Tires, Wheels, & Brakes Discussion about wheels, tires, and brakes for the new MINI.

Ditched the Runflats: Driving impression

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 04-07-2005, 03:58 PM
Verruckt's Avatar
Verruckt
Verruckt is offline
4th Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Stroudsburg, PA
Posts: 573
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ditched the Runflats: Driving impression

After wearing out the set of runflats that came on the car, I finally switched to standard tires and wider wheels (16x7.5). If you are considering doing this , DO IT! I was told that it was one of the best things that I could do, and whoever told me that should get a medal. Unfortunately, getting new tires isn't as exciting as a new exhaust, or so you might think!

I put on the new Kosei K1s with 205/50/16 rubber, and the first block I drove was amazing. It was like running around with steel toe boots on, and then swapping them for a pair of ultralight track shoes. The car felt almost BOUYANT (in a good way). It turns easier at slow speeds, and today I noticed that the omnipresent low level rumble from the run-flats is gone, and on good roads the car is SMOOOTHE!

I've got to get a compact compressor for emergencies, but I am extremely pleased. This has completely change the character of the car... ALMOST as much as the rear swaybar.

Oh, Did I mention improved acceleration? It definitely launches smoother and more eagerly than before.

Pardon the dirty car.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...cat=500&page=1
 
  #2  
Old 04-07-2005, 04:34 PM
minihune's Avatar
minihune
minihune is offline
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Mililani, Hawaii
Posts: 15,260
Received 69 Likes on 66 Posts
Congrats,

Yes.

This is how Motoring "should be".

What took you so long?
To come to your senses!

The good thing is that you can really appreciate the difference.
The bad thing is "it doesn't take much driving to tell there is a difference".

But since you have jumped over the fence to "greener pastures" just keep driving and don't look back.
 
  #3  
Old 04-07-2005, 09:39 PM
LeftyS7's Avatar
LeftyS7
LeftyS7 is offline
4th Gear
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes, to all your comments AND the wheels go OVER bumps, not through them.
 
  #4  
Old 04-08-2005, 07:48 AM
ministrone's Avatar
ministrone
ministrone is offline
2nd Gear
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm just getting ready to get the same thing! Very excited.

White Kosei wheels and the BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW-2
205/50WR16

Here comes summer!

Now I have to look for a donut spare.
 
  #5  
Old 04-08-2005, 08:50 AM
kaelaria's Avatar
kaelaria
kaelaria is offline
6th Gear
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
So does anyone have 0-60 times before and after?
 
  #6  
Old 04-08-2005, 04:25 PM
veggivet's Avatar
veggivet
veggivet is offline
6th Gear
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Northeast
Posts: 2,647
Received 111 Likes on 96 Posts
BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW-2
205/50WR16

[/QUOTE]

I just put these tires on new OZ racing wheels and I was blown away. I was running YOKO's AVS ES 100's, and was very happy with those, but these tires will take you into warp speed. Have fun!!
 
  #7  
Old 04-08-2005, 06:34 PM
vegasdan's Avatar
vegasdan
vegasdan is offline
3rd Gear
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Any suggestions on a light 17" wheel and tire combo that isn't out of sight $wise?
 
  #8  
Old 04-08-2005, 06:38 PM
Rick-Anderson's Avatar
Rick-Anderson
Rick-Anderson is offline
6th Gear
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Napa, CA
Posts: 2,748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have to agree with your impressions. I recently switched to the Toyo Proxes4 215/45/17 from the eufora runflats and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! The car is so much more pleasurable to drive! It looks like I will be doing a lont-term test tonight - family emergency and I am leaving for San Francisco in an hour.
 
  #9  
Old 04-18-2005, 07:05 PM
philt's Avatar
philt
philt is offline
1st Gear
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Vegasdan I did the Kosei K1 and Goodyear Eagle combo from Tire Rack. About $1300 for everything delivered to your door. Don't know what your definition of "out of sight" comes in at, but I've been really pleased with tehse both fro street and track use.
 
  #10  
Old 04-18-2005, 07:19 PM
Absorbine_Sr's Avatar
Absorbine_Sr
Absorbine_Sr is offline
3rd Gear
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: NW Indiana
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
And the Kosei K1 TS 17" with Avon TechM 500 215/45/17 comes in around $1300 as well. I don't have them yet (or the car for that matter...soon...soon...) but everything I hear is good. That is also from Tire Rack.


A_Sr.
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Markbett
JCW Garage
6
07-03-2016 04:28 PM
theblackfalcon
JCW Garage
5
10-11-2015 09:49 AM
Chippawaguy
Travel Stories
0
08-18-2015 04:34 PM
xpunisherx
JCW Garage
8
08-10-2015 10:50 PM
bleonard1401
1st Gen Countryman (R60) Talk (2010-2015)
2
08-04-2015 09:39 PM



Quick Reply: Ditched the Runflats: Driving impression



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:39 AM.