Ok, at the risk of "another one of those threads" I need some advice from those with similar setups.

I have an o4 MCS and am getting a track-only set of wheels and tires. I want R-Compound tires and have heard great things about Toyo Proxes RA-1's.

As for wheels, I want black and a polished lip if I can find something to fit. Choice #1 is Flik Apex 2, 16 x 7, 40 offset; Choice #2 is Flik FTD 16x7, 42 offset. (Fliks fit my budget, everything else seems so $$)

Questions:
1. Will a 40 et work without rubbing? (I have M7 springs and H-Sport camber plates)
2. I see that most people run 205/50-16 tires but only 205/55 Toyo's are available. Is this too much sidewall for the track?

I've searched and read threads for hours but can't seem to find exactly what I need to know. Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

The +40 offset would be better for the track because it pushes the tires out more creating a wider stance. 205/50 is great for the track, too, because you gain a bit of a gearing advantage. I see no reason to have 205/55 on a track tire at all.

mb

 

+40 ok, huh? I was worried that clearances might be a problem with the lowered car.

I would prefer 202/50 tires but Toyo doesn't offer that size. Hmmm? Not sure what to do.

 

I run the +40 rota slipstreams in 205/50/15. I will be putting spacers on for next season and don't forsee any fitment problems. My car isn't lowered yet. If fitment is a question, all the more reason to get the 50s and not the 55s.

Any specific reason why you want 16s instead of 15s?

mb

 

55's are gonna be BIG!!

 

15's would probably handle better man.

 

Have you ever used 15" wheels for the track? The MINIs in my area do and they are doing just fine holding their own.

For track only use, here's a suggestion:

949racing 15x8" rims +36mm offset, 13.1 pounds each.
Toyo Ra1 in 225/45-15 about 22.9" outer tire diameter. Plenty wide.

The only time to consider 16" wheels is for brake clearance. Otherwise you want to go with wider tires and light weight with smaller outer tire diameter.

 

Well, I am totally overwhelmed now!

I wanted to go with 16's since I was confident that my Wilwood 11.75 brakes would fit inside them. I've never done any searches at all on 15" wheels. OMG! Do I have to start over!

Sounds like everyone thinks the Toyo RA-1's in a 55 series is the wrong move. If I stay with 16's then I need to find another track tire option. That's a bummer. I am sold on RA-1's.

As far as 15" wheels, I will do some searching. This is soooo painful and confusing. I just want to get the dang wheels and tires!

 

Not a problem. Wilwood 11.75 brakes work with 15x7" rims. Small spacer might be needed. Talk to Todd at TCE Brakes to confirm.
http://www.tceperformanceproducts.co...s.pl?record=13

Brake clearance isn't hard to do. If considering the 15x8" 949racing rims then just check with 949racing for Wilwood 11.75 brake clearance for their wheels with +36mm offset.

15x8" and 225/45-15 is a good combo.
Toyo Ra1 in that size are about $128 each 100 treadwear, V speed rated, 23 pounds each, AA traction, 22.9" outer tire diameter, fits rims 7-8.5" wide,
section width 9".

45 series much better than 55 series for track. If you go with 15x7 or 15x8 rims you can keep the Toyo Ra1 tires.

 

Talk to the people who have done their homework on how the MINI handles; spacers in the front are a GOOD thing on the track.

Final answer - go with 15s and a spacer (if you need it) for the track to fit over your wilwoods. That way you get to stick with the RA-1s (pun intended).

mb

 

Yeah, for the track, if you want to run RA-1s (which is a great idea), do not get 16" wheels. Either 15" or 17". 15" will be cheaper because the RA-1 15" is the Spec Miata tire, so they sell a ton of them and they are cheap in that size. You can get a Spec Miata wheel and RA-1 package for $1000 if you look around. The bolt pattern and offset for the Miata wheel will work on a MINI, just make sure the hub of the wheel is big enough to be used on a MINI as the Miata hub is smaller than the MINI hub. A hub-centric wheel for a Miata will not fit on a MINI. A wheel that requires a hub ring for a Miata will probably have a big enough hub opening that a different ring will make it fit on a MINI.

if 15" wheels are too small for you, go up to 17", skipping 16".