I am planning on putting tires on 17" Kosei K1 rims. These tires will be used for some autocross events and occasional summer driving, but limited miles (swapped with my runflats on OEM rims for daily driving). The two Yokohama tires look good and I would like to hear of any opinions.

I am planning on sticking with the 205/45 17's to avoid any fit problems. If you have a strong opinion about another good choice please recommend. I will be buying these within a week or so.

Thanks!

 

I looked at both of these tires as well. I liked both, but untimately went with the Spec-2s. They are both so close in performance I just went with the tires that I thought looked better. But for autocrossing, you might be more specific. Just my opinion...

 

your K1's are 7.5" wide. I'd utilise that and put a 215/40-17 on there. This means you can upgrade to a really good tire, like the Bridgestone S-03's or Goodyear GS-D3's or Toyo T1S's.

 

I went from the Dunlop runflats to the Yokohama AVS ES100 and I like the tires alot. The tire seems to do very well in the rain and is very affordable

 

My experience has been that the S-03's, T1-S, and GS-D3 don't provide THAT much more performance over the ES100's on the MINI to warrant the extra cost. I really like my ES100's, and have driven cars with similar mods as mine running all three tires mentioned above - and I saw little difference, personally, especially in the wet.

I didn't really care for the Parada2's, although some people have been running them and like them...

If you're mainly going to use these wheels/tires for auto-x and summer driving, I'd look at BFG KDW's (more expensive), Falken Azenis (cheaper), or Kumho MX's (middle of the road pricing). These three tires SPANK those listed above in the street tire classes for auto-x.

 

I have really enjoyed my Yokohama ES-100's. I know you have said you do not want to go wider than 205, but the added width of the 215's is really nice.

My ES100's have been great for daily driving and fun days. I have 215/45/17

 

Thanks for all the great opinions so far, please keep them coming.

Is it correct then, that 215/40 17's or 215/45 17's will fit without any rubbing on a un-modified MINI suspension?? If so, then I will likely move up for the extra contact patch.

I would love to get the Falken Azenis, but they start out at 225/45 and my understanding is that it would then require some modification of the wheel well. Please let me know if I am off-base here....and if so, then my decision is made.

_________________
'04 MCS, CR/W/W, HK, Sport#2, MFSW, JCW

 

215's should not prove to be an issue with the 45mm offset on the K1's.

Alex

 

I've tried both Spec2's and ES100's. I think theSpec2's have a softer but
grippier compound and quieter than the ES100's after they are worn. but
your your weekend runs, who cares about noise, right? I use 205/45/17.

The 215/40/17 size is, I think, does not have enough load carrying capacity
on the MCS...so you might be better off on the 215/45/17 especially if
you are going to be auto-x,etc. 215/40's look great though on a lowered
ride.

That's my opinion and to my knowledge, either tire will be a sound choice.
:smile:

 

I have the parada spec-2's and I love them. I have no basis for comparison but I drive very hard on corners and when it isn't wet (read: when it is safer) i corner like a demon on off-ramps and what not. they are SO MUCH STICKIER than any tire I have ever been in the car on (which was never your other Yoko choice)

That said, if you choose the parada spec-2's you won't be dissapointed, unless you have senstive hearing cause those bad boys ARE LOUD!

 

>>
>>I would love to get the Falken Azenis, but they start out at 225/45 and my understanding is that it would then require some modification of the wheel well. Please let me know if I am off-base here....and if so, then my decision is made.
>>
>>_________________
>>'04 MCS, CR/W/W, HK, Sport#2, MFSW, JCW

That's the bad thing about Azenis for the MINI... sizing is not quite right.

If it were me, I'd go with Kumho MX's in 215/40R17... Tire Rack has them for $102 a pop. Hands down, a smokin' tire for street tire class auto-x and track days.

The battle for supremacy in STS and STX is still raging between those wearing MX's and those wearing Azenis. IMHO, the MX seems to be better in the heat (noticed you're from Arkansas).

 

>>The battle for supremacy in STS and STX is still raging between those wearing MX's and those wearing Azenis. IMHO, the MX seems to be better in the heat (noticed you're from Arkansas).
>>

Thanks for the info. Yes, I am in FAR northwest Arkansas. So far I have traveled over to Oklahoma City for the Porsche auto-cross events, which are the last Sunday every month (in the summer). You get lots of laps, it is a pretty relaxed atmosphere, and we are getting 4 and 5 MINI's at the events now. Once I get a few of those under my belt, then I will be trying the SOLO II events. I will get seriously spanked there since I have the JCW kit which will move me into a class I probably can't compete with....but I'll have a lot of fun trying.

 

I will get seriously spanked there since I have the JCW kit which will move me into a class I probably can't compete with....but I'll have a lot of fun trying.

That's what it's all about.

As for the tires I went with Yokohama AVS ES100s in 215/40ZR-17 on SSR Comp 17.7.5. My opinion of them is

Earl

 

I will get seriously spanked there since I have the JCW kit which will move me into a class I probably can't compete with....but I'll have a lot of fun trying.

That's what it's all about.

As for the tires I went with Yokohama AVS ES100s in 215/40ZR-17 on SSR Comp 17.7.5. My opinion of them is

Earl

 

I will get seriously spanked there since I have the JCW kit which will move me into a class I probably can't compete with....but I'll have a lot of fun trying.

That's what it's all about.

As for the tires I went with Yokohama AVS ES100s in 215/40ZR-17 on SSR Comp 17.7.5. My opinion of them is

Earl

 

>>Thanks for the info. Yes, I am in FAR northwest Arkansas. So far I have traveled over to Oklahoma City for the Porsche auto-cross events, which are the last Sunday every month (in the summer). You get lots of laps, it is a pretty relaxed atmosphere, and we are getting 4 and 5 MINI's at the events now. Once I get a few of those under my belt, then I will be trying the SOLO II events. I will get seriously spanked there since I have the JCW kit which will move me into a class I probably can't compete with....but I'll have a lot of fun trying.

I'd go for the MX's then for sure!