My question has to do with ride and fitment of new rims and tires.

I am trying to determine whether to go with 16” or 17” Konig Feathers.

If 16's my tire of choice would be 225/50/16 Bridgestone RE760 Sports which have a 9.2” side wall width and a 8.0” tread.

If 17s it would be the same tire in a 215/45/17 which have a 8.4” side wall and a 7.9 tread. Both tires are 24.9” in diameter which is slightly taller than OE.

1) From your experience will both tire fit without rubbing (car is lowered but not drastically)?

2) Will the 45 side wall of the 17's create a rougher ride without much benefit over the 50 series 16's?

3) Will the 17's reduce torque steer?

Thanks

 

1) I run 215/45-17 with no fitment issues, but setting at stock height.
2) Lower profile will always be a little more harsh, all things being equal. However, going away from the run-flats makes a huge improvement.
3) Not sure. I think torque steer would only be amplified or reduced based on overall diameter of the wheel/tire combo. However, it does seem reduced with my new tires vs the old run-flats. Could be my imagination, though.

 

1. They wont rub, unless you're slammed.
2. I think the 16's would be more comfy and probably handle better. Lighter too more than likely.
3. Not really. With wider than stock tires and high power you'd have more tramlining (sp?). If you changed the offset it may increase/decrease it a little depending on if the wheels were pushed outward/inward. I think torque steer comes from the suspension geometry and driveshafts if I'm not mistaken? The wheels are spinning at different speeds on either side.

 

just make sure you have the right offset. To much one way or the other and it will rub the fender well or the strut.
agree on comfort side but the handling IMHO would be better on the 17's
Yes torque steer comes form the geometry and a bunch of other factors including the road surface. a softer side wall will help slightly. changing the offset can affect it as well. But a lot of it has to do with the amount of power you are trying to put to the road. If you are trying to put all of it to the road in one instant then it will torque steer. lighten up on the throttle a little and you can reduce it dramatically.

As for wider tires yes they will Tramline more. Here is some good reading on what it is and what causes it.http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=47

 

Thanks for your input.

From all I am reading I would prefer to go with the 16" Konig Feathers which are 7" wide and have a 40 offset (that's the only offset they make to my knowledge).

I also would prefer to run 225/50/16 but I am getting mixed reviews when I read the wheel and tire part of the forum. The car does not have coilovers but does have aftermarket springs that drop it about 1.75" . Some (seem) to say on the R56 the 225 will fit with the car lowered no problem others seem to say they have tried everything and it is not possible without extensive inner and outer body work. I will go with 215 or 205 if I have to, but I am still unsure what the story is.

I understand the issue of torque steer and it confirms what I thought.

If anyone know of anyone on the forum running 225/50/16 and could point me to them I would like to get the facts from them.

Thanks

 

I just installed 225/50/16 to my 33mm lowered r53 and am having rubbing issues on small dips on the road. I am gonna try to trim the liners tonight.

I'll post results.... gotta love the cushy ride though... comared to my stock 17" X 45

 

What wheels are you running and what is their offset? I am also curious about the tires your running since side wall width varies from tire to tire.

I agree, the difference in the ride is amazing - I love the Conti Extremes I just put on.

 

Im looking at getting the same set up please post what 16" wheel offset you are you using ?? im looking to buy the Enkei 16x7 et 43 4x100 only 13.9 lbs each and im running the DW Conti s 225/50/16 ......Spacers ?? Anybody ??

 

I'm running 225/50R16s on 16x7 W/42mm offset & no spacers.

I have the factory JCW suspension option wich lowered the car 0.5" & I lowered the rear an additional 1.0" since it was 2.0" higher in the back as delivered.

The front never rubs.

I had to carve my rear bumper & fender liners, and arches a little to eliminate rubbing in all situations.

Definitely worth the mods to put the extra rubber on the ground- Didn't notice an increase in torque steer ; )

 

thats awesome man , how is the sidewall stiffness better or worse than running 17x7.5 235/40/17

 

i have access to 16x7.5 et43 wheels and want to use them on my wife's 2011 mcs for track days. sounds like 225.50.16 tires should fit with stock suspension (rolling and/or cutting is not an option), am i reading that right?

 

My 225/50/16 at 1/2 in drop has a very cushy ride and no rubbing issue.

But am thinking about going to 215/45/16 on my next set. Cause the 225's looks pretty thick.

 

I am in the same dilemma and am trying to answer the exact same question (s)... So, what setup did you eventually go with? Why and how do you like it?

Thanks

 

Hello,

I ended up going with the 16" Konig Feathers and 225/50/16 Continental Exteme Contacts from the Tire Rack. The just ordered a second set of Contis because I have liked them so well and I knew will oil prices that tire prices were soon to go up and they cost me about $109 as I recall a tire. I have about 10K on the ones currently on the car and believe with the weight of the Cooper they will go 30K+. The wear is good an even. They're great in rain and in dry it is HARD to get them even to make noise let alone get loose. My car is lowered about 1.5" and I have NO rubbing issues at all. Brake clearance is fine on the 16" rims as well. If pictures would help send me your number and I will send a couple of pictures to your phone.

Bruce
brucewstewart@hotmail.com
352-217-5670

 

Thanks Bruce,
... Sent you an email

 

Those that are running the 225/50/16 can you post some pics of the tires? I've been thinking of going this route myself. Thanks

 

Anyone with an R56 and 225-50-16's?

 

Been discussed before-
see Post #6
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...their-r56.html

 

I think it would work, I mean people shove 235/40/17 on the car at stock ride height.

I say a 16x8.....ET35-38, then the 225/50 would work.