Im currently looking for a new set of wheels for my mini (03 cooper) Ive found a set that ive wanted, but im not sure how there gona fit, the specs are 16x7 4x100 with a +38 offset. Would these wheels fit our coopers? I searched for offset in the forums but Ive not really found anything of any help. Thanks in advance!

 

should be fine

 

With stock suspension you will be fine but if you lower your MINI then the outside edge of the rear wheels can rub against the fender inner liner.

This goes for both MC and MCS. +42mm offset is a bit safer with more clearance but +38mm will also work.

Use the following tire sizes-
195/55-16
205/50-16
or
205/55-16 this one is a bit tall so don't lower your car but the tire selection is larger.

 

might get some tramlining with +38mm... but if you want something that just fits im sure it will "fit."

i would personally not go any lower than 43mm.

 

yea, im going to lower it, probley around 1.5 inches or more, im going for a specific look, and hope i can pull it off....its deff going to be.. "different"

 

What is tramlining?

 

tendency for the steering wheel to follow imperfections in the road

 

I doubt you will experience much tramlining, i wouldnt worry about it. You're talking about a whole 5mm's. I had 15x7's with et 35 and noticed very little if any. I'm now running an offset of ET 19 in front and notice a small amount of tramlining, but not a whole lot.

 

Thanks rallymini

 

Ok, then go for 205/50-16 for now and after you lower it then consider a 45 or 40 series 16" Max Performance summer tire that is even more aggressive if you want.

Tramlining only a problem with grooved concrete surfaces such as on some freeways. The grooves are for traction in the wet but they act like railroad tracks for some tires due to the tread pattern that fits in the grooves.
Some tires are worse than others for their tendency for this.

 

what "different" look are you going for....maybe i can help? I've gone along the "different" path when it came to wheel offsets and lowered ride height, so i could offer some guidance or help.

 

yep, and with my 7.5" width wheels, i went with GS-D3's which have
softer sidewall than my original choice of S03's.

i get no tramlining and clear the rear fender arch without dremeling
by probably 3mm.

story would be different 7.5" 38mm with say, S03's.

 

i wasnt gona post them up untill i put them on, but here we go :P, Keep in mind this will be going on a british racing green mini, with a considerable drop.

 

this is the drop im looking for...

 

that shouldnt be very hard....it doesnt look like a very low drop. Gonna look cool

have you put in any thought on the Axis version of those replicas? They promise a much better qualtiy (still not up to par with the real thing, works wheels), but most likely better than drag. They also offer a little bit wider wheels which is always fun.

 

actually i havent looked into those, ive browsed around for a used set of equip 03's over on the other forum i belong too (hondatech) but can't find any reasonably priced

 

only problem is that the axis wheels only come in 15x8....no 16s

But the 15s would let you go lower if that's what you're looking for. (Though the car pictured isnt really that low, its front lip is pretty far off the ground....I'm assuming its a trick of the camera angle)

 

I was debating 15's (typically what i ran on my honda) but im thinking they may be a little to small for the coopers body.

 

Not really too small. Depends on the wheel design and how much you drop your suspension.

In 15" wheels you can get 15x7 easily or as wide as 15x8 (949racing.com).
When you drop you can't go too tall on the tires so
205/55-15 is 23.9" tall (less than stock for good clearance) and fits rims up to 7.5" wide so 15x8 is possible.
In that size you have some good choices like-
Kumho Ecsta ASX (UHP All Season tires)
420 treadwear V speed rated $65 each
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....odel=Ecsta+ASX

For more performance-
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 (Ultra High Performance Summer tire)
240 treadwear W speed rated $116 each
Also available in 225/50-15 ($124) that fits the 15x8 rim and still is only 23.9" tall so clears your suspension.

For balance of performance and comfort-
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S (High Performance All Season tire)
400 treadwear V speed rated 21 lbs $123 each
Other 15" sizes are available.

Talk to Alex@tirerack.com for more info.


15x8 6UL rims and 225/45-15 tires
1.7" drop Bilstein PSS9 coilovers

 

In terms of look, it can easily be pulled off if you get the right drop and tire size

My old rims 15x7 et35 tires are 205/50/15

 

wow very nice both minihue and rallyMINI!

what are you lowered on rallymini? and how much of a drop?

 

megan coilovers....never did a measurement of the drop because i had springs first, but it was a big drop. Still had quite a few threads left to go lower though.

 

how do u like your megan coilovers?

 

They definitely do their job, and allow me to get nice and low. The ability to adjust front camber is awesome too.

They had some initial problems with spring rates, but from what I've heard they've been fixed. For people looking to get a great track car, megans probably arent the best....but for those of us doing street driving, i think they are a nice choice for people on a budget.

 

i almost forgot about this picture....i figure it will be of help to you. 15 inch Work equips....not lowered enough to truly pull them off, but still looks ace