Hello all,
I'll be purchasing some wheels and tires for the Cooper S shortly and can't really decide on what to go with. I am looking for a set of R-compound tires and 16" wheels. I have narrowed down my choices considerably, but don't know much about what I am choosing since i've only used other brands before. I am going to get a set of Rota Slipstreams (16x7...though I wish they had 7.5) unless there is something out there that is prettier () in the same size, weight, and price!! I am trying todecide on tires now. Everything i've looked at comes in 225-50-16, but I am not positive that they will fit with no rubbing (completely stock suspension). I looked at the Toyo RA-1's and the Kumho Victoracers. Is there anything else I should look at?? Is there anything that might come in a 215 that might be a better fit (or if the 225s will be fine, i'll just go with that).

ANy help would be appreciated before I decide on anything and end up with a headache!!!

 

I think you will be asking for problems with a 225/50/16. Better, a 225/45/16 but I could only find one at TR, Advan AD-07. Better yet, get some 15's, unless you have big brake plans, lots of selection in 225/45/15 and 225/50/15 and even a 205/50/15 is not a bad choice.

 

Didn't really think of the 15" route, they just seem to TINY (though cost effective)!! Any ideas on any 15 x 7's besides the slipstreams?? As for the tire choices, think a Victoracer is a good idea (2-4 track events and 5-8 autocrosses/year with driving to and from (about 1000 street miles)?? I wouldn't mind giving up a little grip for something that will last a decent amount more, but I have no experience in other brands (for reference, I was using Nitto 555RII in 275-40-17 for my other car).

Thanks for the reply!!

 

I think the Victoracer would be a excellent choice and I've heard many good things about the Toyo Ra-1 as a combination street/track tire.

 

The Konig Rewinds are 15x7 - $95 each - 14.6 lbs. Not super light, but the price is pretty friendly for the weight.

Pictures of the rewinds on my MINI

 

Do you care about your autocross classing? I don't know what club you run with, but if you plan to autocross in SCCA Stock classes, you'll need 16x6.5 or 17x7 (I think) on an MCS. If you run with some other club or in some other class, then who knows.

I ran 215/40/16 Kumho V710's on 16x6.5 wheels last year, and they don't have any rubbing issues. I don't know if I'd autocross/track AND drive them on the street for 1000 miles and expect to have anything left, though.

A couple years ago I ran 205/50/15 Victoracers on OEM 15" wheels. That was a good combo that I think would last as long as you want.

I'm running Falken Azenis this year, just because I'm sick of changing wheels. They stick darn awful well for a tire that can stand up for 5k or so street miles + the fun stuff.

 

Actually, I run with the PCA (porsche Club) so I am stuck in a X-class with anything else that is non porsche. Doesn't matter to me if they are too big or too small and knock me out of a SCCA class. I might run with the SCCA sometime, but highly doubt it. I do it for the fun, not trying to beat anyone (except for those pesky porsche's!!).

Looking at it, i am going to try to get some 15" wheels and the victoracers, since it will be relatively cheap and there are so many more choices as opposed to the 16" wheel combos.

 

After searching long and hard for reasonable wheels and tires I finally decided to order a set of Flik Fuels from Edgeracing.com in 17X7 with a 42 offset (had to stay within 1/4" of stock 48 offset so that gave me 6.35mm to work with) so I can stay within G-Stock class of autocross. I am a cheap bastard and really not all that good so I opted for the Hankook tires rather than pay an extra $20 per tire for Falkens or more for true Dot-Rs
Overall it cost $832.96 after shipping.
Will post more when I try them out next saturday

 

Most importantly, how much do they weigh??? I'm looking for something under 15 lbs/wheel. I have a set of 17" wheels on the car now that weigh about 20 lbs and they are just too heavy for the car for performance driving. I'd like to get a little less weight on the wheel area to get the car up on it's toes and be more responsive!!