I'm looking to replace and possibly upgrade the tires and brakes on my '04 JustaCooper. The car's totally stock with the factory premium kit and 16" wheels. I'm currently running the Falken 912ZE (or something like that) tires that came with the car when I bought it two years ago. They're getting a little thin.

Current size is 195/55R16. What other sizes can or should I be considering? From looking around on this forum, it looks like the Continental tires are well recommended. Is there anything I should really stay away from? I'm looking for something quiet and smooth that will still hold on going around corners. Just moved to Florida, so I'm not really concerned about snow. Wet performance is important, though, since it rains just about every afternoon here.

I'm seeing some LRR tires I like, and I like the idea of LRR for efficiency. But what's the tradeoff? Any thoughts?

My brakes are getting a little on the thin side, too. I'll probably do the front set first and hold off a little while on the back since they're not as bad. From a little looking around at MiniMania, it looks like the starting point is 2-3 times what generic parts cost at AZ/Advance/whatever. I'd really rather not spend a ton, but if there's something I can get that's a little better than generic, I wouldn't mind a little bit of an upgrade. I'm not really interested in replacing the calipers; just the pads and rotors. But like I said, if I can get something cool and/or higher quality for not much more than generic replacement brakes, I might be up for it.

Thanks,

Dave

 

You do not have to use the stock tire size

205/50-16 and 205/55-16 are both commonly used to replace the stock runflats and will work for you. I assume you have a stock suspension and ride height.

For florida driving and good wet traction-

For very good road comfort and decent wet handling on a budget-
Continental ExtremeContact DW (Max Summer tire), 340 treadwear
205/50-16 $103 each
205/55-16 $115 each
Tirerack test results-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=148

And for some relatively newer UHP All Season tires- good balance street use and wet grip:
General G-Max AS-03 480 treadwear
205/50-16 $99 each
205/55-16 $104 each
Kumho Ecsta 4X 420 treadwear
205/50-16 $91 each
205/55-16 $100 each
Tirerack test results-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=151
Both are very good, edge in the wet to the General G-Max

For Brakes all you need to do is replace the brake pads and rotors- you can do both front brakes first then rears or all four at the same time. No need to replace calipers. Stock or similar rotors (solid) are fine and aftermarket brake pads that dust less are common. For more contact Way at Waymotorworks.com, he has all the parts you will need. Don't forget to change brake fluid if you haven't already done it recently.

 

I'd check Amazon.com. Stock rotors and semi metallic pads will be less than $100 and shipping is free if you select manufacturers that are stocked by Amazon. Centric rotors are about $26ea and Raybestos semi metallic pads are about $36. These parts should work equivalent to stock MINI parts.....

 

Thanks for the tips. How noticeable is the change if I go from the 195s I've got now to something like a 205? Do they grip better, since you're putting more rubber on the road? And how much of a hit does the gas mileage take? It's not a big concern, but I'm just wondering. And will I notice much of a difference going from a 55 sidewall to a 50?

The tires I have aren't runflats, and yes, everything on the car is stock as far as I can tell. The only mod on the whole car is an aux input jack I installed for the stereo.

 

You would be going from 195/55 to 205/50 or 205/55 so not really that much difference. The tire itself would make more difference depending on which class of tire you chose.

Max Summer tires will have a softer tread for much more grip and a slightly stiffer sidewall that flexes less. You give up some comfort for better handling and faster wear.

UHP all season tires can be more comfortable so even with a 205/50-16 it should be fine for those tires I mentioned.

The difference in mpg should not be much at all if you keep your air pressure up slightly more than MINI suggests- about 35-38 psi cold is fine.

For rotors be careful on lower priced stuff that can rust easily- a finish or paint on the hub portion of the rotor will resist rust over time.