I am probably going to pick up some 16 x 7 Rota Grids w/40mm offset.

On the tire side, if I am going to get something like the Goodyear F1's, what size should I go for? I have the H-Sport springs, and will be doing spirited street driving and a few track days (hence the 16" wheels...)

Thanks!

Robin.

 

Good choices would be:

Keeping the same overall diameter:
195/55, 205/50, or 215/45

Slightly smaller diameter for better acceleration:
205/45, or 215/40

These should all fit with no problems. Then it is a question of finding a sticky tire.

 

Talk to alex@tirerack.com

For autocrossing:
215/40-16 for the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 $131 each
No rubbing!

205/45-16 will also work $128 each.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....=14WR6F1GSD3XL

 

I have 215/40/16 Proxes T1R's on the 16x7 45 Rota's and they worked great Sunday at Road Atlanta. Very happy with the combination. They fit over WillWood BBK with no spacers and no hub rings. I dropped from 53# to 35# per corner in weight, picked up 7% gearing improvments, and it actul;y rides better than the runflats also. Good for about 1.5 sec/lap at Road Atlanta.

Wes

 

The Hankook Ventus RS2 Z212 is a relatively popular tire in the Street Touring classes (in other words, it should be a fast street/autocross tire), and is available in 205/50/16 and 215/45/16.

The Falken Azenis is probably the fastest "Street Touring" tire, but it doesn't appear to be available in a Mini-friendly 16" size They do have a 205/40/16, but I think it'd be way on the short side for street driving.

 

Robin:

I'm running Rota Slipstreams with the same size and offset.

I'll second Wesport on the T1Rs. Once they get broken in and worn down a little, they are an excellent compromise for the street and track.

 

Looks like I will be better off with Slipstreams. I think they are lighter than the Grids as well.

Skip/Wesport - do you have any pictures of how they look?

Thanks!

Robin.

 

Until I learn to take better pictures, these will have to suffice......

 

Hey Skip,

They look great! Did you lower your Mini, or is it stock height?

Also, with the wheel/tire combo being slightly smaller, does that have any
issues with the recorded mileage as the wheels are turning more?

Thanks,

Robin.

 

I agree 100%!!!

The Azenis is suppose to become available soon in a 215/45/16 but that's still a little short for most people who aren't real serious about autocrossing. I'd stay away from the F1's or any of the "Rain Tires" if you think you will be autocrossing on them more than just a couple of times unless you just want to see how quickly you can chew up some really good street tires. I think the 205/50/16's Z212's are the right thing for you!

 

Here are Toyo Proxes T1Rs 215/40/16 on Rota Slipstreem 7x16 45 over Wilwood 12.2" race brakes. The rear are Powerslot Cryos.
Wes