1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: 45's or 50's

I switched to 45s this spring, with stock suspension. My justa feels a bit quicker. A little more wheel gap though.

Mine are Nitto Gens.

Mark

 

To make more accurate comparisons, the tire's section width is needed. Tire Tech Information - Calculating Approximate Tire Dimensions

To know the affect on rolling diameter, more dimensions are required. In other words, more information please.

 

Well, even without all the details, in general the 50 series will ride softer than a 45. We have a KC Club member who got tired of getting beat up by his car's ride and put 50 series on his this summer, he says it was a night/day difference with little degradation in the overall handling on the street.

I just bought my second set of Kumho Ecsta ASX in 215/45-17 and I find them to be a very smooth and progressive handling tire - plus they are really quiet, so a vote for the 45's here.

 

50s on 17s would seem to be a pretty large diameter for a Mini, think higher final drive ratio, less torque.... 2 cents

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Just put on 205/50/17 quick observations. No rubbing, mini at normal height. I'm a little slower off the line, but not bad. Definately fill the pavement more when making quick adjustments. I like the way it feels. The one thing thats interesting is I drive the same route almost everyday in the mountains of Colorado so I really know my shift points on turns and the highway. I have found that I have to shift down earlier when going on certain parts. But I really like the profile. I haven't taken photos yet but will.

 

Another option is to go to a 215/45.

 

BINGO

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i must be out cause i roll on a 205/40/16

 

225/40/17 would be sweet but no one makes them in anything but a slick that I know of...

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Running this and no complaints here.

 

I just ordered a set of these: 215/45/17

Continental Extreme Contact DW (DW for Dry & Wet) Max Performance Summer tire

Continental ExtremeContact DW

 

D - the way your car is tucking the wheels in the fenders - you might have to raise it a little - with the 215's - then again it might turn out not to be an issue.

 

yeah dig that.

I have raised the car about an inch since MOTD and trimmed / modified the fender liners and arches.

If you want to ride wide and low you must learn the ways of a dremmel. :crazy::devil::idea::ihih: