I think it's the RA-1s that really need to be shaved (It's one of the Toyo's, either the RA-1s or the R888, check the tread depth one is deeper than the other and needs shaving). The general consensus on the Nitto's is they're good out of the box--their tread depth can be shaved further, but it's already low enough to begin with that it's not really necessary, and they really don't need to be heat cycled. The compound for the R888's and the Nitto's are identical (Nitto makes the actual rubber), but the tread pattern and tire profiles are slightly different (even in identical sizes). Not sure if the RA1 is the exact same compound; I THINK it is, but with a deeper tread depth. The Nitto's can generally be found significantly cheaper as well. I'm going with 225's just to try something different, seems to be preferred. I went back and forth between Nitto, RA1, R888, and when I weighed it all out, went for the Nitto's. Probably splitting hairs more than anything choosing between the three, but the Nitto's made the most sense for me.
I've had two sets of A048's.....205/50/15 shaved and 225/45/16 full depth. If they weren't so damned expensive, I'd run them as street tires. They do very well in that respect and grip very well at autox 205/50/15: 225's on SSR's (next to 205/45/17 RE01R's on RV-F)
So I wonder if the TSW v3.0 springs are "not behive" enough to fit em? One of the other Mini guys on this coast mentioned they've run 235/40/17s successfully on the R53s, in the R888.
225/45-17 R53 right? So I just got this size but the Toyo R888 and they rears broke my plastic trim piece and the front rubs. How did you get them to fit? I suspect they fit an R56 no problem. Oh my bad seen the pic, looks like they're a tad wider.
Going to open this topic again... I'm down to the wire on this one, so I can get some time on lapping days in October before we see snow in Colorado. Need some factual opinion or advice (if you will). 09 JCW lowered on TSW R56 Springs, we will be running a light wheel in 17x7. Advice on tires and tire size with the TSW Springs or stock height, if need be. Prefer a race compound but could do Max summer, RE11 or XS. Kumho V700 V710 in 215/40/17 or 225/40/17 or 225/45/17, will they fit, no rub? New Kumho XS 215/45 or 205/45, same question. Hoosier R6, I think is the pick of the litter, do they make a size that fits the R56? Anyone running the R6 on the R56, is RSR running Hoosier? Anyone know? What are you guys running on your R56 or JCW R56? Both myself and the JCW owner have run with race compound, so we know what works on our vintage race cars, but need some input for the MINI. :confused5: Thanks, Don
I have Nitto NT01's in 225/45/15 that I picked up for $113 a piece. They fit my heavily lowered R56 with KW V2's. I also have a set of Hoosier R6's in 225/45/15 and the Hoosier's are quite a bit wider than the Nitto's. I am not sure if they are going to fit yet. My vote for a set of DE tires would be the Nitto's. They are a good combination of grip and longevity.
Do the R6's come in a 17? I know why you went 15inch, I think. The JCW has all sorts of TQ, so coming out of a corner with normal gearing should be cake. :smile5: I guess I am going to spend some time with Google. (again!) :crazy: Btw, how much did you expend $$$ for the R6s, any place better than others? Thanks, -- Don
The R6's do come in 17", depending on your car you might be able to get the 225/40/17's to fit, just know they are MUCH wider than a standard 225. Down in size from there the R6's go to 205's. It is my understanding that on the average track, the R6's will be about 2 seconds faster than a mid-grade r-comp like the Nitto's, and the Nitto's will be about 2 seconds faster than a good set of street tires. If you are looking for the Nitto's I got them from onlinetires.com, they have the best price I have found by far (I have better experience calling them rather than ordering online). As far as the R6's, I got a set that has been used in a practice session for free. Also, my comments about the R6's are not from first hand knowledge, just from friends that have run them as I have not mounted and used them yet.
225/40/17 Hoosier R6's should fit fine on w/ your 7" rims. i've run them for years on a 7.5" rim on a lowered car. very slight rubbing on the plastic inner fender liner that "self-clearanced" in one session. your camber will also affect how well it "fits". i actually got the best pricing from the vendor that provided trackside service in my area. i expected to pay a bit more from them, but wanted to give them some business. they turned out to be slightly less expensive while providing great service.
btw, beaner, Thanks. Good input on the nitto's and the R6's. I was thinking the 40s might be a better fit and better for gearing in the 17s on the 09 JCW. We shall see what goes in the next couple of weeks. Anyone have experience running the Kumho V710? Btw, I did some pricing on Tirerack, they are not out of line, but I will check with a couple of our local folks, too.
Might want to drop a PM to Ken O and ask him to add his two cents. He doesn't visit the site often. but has a fair amount of experience with the R56 and various track/auto-x tire selections.
v710 225, 17" will work. The square shoulder series seem to roll up the edge of the tire if you over heat them or push them too hard with stock camber. I was running -1.0 degree and had a couple of tires roll up on the outside edge. The rubber actually peels away from the carcass. NT-01s are really good DE tires. They are built on the RA1 carcass. Grip is not as high as the v710 but life is much longer. Don't discount the new breed of street tires. The Kumho XS is an excellent tire for DEs, the suck in the wet. I ran a set on my e46 M3 and was very impressed. So was the 911 driver on race tires I passed. The Dunlop Direzza Star Spec is also another great tire. I have a set on order and will try them next. The other notable street tire is the new Hankook RS3. Biggest challenge with FWD is heat management. The fronts take a beating. I would do a front to rear switch mid event. Any if really hot spray the tires down in between. Don't fear take-offs. You can get some great deals for cheap. John Berget Racing Tires Meisterschaft Motor - Your Motorsport Connection - Used Track Tires Just find a guy who will mount and balance them for cheap. You can usually work a deal for $10 per tire or better. If you get into racing you will probably be limited by tires apporved for that series or in NASA TT the points you want to spend on tires.
Excellent thanks for the recap. Looking at the v710s, previously have used v700s on a vintage BMW 1600, sizes are a problem in 17s. Good resources. Thanks again. Don
My thoughts exactly.... I wanted badly to run a set of those as street tires but with the amount of miles I put on, I'd spend more on tire payments than car payments. That would be cool though... Ken, Thanks for the link... got some pretty good prices, unfortunately nothing in our sizes listed at the moment. Great idea, didn't know there was a company that sold used race tires. When I get better, I'll be sure to check that idea out. Mark
I have run alot of different track tires. For speed like everyone else as said the Hoosier is awesome 8-10secs over a "street" tire about 4 over the Toyo 888 and RA1. The Toyo 888 is my fav lapping tire. It last the longest and takes heat well. It will cycle out before it cords. I use the 235/40/17 its a little tall @ 24.7" but still fits. It did rub the fender liners when I first put them on but they made room. I use used tires off World Challege cars with 3-4 cycles on them when I get them. If anyone wants to buy some we sell them here for 125.00 each shipped or mounted if your local. I try to keep 1-2 sets in stock. BTW these tires also work great on E36/46 BMWs. I run 17x7 OZ ultralegga wheels with TEIN S techs and Koni FSD shocks rite now Chris
Chris, If you're running 235/40/17, do you think it's safe to say I can run 225's without worry? I'm running 17's on the track but 18's on the street... I haven't found anyone that can answer whether they've run 225's without issues. Thanks, Mark
The 225 Hoosier are no where close to a "real" 225. They are a true 10" wide you'll need at least 5mm spacers if your running OZ ultraleggas 38mm offset. If you have coilovers then you'll need more spacer. The Hoosier 205 is a better stock fit. Other brands of 225 work fine the Hoosier are just really wide. total tire height needs to be less than 24.5 and less than 9.6 to work with the OZ ultras and "stock" spring shock setup