Dumb question, I'm looking at buying some wheels that the guy had on a Miata, the hub size is larger than the hub on the Mini, is that gonna cause any problems? Will the torque from the lug bolts be enough to keep the wheel centered properly?

 

You'll need hub centering rings like this.....




or you'll get vibrations.

 

You'll need to fit hub-centric rings with the aftermarket wheels if the centerbore is larger OEM.

 

I figured. Any suggestion on brand, material etc? I have not been able to find any good information.

 

Aluminum is nice but plastic will work.

 

Wouldn't the dissimilar metals cause the aluminum to seize against the wheel or the hub?

 

When I bought my wheels the seller was going to throw in my choice of rings and I went with plastic. Reason being that you don't have to worry about rust or seizing, especially if you drive in the winter. You can get away with aluminum if you put a bunch of grease or something similar on them though. I always spray a bit of honey goo on both sides of my spacers when I take my wheels off and its done a fantastic job of keeping the mating surfaces mint.

 

a little no seize on the rings will fix that, go with plastic if your concerned. i bought these Its strong plastic and its just to fill the space, doesnt really take any pressure.
btw, AndyPWR53 your cars looking good!

 

Aftermarket wheels often have a large center hub opening and can be used with various cars with the correct wheel centering ring.

see
http://tires.tirerack.com/tires/Whee...tering%20Rings

If you don't know the size of the aftermarket wheel hub opening you can measure it. The MINI hub bore is 56.1mm.

Rings can be bought online from many vendors but you need to know the outer and inner diameters so that they fit the wheel and the hub.

Plastic is lower cost and works for street use. On the track the brakes and hub can get hot enough for the plastic to melt and become stuck to the hub. With effort you can pry it off. Metal rings would be better for track use and they are more durable over time however as mentioned if they get corroded or dirty, they can become stuck to the wheel.

If your aftermarket wheels need rings to work with your MINI it's best to use rings and not rely on the lug bolts. Mounting the wheel on the hub is much easier with a ring in place and the load is supported by the ring.