Please advice. Thanks.

 

yeah i would like to know this too!
bump,
Ben

 

If you have an older MCS or MC it can't hurt to run a sticky R compound tire that heats up quickly (autocross compound) in 205/50-15 or 225/45-15 for the rather small 22.9" tire diameter and lowered gearing it offers.

Tires that have a larger outer diameter would effectively make for taller gearing and the MCS gearing isn't the greatest until the '05 model came out.

A 16" tire in small diameter would also work OK.

Lighter rims always help on acceleration.
Wider tires and slicks should help.

 

What are the widest tires someone should use w/o having rubbing become a problem?

 

You'll generally get better results with a wider tire.

225mm tends to be the limit but that will vary with your suspension setup and wheel offset.

225mm also tends to need a rim of about 7 or more inches wide so for a 15" wheel then 15x7" is preferred. Then use 225/45-15 as the widest tire. Outer diameter 22.9".

For a 16" rim the 225/45-16 would work. Outer diameter 23.97".

Keep outer tire diameters smaller than stock (24 to 24.4") if possible for a slight advantage on gearing.

For 17x7" rims 205/40-17 or 215/40-17 tend to fit 7" wide rims better and have more tires to select from. 225/45-17 tends to rub at least a little (depends on which tire and your suspension).

Generally tires that are 205mm wide will fit a variety of MINI wheels from stock to aftermarket in various side wall heights and not rub. The selection tends to be better and the weight of the tires slightly less than with 225mm wide tires by about 3 pounds each.

Ask Alex@tirerack.com about BFG G-Force TA Drag Radials
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...FA+Drag+Radial
For 15" wheels- 205/50-15 or 225/50-15
For 16" wheels- No sizes available
For 17" wheels- 205/40-17 (225/45-17 is tall at 25" and will rub)

 

Thank you :smile:

The car will have a 1-1.5" drop with 17" rims.. What would be the best for this case?

 

What wheel offset will you be using and what size rims? 17x7 or 17x7.5 or wider? With a drop of 1" you can use rims of +42mm to +48mm but with a lower drop you might get rubbing if you choose tires that are much larger than stock size or if 225mm.

A safe bet for no rubbing would be
BF Goodrich G-Force TA drag radial in 205/40-17 for $125 each
Fits rims 7-8" and weighs 20 pounds. Outer tire diameter 23.5"

This is for drag racing only and not for street use or they will wear out very quickly. Light weight is a plus and rubber and tread are good for quarter mile races.

Caution- this tire has a very low load rating suitable only for you being in the car and for racing- not for general use with passengers.

I would suggest you use very light 17" rims not stock MINI rims.

 

they are aftermarket BBS rims. I kind of want to get something i could drive on to the track though... SHould i just stick with z rated tires?

 

Generally track or 1/4 mile wheels are not for street use. I would carry them to the track unless you live very close.
You want light weight and something that will fit the tire well and have the correct wheel offset for the MINI given your suspension.

I like to pick the tire and the size then get the optimal rim for it.
Alex@tirerack.com can suggest various light 17x7 or 17x7.5 rims that they sell that are not as heavy as the BBS (a great looking street wheel) and will fit and work for you.

Kosei K1 racer or Kosei K1 TS come to mind but there are others.
Finishes are white, silver, grey depending on which rim.

 

great! Thanks for your help man :smile:

I will contact alex and see what might work for me.

 

15"s with Drag Radials. Any bigger wheel and you'll start losing off-the-line grab from the sidewalls flexing.

BFG has a g-force drag radial in 225/50-15, that would be a good start if you don't want to cut fender or look like a skateboard. Here's the PDF

 

Would it be ok if i used my stick 16" mini rims and put some r compound on them?

 

The problem is that the stock 16" rims are 16x6.5" and I cannot find the BFG G-Force T/A Drag Radial or any other BFG drag tire in 16" that will fit your rim and the MINI.

You can call Alex@tirerack to ask what other options are available if you want to use 16" wheels.

Ryephile's Suggestion of BGF G-Force T/A drag radial in 225/50-15 ($112 each) would work with a light 15x7" rim. Outer tire diameter is a small 23.9" which is good for fast starts.

Using 16" wheels is a compromise because you have to go with tires that aren't as good as the drag radials. This might cost more for the tires, be heavier, and not perform as well.