215 vs 205
#26
ggv,
Been following your posts. Looks like you're about there. Minihune where are you? Winter storm is a brewing and I am purchasing tires tomorrow. Looking at the Falken 912s as well and the Nitto Neo Gens. What made you choose the Falkens?
MiniMayBee,
How do you like the Nittos? How do you think they will handle the Colorado snows?
Been following your posts. Looks like you're about there. Minihune where are you? Winter storm is a brewing and I am purchasing tires tomorrow. Looking at the Falken 912s as well and the Nitto Neo Gens. What made you choose the Falkens?
MiniMayBee,
How do you like the Nittos? How do you think they will handle the Colorado snows?
Last edited by eastmtmini; 12-06-2007 at 07:40 PM.
#27
No I do not!
That's why they are warm and snug in my garage while my Blizzaks plow through the snow. Come spring though - watch out. I bought them from Discount Tire from a guy with a ricer that runs them. He can have his pick of any tire the store sales and he picked the Nittos - pretty good sales pitch.
That's why they are warm and snug in my garage while my Blizzaks plow through the snow. Come spring though - watch out. I bought them from Discount Tire from a guy with a ricer that runs them. He can have his pick of any tire the store sales and he picked the Nittos - pretty good sales pitch.
#30
Since the 912 is not a particularly stiff sidewall tire the 205/50-16 or 215/50-16 will not be uncomfortable. I run on the street with 205/50-15 and 195/50-15 all the time and it's fine. The runflat 195/55-16 has a stiff sidewall.
It's really up to you what size you want to go with but if snow is possible you want to go with more narrow tires not wider tires. For wet conditions both sizes will work fine. If you're doing just street driving the lighter weight and lower rolling resistance 205/50-16 makes more sense.
For 205/45-16 this fits rims 6.5-7.5" wide and tire diameter is a smaller than stock 23.3". Yes, it's lighter and smaller for better gearing on acceleration but you get speedo and odometer error. 45 series sidewall is also relatively stiff so comfort is a bit less but turn in response is better.
If you have stock suspension then the wheel gap is increased about a full inch. If you have 1.5" drop then it's fine.
#31
#34
Modest lowering probably would be a good strategy for you given that you do have snow and use winter tires. For snow you want a little more clearance for ice and snow. A one inch drop would probably work OK. With two or more sets of wheels your ride height would be set for the tallest wheels you do use. Otherwise you have to use coilovers with adjustable ride height and then change it for summer vs winter use or again you can use one height that is a compromise between the two. With coilovers you can fine tune the ride height to make it just right.
#35
Last winter I was actually thinking about a lift kit for the MINI. I high centered several times getting out of the neighborhood.
I have been considering coilovers for the very reason of summer/winter tires. I have yet to find the perfect combination of price, performance and easy of adjustment.
I have been considering coilovers for the very reason of summer/winter tires. I have yet to find the perfect combination of price, performance and easy of adjustment.
#36
#39
#40
Minihune
thanks for your response, the Falken Ziex 912's are actually what I am interested in, and they are available locally to me on special order for approx. $140 each Can$.
In your opinion, what is the better overall choice, using a stock 16" x 6.5" rim and given that the tire will be used for year round west coast driving on mixed condition roads: 215/50/16 or 205/50/16? I am happy with the ride as it is with the 195/55/16 Dunlop run-flats on my stock '03 MCS, but I don't want to go any stiffer, nor do I want to sacrifice any handling abilities. I am leaning towards the 215's due to the similar o.d. to stock and the slightly higher sidewall height, but I'd rather not have to look at tires that look like doughnuts nor deal with any other issues due to the increased tire width.
Your input is very much appreciated.
cheers
greg v.
thanks for your response, the Falken Ziex 912's are actually what I am interested in, and they are available locally to me on special order for approx. $140 each Can$.
