Hello group
I have a 09 JCW, and wanted to know what size would be best all around for daily and track. Currently running 235 40 17.

235 seems to be nice in the handeling part of it, but i think it has slowed me down, due to the size/weight.

Any recomendation?

 

What size wheels are you using for those tires and which tire do you have now?

235/40-17 fits rims 8-9.5" wide.

For track you want a light wheel, that would be very costly if it were 17x8" or wider. A 17x7 wheel would be about 13 lbs or less to be light for that size, usually Forged alloy.

For that wheel you can use
205/45-17 or 215/40-17

Search in Extreme Summer tires for more grip and for tires that can be used on the street.

The best of the street tires that can be used on a track would be
Michelin Pilot Super Sport
205/45-17 $186 each, 300 treadwear, 20 lbs
245/40-17 if you have a 17x8" wheel or wider, but more weight and cost.

 

What 17" wheel is in the 13lb range? Lightest I have seen is 14lbs with an OZ wheel.

 

In what price range?

Custom 2 and 3 piece racing wheels can be under 14 lbs.

For forged production wheels-
http://www.srtforums.com/forums/f136...-least-152739/

Centerline RPMs used to be 13.5 lbs each but they were redone with more alloy in the spokes for strength so the current weight is just under 15 lbs for 17x7". In know because I have the RPMs in both older version and new version.

SSR comps were light and Volk TE37s were as well but don't come in 17x7 for the MINI. Plus they are expensive.

Rota makes slipstreams.

It's tough to get lower weight with 17x7" but if you want to consider 15" or 16" wheels then you have more to choose from with less weight.

 

I put 235 Star Specs on 7.5" wheels , and they work fine

 

What wheel offset? And do you have any rubbing?

 

I have lowered springs too, very little rubbing with the car loaded only, gotta find out about the offset on the Volks

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nt-photos.html

 

I had 235 40 17s running on 7.5" wide wheels. Traded them out for some Enkei PF01 7" wide wheels and 215 45 17 Dunlops. I think the unsprung weight savings provided far more benefit than the very small difference in grip the negligible difference in tire width may (or may not) have made.

Now as far as looks go though...235s are awesome.

 

Although you can physicially put 235/40-17 tires on a 17x7.5" rim the mounted tire is not fitted as the manufacturer intended. It could be done (see below note) if you have no other choice or for looks.

If you had 17x8" rims the 235/40-17 tire fitment allows the tire to sit and perform well. A wide tire on a narrow rim puts stress on the sidewalls and could affect wear and performance. This is not a big deal for street use.

Heavier tires are also not good for performance, resulting in reduced response, acceleration and braking. More rubber can increase rolling resistance and lowered mpg for daily driving.

As far as rubbing is concerned, I think any rubbing can be risky. You never know if you will have a heavy load or if you will hit a dip or pothole. If rubbing gets severe and you don't stop your tire could fail. Be careful, and safe.

I did find this-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=198
235/40-17 has been used on a 17x7.5" rim as an OEM BMW fitting apparently- strange but true. They picked that tire size likely due to staggered wheel setup and a lack of sizes that worked with tire diameters.

Hey, if it's good enough for an M3, well... Go figure.

 

Agreed on all points.

Taking all points into consideration and having tried 205s, 215s and 235s I think the best performing tire/wheel size combo on the MINI is a 215/45-17 on 7" wide wheels.

 

When I was tire shopping I read that and decided the 235's will work and be good enough. I wish I had 8 inch wheels but they might have caused rubbing on the inside of the tire onto the suspension , I do not have that kind of rub , just a minor one once a while on the rear plastic fender lip.

 

does anyone have any experience with 225/45R17? i just ordered some neuspeed rse05 wheels (17x7.5) and im planning to test fit that size to see if they rub. theyre going on a R53 with tein 1.2"-1.5" springs. i work in a tire shop so it will be no big deal for me to test and post results once i try it, but i was just curious if anyone else has tried/used this size before. i ran 215/45R17 last summer with no troubles. my intent is go a little wider for more grip, every so slightly taller for less impact stress on the wheels, and overall 1 size larger to fill in the wheel gap just enough without lowering the car anymore. thoughts/suggestions?

 

I'm running 225/45/17 on Volk CE28N 17x7.5 +43 offset w/ 5mm spacers up front to clear my Stoptech BBK.

Camber @ -1.5 up front and they don't rub. And yes, these wheels weigh 14.4lbs.

 

thanks for the info. i beleive the rse05's have +45 offset, so maybe i can get away without the spacers and camber. i do have drilled and slotted rotors with ceramic pads, but they are the stock size with stock calipers so clearance shouldnt be an issue there. is your car lowered as well?

 

this low enough for ya?

 

haha yea. looks nice. i really wana get my trim painted like that. did you diy?