Trying to figure out what people are running for autoX and such, just found out the that factory 15" wont clear my 2008 Cooper-S brake calipers (the hard way) so im either going to grind them down a bit or get some aftermarket wheels 15" that will fit, anyone using 15" or know some 15" that fit???

 

Yup.

 

Like Charlie above, I'm running 15" wheels on my 2006 'S' (Konig Heliums in my case). if you have a second-gen MINI 'S', I don't know if there are any aftermarket 15" wheels that will fit.

When you tried to fit them, did you get a feel for how much you'd have to grind the calipers? I know the 15" wheel won't fit, but I've never heard exactly how much interference there is.

 

Sorry for the noob questions. Lol. My car is a 2008 Clubman-S if that helps? I got some 5-spoke MINI wheels from a local seller that upgraded to 17". They are 15x5.5 OEM with TPMS and mounted fine. Rear has a lot of room but the front rubs hard, but looks to be only by 1/8" or so. I'm going to take it to a friends garage so we can shave some metal off the brake calipers and try the wheels again. I come from the Miata scene and 17" seems too heavy and bumpy a ride for my tastes. The 15" wheels are a good 12 lbs lighter than the 17" on the car now.

Anyhow I'll let you know how it works out after I'm done shaving these calibers a bit.

 

here are the specs on the new OEM wheels im trying to install

15"x5.5" R100 5-spoke Spooler ET45 13.7lb (6.2kg) [Silver]

 

16X6.5" Rota Slipstreams for the MINI also are listed as weighing 13.7#. They would give you another inch of width without any additional weight.

Also, if you're planning to run SCCA stock class, you'll need to choose a wheel size from the options offered for the '08 Clubman S by the factory. If you're not running SCCA stock, never mind.

 

I just race at the local autoX its mostly for fun as they allow all types of cars, there is some sanctioned events but i dont run that. My main reason for swapping to a 15" wheel is cheaper tires, and better ride quality. ;p I have a set of 15x6 BBS wheels on my Miata and ill try to see if those fit sometime this weekend as they are only 12# each. Already tried some 14" and wont fit at all, LOL.

 

Would running a spacer provide better clearance? They make 5mm spacers that are an inexpensive fix perhaps? Just a thought..

 

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...el_spacer.html

Check these out. Come with hardware and are an easy bolt-on installation.

 

we have the course records on these







949Racing is one of our sponsors........great products

 

If you are serious about autocrossing and want to use 15" wheels, I suggest you get some 15x7.5's. Depending on a couple of factors you will want an offset between +43 and +38. I may be selling My SSR's soon, if you are interested but they won't be cheap. Do not use a 15x5.5 on an S it will feel like S**t, get at least a 7". Also want to sell my 16x8, +42 Volk ce28n 's as I no longer autocross the car.

 

our testing proved go a minimum of 15x8s
225/45/15

 

I'm there in spirit, but not in the flesh!

Can you toss in the relevant details, starting with offset?

Been there, tried that - not quite possible without significant ride height increase, or alteration of sheet metal...

I know it's done - just cannot do it myself...

Cheers,

Charlie

 

Thanks for the heads up, im very familar with 949-racing as they sell a lot of wheels in the Miata Community where im from anyhow. Can you tell me the spec on those wheels? size/width/offset ? that looks great BTW!

 

http://949racing.com/15x8-6ul-black.aspx

you will need spacers to run them
I run a staggered setup which is best for track but not something you want to run on the street everyday as rotation of tires will be a pain........

 

what spacers are you running? Do you have a link to them? Also what size tires are you using up front? Thanks for all the good info!

 

they are custom made with hub/centrics CNC'd into them

you can find the link on 949Racings site

 

Another vote for 15's here! 15x9 up front with 225/45/15 or 275/35/15 (the 949racing wheels should clear the R56 S brakes), and 15x8 on the rear with 205/50/15.


Jason

 

update, finally had some time to work on the MINI, grinded down about an 1/8 off the surface on the brake caliper, maybe about 2 square inches worth, ride is very smooth now, and a lot less road noise. Anyhow, these will just be daily driver rims/tires. I will just do a 15x8 as soon as REVOLUTION MINI WORKS sells me some CNC'd Spacers for the 949 wheels. :p Then ill get some sticky DOT rated tires i can drive to the local AutoX

 

Can you please confirm what area of the caliper needed trimming?

I am trying to figure out if the issue is internal diameter of the wheel, or lateral distance between face of calipers and spokes.

If spokes are the interference, then spacers should eliminate need to grind, no?

Pictures would be awesome!

 

Hi, sorry for bringing up an old thread.... Bu I managed to mess up my 2 of my 16x7 40 mm konig wheels and now debating if I should just get 2 replacement wheels or get a new set.

Will the 25mm offset fit or 20mm?
http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda.../21-1013B.html

 

I know this is old but I was looking through it when I was trying to fit the same R100 wheels on my 2011 MCS. I was able to do so with 12 mm spacers up front, so it's not impossible.

For the record I still need to see if the tires will rub, but I don't think it will be an issue. Figured I'd share in case anyone else is in the same situation.