Hey guys...Saw a set of rims that I want, but I'm trying to decide whether to get the 16s or 17s. The 16s are 16lbs and the 17s are 19lbs, so a three pound difference not including the tire. I'm throwing these wheels on a CVT Cooper, so I don't have as much power as you "S" owners. Driving will be just day to day and no auto-xing. Primarily the wheels are just for show! So that's why I want the 17s.
Also the specs for the wheels are 17x7 or 16x7 with an offset of 42mm. Will this cause any rubbing will an h-sport lowered suspension???

Any thoughts???

 

No rubbing likely but if you choose a tire with a square shoulder like Yokohama ES100 in 215/45-17 you might get a little rub in the rear back upper area with a full load- four people in the car. Most times with regular driving and two people no rubbing at all.

Some tires have a more rounded shoulder or you can opt for the stock 205/45-17 tire size for best fit.

215/40-17 has a lower load rating but will not rub.

16 or 17" is your choice- both are good in different ways. 3 pounds difference is fine.
17" tires are likely to be heavier but that will depend on which tire you choose.

Bridgestone Potenza S-03 are heavy but make up for it with grip.

 

If you're going for show, i recommend lowering your ride when you do the

wheels. :smile:

 

Thanks so far guys. I'm probably gonna go with the 17" ....I mean like I said I'm not looking to auto-x, just want to do up the car for looks. This is what I plan on getting. What do you guys think???

19lbs for the 17s vs the 16lbs for the 16s....Then I plan on getting H-sport springs.

 

Nice looking wheels, please post pix when project complete.

 

i posted somethin on mini2 about this wheel.. your info on the wheel weight is off by a couple of pounds.. the wheels motegi offer that are in the same range is the ff6 (the ones i have) and ff15

the ff7 weighs 19 lbs on 16' and 21.5 on 17's

 

Thanks for the replies so far. I'm still trying to decide if I should go with the 17s. I want them, but I'm afraid they'll be too heavy on a CVT Cooper. What do you guys think, 21lbs? Like I said I'm not auto-xing. It's just for looks and good day to day driving.

 

You'll be fine for just commuting and getting around town with those 17's.

Heck, if you ever decide to race with your CVT, get some sticky tires on your factory wheels and you're all set. :smile:

 

Here are the specs...let me know if these are fine on my CVT cooper..

Bolt Circle: 4 x 100 / 4 x 4.5
Part #: 2377-7716

Offset: +42mm

Wheel Backspace: 5 1/2

Weight: 21.5 lbs

 

I would not go with 17s on a Cooper. I even like the 15s better than 16s, although that's a close call. Also, 17s will give you a rougher ride, since you will need to get the lower profile tire to keep them from rubbing, i.e., 45 series, and the lower the profile the harsher the ride, but the more responsive the ride for turning.:smile:

 

However, you've got the CVT, and I've learned that the weight is not as important on the CVT as the 5 speed. I've had 4 people in my car and not slowed it down that much, sure it was slower, but not as much as with a 5 speed Cooper. If you really want the 17s, then go for it.:smile:

 

panganiban,
You should be fine with this wheel. On the plus you like the look and it fits.
On the downside it isn't light but that is ok for street use and just getting around.
You want fast- go get some light 15x7" rims and put some light sticky tires on it.
The 17" will be smooth enough and will do fine with a non runflat tire.
Did you pick a tire yet? Probably 205/45-17 (limited but some good ones) or 215/45-17 (much more selection)

 

Well after thinking about what wheels I would get, I decided to go with these 17 inchers...Now, the question is what tires I should get for day-to-day street driving.
Suggestions anyone???

I also found out that I need to buy tuner lug nuts for these. How much will those cost me???? Also, is there anything I should keep in mind when installing my wheels?

 

If you want to go with a stock tire size try 205/45-17

Here is a Toyo Proxes 4 tire for $104 each from edgeracing.com
http://edgeracing.com/tire/895/
300 tire wear rating WR speed rated, 24.4" outer tire diameter
Good street tire.

In 215/45-17 size-
Falken Azenis ST-115 for $89 each from edgeracing.com
http://edgeracing.com/tire/673/
360 tire wear rating ZR speed rated, 24.6" outer tire diameter
Good street tire- very quiet and comfortable.

Yokohama AVS ES100 for $100 from tirerack.com, or $98 from edgeracing.com
http://edgeracing.com/tire/550/
280 tire wear rating WR speed rated, 24.6" outer diameter
Very good performance tire/street tire. Good wet/dry traction.

Consider the cost and shipping for both rims and tires. Check to see what options on tires are available from the rim vendor that can be mounted and balanced as well as the shipped cost.

Don't scrape those rims!!!!

 

Thanks for the advice minihune...I got the wheels for $599 with free shipping on Ebay. They should be here in about 5 days. Thats what the guy told me when I called them up. As for tires, which ones would you say would be the best overall considering a good price. I will probably have to buy them somewhere around my area (Orange County, S. Cal), so there will be no shipping, just tax.

Also, I'm planning on getting H-sport lowering springs, so I want to avoid rubbing of any sort. I heard I might encounter it if I have a full load in my car, but most of the time it's just me and maybe one other passenger. Any input?

 

Buying tires locally isn't going to be easy since the selection of tires in those sizes can be limited. Edgeracing and tirerack are still worth a look but just get the numbers for shipping (no tax). Anyone can do the mounting and balancing for those rims and those tire sizes- even costco for $10 each tire.

Given that you are going to lower your MC, I'd stay away from any tire with a square shoulder like the Yokohama ES100s. The Toyo Proxes 4 and Falken ST-115 are likely OK especially the Proxes in 205/45-17 which is stock size.

Proxes 4 is a little more $$, comes in stock 17" MINI size, has good street qualities.

Falken ST-115 is cheaper, wears longer, is very quiet but still has good street qualities.

Neither is a great performance tire for autocross or track. I think either will do very well for you.

For the tuner lug nuts you might ask edgeracing or tirerack (talk to alex) for options.
Rough cost about $30+ for a set

 

What's the difference between the stock size of 205/45 as opposed to 215/45? Other than the fact the latter tire is wider, is there a significant performance difference? Keep in mind that I'm just driving this to school and work...not auto-xing. THanks for the input once again.

I love this website!

 

basically a 215/45 would tramline more since they are wider (where i live my 215/45 can be hectic to keep straight)... however that said, the 215/45 is closer to stock size so you'd get a better speedo rating (.7 difference from my old 195/55)

overall, you are probably better off choosing a 205/45 tire... you don't get more advantage with a larger contact patch (contact patch actually doesn't change wether you run a 195/55 or a 275/30) you just change the shape that will assist in quick cornering

hope this helped! there might be mistakes with my math and advice...