I get massive wheelspin unless I feather the gas on hard acceleration, the initial hook up is fine launching at 1500-2000, but once I hit 3500 + (not launching, but already rolling, foot off clutch) goodbye traction. I have the 17 S- "not so lites" and Pirelli's and I was wondering if a lighter wheel/tire combo would help?

X2

 

A lighter combination woul most likely allow more torque to make it to the contact patch (if the same tire was used worstening things) I would recomed a lighter wheel, and a stickier tire. The tire's compounding is what will keep you hooked up. What part of the country do you live in? do you see snow?

Dan

 

Dan:
Thanks for the reply, I live in NW Connecticut, we've had a bit over 48" of snow so far this year, could this be related to the cold temps and tire compound? I'm thinking of selling the factory wheels/tires and going with the SSR Comps. in the 17/7.5 size, but I would still need a tire that could handle light snow.

X2

 

X2, keep the 17s and put on an all weather tire, and get the SSRs for summer wheels. The best bet may be to sell the 17s and buy 15s for winter and take it easy when the snow flies.

 

>>X2, keep the 17s and put on an all weather tire, and get the SSRs for summer wheels. The best bet may be to sell the 17s and buy 15s for winter and take it easy when the snow flies.

This was my solution. I've got a set of 15" Blizzaks on the car now (ordered from Tire Rack of course!!) and a set of big, light 18" ready for when the weather turns warm again.

 

>>Dan:
>>Thanks for the reply, I live in NW Connecticut, we've had a bit over 48" of snow so far this year, could this be related to the cold temps and tire compound? I'm thinking of selling the factory wheels/tires and going with the SSR Comps. in the 17/7.5 size, but I would still need a tire that could handle light snow.
>>
>>X2


Here is a post with typical reaction to the right dedicated winter tires.

 

>>>>Dan:
>>>>Thanks for the reply, I live in NW Connecticut, we've had a bit over 48" of snow so far this year, could this be related to the cold temps and tire compound? I'm thinking of selling the factory wheels/tires and going with the SSR Comps. in the 17/7.5 size, but I would still need a tire that could handle light snow.
>>>>
>>>>X2
>>
>>
>>Here is a post with typical reaction to the right dedicated winter tires.
I just replied to that too, I have Blizzaks on my other car, but I had an appointment at the dealer for an airbag light problem, so I had to take the MINI today of all days.

 

Dan knows his stuff: if you're having traction difficulty in winter conditions, you'll actually want to increase your rotational inertia, as well as use a winter tire for those conditions. Kinda like what I plan to do with my MCS:

1. Keep the [not]S-lites for winter rims and put winter tires on them
2. Get lightweight wheels and put summer tires on for the rest of the year.

This is useful in that I will have increased rotational inertia during winter, allowing smoother launches and reduced torque. During Summer, light wheels and sticky tires will give me lower weight for quicker launches and stickier tires for better handling.

Motor-on,
Ryan