1. Am I crazy moving up to 18" summer wheels? Do they offer a much harsher ride than 17" wheels with performance (non-rulnflat) tires?

2. Goodyear F1-D3s in 225/35-18 vs. Kumho Ecsta MXs in 215/35-18 - any opinions?

 

I have 18's, the ride is stiff, but I also have springs and swaybar. My size is 215/30 18 and no rubbing - I'd like to have more side wall, but it looks too tight for more.

Everyone I know says 17's are better, but I haven't noticed that I'm losing performance in the canyons on the 18's - so whatever that's worth to ya.

 

I went from the 16" runflats to 18's, the 18's actually were softer than the stiff runflats. I am on 19's now. Its lowered too so its a bit stiff, but the look is worth it to me as well. Just have to decide if the performance or look is more important to you.

 

depending on your suspension set up go with 215/35/18s, i dunno if GSD3 comes in that size, but it is the best tire in the market right now. The ride is going to be harsh of course, but the car is going to look like a champ. I love 18s and hey, at least you will get it out of your system if you don't like them and go back. 19s, i dunno, would love them tho.

 

berky- did you ever post a pict of your new wheels? let's see them!

 

no, wait another week, will post them with the PSS9s

 

delicious.

 

I will only drive with 18" wheels on my car... 18s + JCW suspension = soft perfection

 

18s are the only way to ride....lol

 

i had that combo, works nice, gives you room to put 215/40/18s, looks nice as well

 

Goodyear F1s come in 225/35-18 (not 215) and the diameter appears to be identical to the Dunlops that came on the S-lites when I bought the car. With the proper offset on the wheels, I believe they will work well.

I have not bought tires yet, but I did order some 18" forged wheels that I will have powder coated in white. I am looking forward to putting the car in top order (appearance and performance) for the Spring and giving the behemoth Denali (and my gas cards) a rest.

 

pmc- i think with 35 profile the 225's sidewall will not bulge out so fitment should be okay. being
that the offset is between +45 to +50 range. (18x7 to 18x7.5 range)

i noticed tirerack's carrying new wheels lately. very exciting. more
wheels from Ray's is always welcome.

 

yes, btw, those Motegi Traklites are real good alternatives to SSRs, honestly, very light and save $100.00 per wheel

 

The Motegi Traklite 2s are nice wheels, but I do not see them in the application I want for the MINI. I went with the SSRs and I will have them powder coated this week. I will probably just admire them until Spring for the most part, but I may put them on when I do some further mods and take the car to a dyno for final tuning before Spring arrives.

I will listen to suggestions for performance tires for street use.