I have factory 17-inch two-piece wheels that I like, so I haven't changed them. Keep weight in mind, and pick wheels that you like the looks of. The lower the unsprung weight, the better your MINI will ride and handle. The big problem with run-flats is that they are heavy and hard. With a car as light as a MINI, lighter is better. You can also go with a softer rubber compound on a light car, and still get decent wear. I keep a tire plug kit in my car, and figure I can have it towed if I blow one out. To me, that is better than getting beat up daily by run flats. CD
My track car was a Miata, too. I had 15X7 BBS wheels that weighed something like 11 pounds, IIRC. I don't remember the tire size at the moment, but is was the same as the Spec Miata's used at the time. I have 215/45 ZR17 tires, which is pretty common among MINI drivers. Mine are Hankook VENTUS S1 NOBLE2 tires. My MINI is a daily driver, so all-weather tires were a more practical choice, and I've been very happy with them. I am also a Michelin fan, but I can't complain about my Hankooks. CD
These wheels are lighter then any of the POS OEM wheels. http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/results.jsp?&autoMake=MINI&autoModel=Cooper+Clubman&autoYear=2010&autoModClar=
I had some OZ Superturismos on one of my Audis. They were 18-something pounds, which isn't bad for a car that size. I liked them. They were definitely high quality. It didn't hurt that Audi used similar looking OZ wheel on the Lemans winning race cars. CD
olerodder: Welcome to another SCCA guy. I was an ITA guy. Most of my time was in a CRX in both first and second generations with a little Formula V thrown in for fun. All of those are momentum cars. Believe OEM tire size is 205/45-17. Many of us use 215/45-17 as the selection is usually better than 215/40 or 225/40 in 17. Currently, believe I'm on my fourth set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports. I see where the tire is being superseded this spring. The tire does well here in Florida. On the rare day it gets below freezing, I just have to be cognizant of the temperature and adjust my driving style a little until they warm up. Welcome. Sent using Tapatalk
Enkei PF01, Enkei RPF1 - light (about 15#), stronger than plain cast without the exhorbitant price of forged Volk or BBS, and desired offset. http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=4607704945BS&wheelMake=Enkei%20Racing&wheelModel=PF01&wheelFinish=Bright%20Silver%20Paint&showRear=no&autoMake=MINI&autoModel=Coupe&autoYear=2012&autoModClar=Cooper+S http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=3797704943BS&wheelMake=Enkei%20Racing&wheelModel=RPF1&wheelFinish=Bright%20Silver%20Paint&showRear=no&autoMake=MINI&autoModel=Coupe&autoYear=2012&autoModClar=Cooper+S
Dave were you speaking of the Alleggerita's? I washed the MINI last night Tonight I'll try out this spray on Wash/Wax stuff I ordered from Amsoil. https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/other-products/cleaners-and-protectants/miracle-wash-waterless-wash-and-wax-spray/?code=AMWSC-EA
that's brilliant!! Just put locking wheel bolts on so they can't be stolen easily, and I finally got myself a tow cover for my rear bumper! It's the little things! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I installed a GFBâ„¢ (Go Fast Bits) Diverter Valve today. Two observations: 1- It is much quieter than the OEM one, which is a slight disappointment, but not that big a deal since the old one might have been loud due to all the wasted boost it was letting out. 2- I never knew how much turbo lag I had until it was reduced by the new valve. Shifting gears under accellleration seems much smoother, much better. There's no power gain but there's a lot less loss. This is a good upgrade.
Today I had the nice men at Best Motor Werks install a Miltek exhaust for me, as the original had a hole at the flex pipe. I got the resonated version, because I'm pushing 50, and it's bad enough I have a red sports car without it waking the neighbors Get off my lawn! It sounds much better now, deeper and more aggressive.
I just installed the Magnaflow exhaust and the car sounds really mello with a little growl...since I'm over 70 I don't need anything loud. The throttle response seems to be a little better. Next is the AEM CAI and turbo blanket.
Well I drifted it through a rotary. Not on purpose though. Just that the crappy winter tires I have don't stick very well.
There is a rotary (roundabout) on my way back from town on a road with very little traffic. I used to drift around it on a regular basis, sometime twice. Now the area around it has built up and there's too much traffic to do that anymore.
I'm thinking about buying one of the last new sets of MiniLites, the only issue is that they are 16x7 which is almost the same as my old wheels...what do you think?