To you tire pros, can someone tell me what is the widest rear tire one can use on the rear on 17" wheel without clearance problem?

I am considering narrow front & wide rear setup. Any thoughts?

 

It's not what you really want to do on a front wheel drive car as it will enhance understeer. If you modify the suspension and tune it and the tire pressure right, then it ma be OK. But on stock suspension I wouldn't recommend it.
Otherwise, size depends on if you have lowered the car or not. Some Minis rub with 215s and some don't. I would say that 215 is as big as you should do if you don't want rubbing.

 

^^ X 2

 

Why the ***** would anyone want to do that?

Matt

 

you FR wannabies..

 

I'm guessing he's going for a nice load of understeer.

 

well, not necessarily. if you use some sticky S03's up front and run some
pos Nitto's or something on the rear, that'll get you spinning quite a bit.

 

I can verify that--I tried a 215/50-16 and it rubs just a little in the rear with H-sport springs. I'm sure it could work with a little mod to the rear fender liners, but I am probably just going to drop back to a 205.

 

I have the stock suspension w/RSpeed sway and 215/45 on 17x7.5s. They don't rub at all. However, there is not much clearance so if your suspension is lowered, 215s will probably rub.

But why do your want to do this?

Theo

 

Looks...

Hey Theo, how are things?

 

shouldn't you at least have rear wheel drive?

Just a thought...

Matt

 

...definately not a performance advantage Doc. To each, their own...

 

But I can't help but find ironic the cycles of style..... CF for performance, then CF stick on for looks, that adds weight! (Not much, but still).

While I can see making a styling statement, I do find it, uh, odd when the style statement goes against performance and handling....

But like you say... To each their own!

Matt

 

If you wanna go wide then prepare to modify.

How does 235/40/17's sound? Webb's 'mule' is running this size (all 4 wheels) on the track. Says this setup is his fav.

Note: does not fit easily & did not comment on rub, how much suspension travel he was running with said tires, or if this width is feasible for road use. Wheels are also 7.5" wide.

As you go wide you give up turn in & (typically) will experience worse 'tramelling' effect.

...But if it's wide you want... I say go really wide

 

only wants them for the rear tires....

Matt

 

I'm trying convince him otherwise

 

But pure track vs road and a little track are very different animals. Form should intersect with function somewhere along the way...


[quote=minimc]If you wanna go wide then prepare to modify.

How does 235/40/17's sound? Webb's 'mule' is running this size (all 4 wheels) on the track. Says this setup is his fav.

 

Have I posted in here? Guess not.. I've been running Khumo ASX 225/45 17s on all 4 corners, got some minor rubbing in the rear on hard bumps when new but it eased off. Looks great, too.

oh, and not lowered BTW.

 

Does he sound like he's concerned about proper road handling? If wide-*** rubba & bling are what (appear to) concerns him, then my suggestion is valid.

And, unless you've driven those tires on the street yourself its speculation. ...You will note that I commented about turn-in, trammel & concerns about street-ability, so it's not like I'm suggesting that 235's are anything approaching the end-all/be-all in street-tires.

No matter what you or I think (and I agree about form/function) some folks will differ in opinion.

Hope that's clear now

 

Duh .... you guys are right. I forgot that we are dealing with a front wheel drive Nevertheless many good suggestions. Thanks. I've learned a few things more about!

BartMack,
Do you front 225's rub on turns?

 

I was agreeing with you while splitting the already thin air a bit more...part of my Aquarian nature...so I'm told.

 

Misunderstood ya... my bad

 

minimc, ...easy now.
Why are so many on this forum ready to jump down the throats of those who may have other thoughts... . So many newcomers here that seem a bit hyper... easy does it guys..

Anyway, running 235-40-17s is not a hugely difficult thing to do. There is quite a bit of rear well moding, but the fronts are not that big of a deal. Spacers will be needed also.
235s do fine on the street, but you can get yourself in trouble if you are an aggressive driver. I wouldn't suggest running a 235 without an upgraded and WELL TUNED suspension. Also a stock Mini, or one with just 'bolt on' mods might struggle a bit in the power department. Remember, Randy's car is quite powerful.

 

 

Nope, never, only the rear on big bumps, as I said. Got a request for pics, so I'll post a couple here if thats ok (and if they show up) , and they are in my M2 gallery. (yes, thats my Mustang also, but I ditched the white accent bumper lol)

http://www.mini2.com/galleries/showp...00/ppuser/9571