So, I am considering adding 17x7.5 SSR comps to my MCS. I am pretty much set on 215/45/17 for tires. I am torn between the GS-D3 and the Exclaim UHP. I know the D3 is the better tire but the Exclaim is 4 lbs lighter in that size. How much difference would there be with the lighter tire?

 

SSR comp rims are very light and strong (forged rim).

Goodyear F1 GS-D3 are Max Performance Summer tires while the General Exclaim UHP is an Ultra High Performance Summer tire.

They are two very different tires with different strengths.

For those that want maximum performance- excellent dry and wet traction and handling but compromise on comfort and treadwear then the GS-D3 is best but cost more. If you drive all out most of the time then the GS-D3 will be better suited to you.

For those that want good value and street comfort but compromise on all out traction and handling then the Exclaim UHP is best. If you drive mostly doing commuting or daily driving at urban speed limits and you don't do driving school events then this tire is better suited for you.

Therefore tire weight makes little or no difference in this equation. Since the better of the two tires is the heavier one. You would not be wanting to drive hard on the lighter weight Exclaim UHP, it's not suited to that kind of driving. You can drive hard on it but it won't feel that good. If you drive hard, the GS-D3 will deliver 4 pounds heavier or not.

What you have to consider is the combination of tire with low weight rim. The SSR comps are good rims for performance driving. Those rims with good sticky rubber will be hard to resist driving hard on. The GS-D3 will respond, the faster you corner the better you feel dry or wet. Naturally you have to pay more for this performance and the GS-D3 will wear out faster.

 

Hi minihune, I knew I could count on you for some good info. Next question: How much harsher would the ride be, and how much better would the handling be with 215/40 D3s?

 

I paid attention to Minihume's suggestions for my 06 mcs cabrio with 17 inch rims. I think I will eventually switch to a ligher wheel like a Kosei K1 but will be seeking a non-runflat for mostly city and some road trip comfort. I don't go to race school, autocrosses and I don't plan to track the car. I just want to get rid of the harsh runflat ride. I think there are some
General's that Alex was recommending but I deleted the pm. Any thoughts on a good comfort tire and I'll take some weight off with the lighter rims. steve

 

Since this is a tread about tire weight.

Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3
215/40-17 $152 83 loadrating Y speed rated 19 lbs
215/45-17 $132 91 loadrating XL Y speed rated 22 lbs
225/45-17 $149 91 loadrating Y speed rated 23 lbs
225/45-17 $177 94 loadrating XL W speed rated 24 lbs

You do loose about 3 pounds per tire going with the much smaller outer tire diameter 23.8" 215/40-17. Smaller tire diameter is good for added clearance with a lowered MINI but adds to the wheel gap about 1/2" with a stock suspension MINI and it lowers your ground clearance as well which is not as good for snow or for road debris and speed bumps, etc.

It all boils down to how good are your roads. If you have pristine roads with no potholes or you drive really well and miss all road hazzards on a regular basis (I drive like that- except in the night going to places I am unfamiliar with or driving in the rain where a puddle is really a pothole) then the 215/40-17 is an option but for the rest of us the 215/45-17 makes more sense even if it does weight 3 pounds more.

Note that XL is designed into a tire to help increase it's load rating but it can add to the weight. For the MINI we look for a load rating about 84 to 88. Higher load rating is fine- makes for a hefty tire.

 

For 17" rims on stock suspension.
For street driving, comfortable, moderate to lighter weight, less harsh than runflats, but still good performance.

In the stock size of 205/45-17

For Max Performance summer tires
Dunlop SP SportMaxx $141 240 treadwear 20 lbs
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A $140 140 treadwear 22 lbs

For Ultra High Performance Summer tires
General Exclaim UHP $73 380 treadwear 18 lbs (only in 215/45-17, not 205/45-17)
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 $124 240 treadwear 20 lbs (also available in 215/45-17 for $168 22 lbs)
Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval $125 320 treadwear 22 lbs (only in 215/45-17, not 205/45-17)
BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW2 $118 300 treadwear 22 lbs (a little more noise) (also available in 215/45-17 for $134 24 lbs )
Bridgestone Potenza RE750 $139 340 treadwear 22 lbs (only in 215/45-17, not 205/45-17)
BF Goodrich g-Force Sport $110 340 treadwear 21 lbs (also available in 215/45-17 for $108 21 lbs)
Kumho Ecsta SPT $91 320 treadwear 21 lbs(also available in 215/45-17 for $84 22 lbs)

Comfort goes to Exclaim UHP (light weight!), Michelin Exalto PE2 (205/45 or 215/45), or Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval.

For Ultra High Performance All Season tires (only in 215/45-17 except for Avon Tech M550)
Yokohama Advan S.4. $165 400 treadwear 24 lbs (special offer $75 Crutchfield gift certificate)
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS $130 400 treadwear 25 lbs
Continental ContiExtremeContact $87 400 treadwear 20 lbs
Pirelli PZero Nero M&S $122 400 treadwear 21 lbs
Avon Tech M550 A/S $99 360 treadwear 23 lbs also in 205/45-17 for $99 22 lbs.
Kumho Ecsta ASX $83 420 treadwear 21 lbs

Best comfort goes to Yokohama S.4., Bridgestone RE960AS, or Pirelli PZero Nero M&S. Note only Avon Tech M550 comes in 205/45-17.

The constraints are price vs value, treadlife, and weather conditions (any snow) For the best balance of these probably an Ultra High Performance Summer or All season tire would be a good fit for most MINI owners. Those driver that just love to drive hard would do better with Max Performance summer or Ultra High performance summer tires. They enjoy the higher performance (handling and traction) over treadlife and cost.

In 215/45-17
Extreme Performance Summer tires
Kumho Ecsta MX $111 each 220 treadwear Y speed rated 21 lbs

Kumho MX is more for dry performance and compromises on comfort. Good for street tires in autocrossing.

In Max Performance Summer tires
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 $132 280 treadwear Y speed rated 22 lbs
Dunlop SP SportMaxx $145 240 treadwear Y speed rated 22 lbs
Pirelli PZero Nero $132 220 treadwear Y speed rated 23 lbs

While all three Max Performance tires are good the GS-D3 and Sportmaxx are better overall.