let's be clear that F1 Asymmetric are NOT F1 GSD3. Asymmetric use carbon fiber reinforced sidewalls and have phenomenal performance compared to the squishy GSD3. 225/35/18 F1 Asymmetric:
i have used a couple sets of the gs-d3 205/45/16 and 205/50/16 the 45s had awesome 'gearing' (R50) and the 50s were a bit more comfortable and (i think looked better as the filled the arch a bit more) and agree the grip is great (esp in the rain) (i got about .8G wet (.88 peak) and 1G dry (1.31 peak)) but the steering feel is a bit lacking esp compared to the runflats i had before i would call it a great fast street tire/wet HPDE tire <--- tho me being cheap means i use them for dry HPDE too...
just a shout out for dunlop direzza sport z1 star specs in 215/45-17. a great "do it all" tire that gets a little noisy as it's life winds down....but oh so good in dry and wet! Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec
215/45-16 Falken RT-615, Kumho XS From Ryan's Tire Choices. So my question, for Ryan or anyone who knows, is will these fit with a +42 16x7 on an R53 running coilovers. I've been reading that the XS is actually measured 9.4 wide instead of the advertised 8.4. I want to try these tires but I'm concerned about fitment on the 7" wide wheel and also with the offset rubbing the coilovers. Advice? I'd love to get these on the way.
It depends on the coilovers. If you're running stock-ish style like KW or V-Maxx then it's likely they'll fit. Things like BC or Megan will likely have clearance issues with a wide tire using stock-ish backspacings. If you were running a normal tire [say an average 205/50-16] you wouldn't' have a problem, but crazy stuff like the XS where few people have experience with, caveat emptor. Plan on having wheel spacers nearby just in case.
Cool. My coilovers are Eibach, came with the car. I don't know anyone who is running these on a Mini. Any idea if the design is "stock-ish"? At one point I read that they were the same as another brand, basically rebranded, but I don't remember who. (KW?) I'll try to figure it out. BTW, still haven't forgotten to get that measurement we talked about in the Eibach thread, I still haven't gotten the car back from the repairs. :frown5:
Whew, can't help you on that one. I'd wait 'til you can measure how much room you have before diving in the deep end with ordering new rolling stock. That'd be the safe approach at least.
Your choices tires are Spot on! I wish there were better "Extreme Summer" tires for GP's 18x7 wheel, right now I got GSD3's in 225/35-18 but your right about its mushy feel. Wish there were "Extreme Summer" tires in size 225/40-17 also.
Hankook Ventus V12 Hankook Ventus V12 Evo 205x45x17 Tires are here but won't be in my car until spring (Mini is on winter storage). Looks good and its very good review from C&D and from users at Discount Tire (plus the $50 rebate) convinced me to order them. The thread footprint looks wide for 205 that should give that square look stance just like my Contis in my BMW.
Ryan, I noticed you listed 235/40/17 but you didn't mention 225/45/17. Is that going to be a good bet for street? I'm worried about rubbing or sidewall slop. What would you recommend in the same 225/45/17 size for performance all-seasons? I noticed you mentioned the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS what about the Potenza Grid G019? Thanks for the great tips!
I would shy away from a tire as tall as the 225/45-17. The 235/40-17 is markedly shorter and can be made to fit with little to no rub on near stock ride heights, however the 225/45-17 being 0.6" taller really interferes with the wheel arches. That said, since you're going for all seasons, I'd shoot for a tire size like 215/40-17 or 215/45-17. Running a 225+ width tire on the MINI would be awful in heavy rain and any sort of snow. I've heard of people being pleased with the Grid's, but remember that no all season will do any season well; they are the ultimate sacrifice. Cheers and good luck, Ryan
Wider tires will not "plow" thru the rain/snow but will rather try to float on top of. You want to get down to the hard stuff for traction.
I was looking at the same tire in 215/45/17s. While not the "Ultimate Tire" that isn't reasonable for me to go out and buy given that I choose to DD and autocross on the same tire. Where I am, I don't have to worry about snow but rain is a genuine concern. These tires are a good street/play tire for those of use that don't have an unlimited budget on tires. They work well in the wet and are a good street tire at the autocross. Thier down fall is when you are tracking or autocrossing them. The sidewall is soft in comparison to other tires on the market. At my level of driving skill it isn't so much that I would notice though. I feel they are a good compromise of wet/dry traction, 15-20K treadwear life, and a great price ($99) on Discount Tire Direct. Hankook Ventus V12 Evo K110 @ Discount Tire
Another shout out for the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec 215x45x17 for summer. Yeah, I only get 12k - 14k but they hold like glue. Being in the North, I use a set of Pirelli Winter Carving 185x65x15 for winter tires. Being so narrow, the cut through the snow and slush.