In your opinion, what is the better overall choice, using a stock 16" x 6.5" rim and given that the tire will be used for year round west coast driving on mixed condition roads: 215/50/16 or 205/50/16? I am happy with the ride as it is with the 195/55/16 Dunlop run-flats on my stock '03 MCS, but I don't want to go any stiffer, nor do I want to sacrifice any handling abilities. I am leaning towards the 215's due to the similar o.d. to stock and the slightly higher sidewall height, but I'd rather not have to look at tires that look like doughnuts nor deal with any other issues due to the increased tire width.
Your input is very much appreciated.
cheers
greg v.
#42
thanks for your response; would you happen to have any pics of these tires mounted & on your Mini? I'd love to see what they look like. What type of tire are you running?
Minihune, thank-you again for your detailed answers.
cheers all
greg v.
#43
#44
Note that the R56 (2007+) can run slightly wider tires. We run 235/40R17 on ours.
In general, wider tires will give you better cornering grip (wet or dry), increased rolling resistance, decreased grip in snow. They'll cost and weigh more than skinnier tires.
--Dan
Mach V
In general, wider tires will give you better cornering grip (wet or dry), increased rolling resistance, decreased grip in snow. They'll cost and weigh more than skinnier tires.
--Dan
Mach V
Will that fit at all? R53 MCS 2003 lowered with PSS9 coilovers. Currently 215/45-17 just clears.
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric $182 each 240 treadwear 23 lbs. 24.4" tire diameter. Comes in 225/45-17 and 235/40-17 and larger.
#45
I wonder if it will rub???.....Looking under the wheel wells, I think it will work.
#46
If you don't want runflats then first look at 205/50-16. (24.1" tire diam)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ireSearch=true
See
Pirelli PZero Nero M&S $118 each 400 treadwear
Kumho Ecsta ASX $75 each 420 treadwear ($70 closeout in 205/55-16)
205/55-16 is taller (24.9") than stock tire diameter. It can still be used with stock suspension but expect a fairly tall tire, some speedo and odometer error and less wheel well clearance (less wheel gap).
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ireSearch=true
See
Pirelli PZero Nero M&S $118 each 400 treadwear
Kumho Ecsta ASX $75 each 420 treadwear ($70 closeout in 205/55-16)
205/55-16 is taller (24.9") than stock tire diameter. It can still be used with stock suspension but expect a fairly tall tire, some speedo and odometer error and less wheel well clearance (less wheel gap).
First, stock dia. on my car was 24.5". The 205/55ZR16 are 24.9" and the 205/50ZR16 are 24.1. They are both off of stock by 0.4".
Secondly, this set of tires was for comfort so the taller sidewall serves that purpose. I have 17x7 wheels for more spirited driving.
Third, the speedo on most R56 reads higher than reality. The larger dia. 55 tires reduce the built-in error, bring it closer to reality. The smaller dia. 50 tires would increase the built-in error.
#47
I do get some rubbing on big bumps mainly when I have passengers, but I think it's on the wheel well lining and it isn't too bad. I have Mach V springs which are about the same as H&Rs.
#48
Is there an issues with 215 16" on the stock 6.5 width rim? For example, I was looking at Falken Azenas and thought the 215/45R16 size would be correct for me but the recommended rim width is 7.0-8.0 inches (according to the Falken site.) It looks like the only size for that tire for a stock size 16" wheel would be the 225/50R16, but would that work?
The reason I was looking at these tires is they came highly recommended for HPDE and autocross, but the person that recommended them doesn't drive a MINI so available sizes weren't taken into account. (I am currently running 205/50 Yokahama AVS ES100s)
The reason I was looking at these tires is they came highly recommended for HPDE and autocross, but the person that recommended them doesn't drive a MINI so available sizes weren't taken into account. (I am currently running 205/50 Yokahama AVS ES100s)
#50
215 50 17 tires?
I've seen a lot of postings on the 215 45 17 but does anyone have any experience on 215 50 17 tires on original s-lite wheels? I want to get the best bang for buck when I replace my OEM runflats. I see the 215 50 16s here and they look good but can you do the same with 17s?
Minihume, thanks for all the info on my last question. Mahalo!
Thanks,
Scott
Minihume, thanks for all the info on my last question. Mahalo!
Thanks,
Scott