for a First Gen ? While it would look awesome, I thought there was no way that size would fit a first gen without some significant trimming? Should be fine for a Second Gen though.

 

I depends on which suspension you are running and how loaded down your MINI is for regular use.

For stock suspension and normal street driving even with four people the 235/40-17 tire (fits rims 8-9.5" wide) is nearly stock tire diameter albeit about 1" wider tread width.

With a wider tire you just have to be careful how much drop you do for suspension. Lowering springs with 1" drop would probably require more negative rear camber for clearance and lower adjustable rear control arms.
Coilovers that allow for adjustable ride height would be ideal.

A wider wheel will usually do better with not as severe an offset to allow some of the greater width to face the inner suspension. A +37 mm offset would push the wheel and tire farther out of the wheel well. Then fender flares might look better.

Before picking a wheel also look at various tires and see what might be a good choice as not all tires come in all sizes. I usually pick a tire first then check for MINI friendly sizes then pick a wheel size that fits then pick the exact wheel to match. Most people do it in the opposite order.