Hi,

I have a '06 MCS Cabrio with the Dinan S2 kit minus suspension. Now it's time for some new tires, and I feel like I should take personal advantage of some of the expertise that guys like Minihune and Alex (and anyone else, for that matter) have to offer.

Here are the particulars:

I am in Los Angeles, so my primary concern is dry performance but something that will not be bothered by the occasional pothole (I'm pretty good at avoiding them). I have a 14-mile quasi-daily commute which consists of what I call "extremely spirited street driving". I also drive frequently up to my family home in Lake Tahoe via some of the back Sierra routes, which as some may know are quite fun (I only do this in dry conditions and never in winter).

I am sticking with stock 17" R98 wheels (the 2-piece Web Spoke), and likely for now am sticking with stock suspension, though I could very easily be talked into FSD or yellows (suggestions?). I am not interested in lowering at all. I have no intention (for now) of going with a BBK, but I will be upgrading pads, rotors and lines in the next week or two. I will be adding a Quaife next month, and I am considering either a rear sway, USS, or both to compliment the STB that came with the Dinan kit (more suggestions or experiences, particularly from vert owners?).

I will never be carrying much weight in the back seat - the most weight will be when I have one or both of my young sons in the back, but that's a rare occurrence at best. The car will, at the most, be tracked once or twice a year, but tracking should in no way be considered a priority for this car (we have McLaren M10A that satisfies that need quite nicely!).

Budget is not really a concern.

My priority is dry performance over ride, though I don't think I want 40s. If I stick with OEM sizing, it appears my only choice is the Potenza. However, I am am also interested in the F1, the Michelin PS2, and some of the Toyo offerings. I of course do not want any rubbing, but I'm assuming with that little backseat weight I mentioned, I'll have no trouble with 215s, right? Also, I think it's pretty obvious that I'm only interested in a non run-flat. Anything I'm missing?

I should also say that I am not opposed to buying new wheels (I quite like some of the Volks, the OZ Chronos, and others). I understand that at some point I may in fact want the clearance for a BBK (no spacers). For now, I just feel that anything beyond new pads, rotors and lines would be overkill for my use, which is why my plan is to stick with stock wheels. If someone wants to persuade, I'm all ears!

I hope I covered everything, and thanks in advance for any insight.


PS: Can I ask a dumb question? What's the Dragon? Gimme a pass - I'm new here!

 

Welcome to NAM!

The Dragon is a curvy treat on US 129 between TN and NC, the tail end of the Smoky Mountains. It's 11.9 miles of fun, and has 316 curves. NAM does Minis on the Dragon the first weekend in May, although various "Dragonslayers" visit the area throughout the year.

Tires, huh? I run 16", so I'm probably not one to talk with. You might check the various threads on tires lately, as Minihune has been quite active in describing 17" tires for about all driving conditions. He's very helpful and is open to intelligent questions. Because of him, I ordered Kumho ASX, in an all season ultra high performance thru Tire Rack. I can't wait until Monday, when I get them installed.

Good luck!

 

i now started my migration to 050A PP's. can't wait to try them out
tomorrow.

 

Thanks guys.

Ken, that's what I'm leaning towards, particularly since TR has that $100 special going on.

Also, I can't wait to get my Hydro!

 

OK, a wrench has been thrown into the works....

How about going 16" 205/50-16 with Goodyear F1 GS-D3 or similar?

Really, I guess the question is this: Go with this and assume I want to upgrade to FSD's and possibly Wilwood Plus 3 in the future. What wheels work with no spacers? Am I right on tire size, basd on criteria in my first post?

Thanks...

 

Can't help you there...I ordered Kumho ASX 205-50-16" all seasons.

 

What wheels?

 

16" OEM v-spokes

 

What size?

 

You're on 16's, right Ken?

 

If you stick to OEM 17" wheels then Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 is good and comes in 215/45-17 or 215/40-17 and will work.

16" wheels (16x7) and 205/50-16 is fine, or 205/55-16.

50 series tires are more comfortable for daily use, 40 series is stiffer sidewalls for faster turn in response for cornering/handling but has harsher ride- given stock suspension you should be OK.

A word about Bridgestone Potenza RE-050A and RE-050-
There are (at least) three tires with RE-050A one is regular non runflat tire, one is runflat, and one is RE-050A Pole Position which is the one that is rated highly but doesn't come in stock MINI tire sizes. Only 205/55-16, 225/50-16, 205/50-17 and 225/45-17.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....+Pole+Position
(best customer rated)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...lay.jsp?ttid=1

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Potenza+RE050A
Available in 205/45-17, 215/40-17, 235/40-17
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ay.jsp?ttid=50

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....nza+RE050A+RFT
OEM 205/45-17 or 225/45-17

There are other Bridgestone RE050 runflats or non runflats as well. Not all are available like the Scuderia.
Potenza RE050
Potenza RE050 RFT
Potenza RE050A
Potenza RE050A II RFT
Potenza RE050A Pole Position
Potenza RE050A RFT
Potenza RE050A Scuderia

For those with no budget worries (140 treadwear)-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Potenza+RE-01R
(Extreme Performance Summer tire)
In 205/55-16 $124 each V speed rated 24.9" tire diam 26 lbs
225/45-17 $125 each W speed rated 25" tire diam 26 lbs
or 235/40-17 $176 each W speed rated 24.4" tire diam 25 lbs
Tests
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...irePageLocQty=

 

Ooh. That's perhaps the best piece of info I've received all week and has likely made my decision for me. I just assumed these were the PP.

Thanks for that!

I'm feeling 16s with the F1's.

 

based on what I've been reading, in particular the info in this thread, I'm beginning to finally get an idea of what I'm interested in for my MCS with 17" Web Spokes.

Right now I have a stock suspension, but I may upgrade to the JCW in the future.

It's looking more like a good set for me would be:

Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT in size 225/45-17, "if" they fit! I'd rather not have to deal with bumpstops or rubbing or any of that. Thoughts anyone?

Thanks!!

 

might be a little too huge.... and RE050's are (as S03's were) very heavy tires.

 

I am thinking of running these on my MINI. Might rub a little.

 

I have run both the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3F1(215/40ZR-17 ) tyres and the BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2 ( 205/45ZR-17) on my OZ Forgiatta Wheels.

I like them both. I think the GoodYEARS are a bit quieter. Both have exellent dry and wet traction.

The Goodyears were not available in the 205/45. The Goodrichs were not available in the 215/40 size.

Wear seems to be about the same too! (they don't last long if you autocross them!).

Both were a significant improvement over the stock runflats on the S-Lite wheels. (which now has run flat snow tyres and not all seasons).