After destroying my daily tires at a Track Day, i've been deciding if i should get a dedicated set of wheels/tires just for track days.

Budget is my #1 priority. Durability, and performance are next. Looks are way down on the list.

I think i've decided on 15", but open to other suggestions. It seems that people haven't said anything firm on any performance differences between 15, 16, 17 other than 17s for large aftermarket brakes.

One step more detailed, should i go with a 15x6.5 or a 15x7 ?

I have searched and read through old postings, and haven't been able to determine any bottom line advice. Hopefully this thread might be able to consolidate some opinions.

Thanks in advance (i'll ask about tires once we decide on wheels :smile: )
-jim

 

From what I've seen, the general consensus is that 15s are the way to go for the track. Advantages are:

1) generally lighter than bigger wheels;
2) cheaper than bigger wheels;
3) bigger selection and availability of R-Compound tires for 15s;
4) possible gearing advantage with smaller overall diameter wheels and tires -- giving you more torque to pull out of turns.

Personally, I think 15x7 is best way to go since it gives you ability to go with wider tires (for increased contact patch and grip).

The 15" Rota Slipstream (at about $125 per wheel) is a great light wheel at a good price. You can fit Kumho Ecsta V700s (225/45/15) or Victoracers (225/50/15) on them.

 

all the MINI's i've seen at track events (dedicated track cars) have had 17's. i think that's for the big brake kits though. if you haven't reached a point where your driving beyond your brakes ablity you will be soon. keep that in mind.

 

I run 17s because of my BBK, though I see no reason to run smaller if it was not the issue
I run the Kosei K1. 17x7.5 with the Toyo RA1 205/40. Very light combo, lighter then many 16 and some 15 as the toyos in this size are among the lightest of all. These are "R" compounds.
GREAT track tire that will last you a good season of track days. I had mine shaved to 4/32. Here is a link to a great place to buy them at.

http://www.bmwwheels.com/

 

I run 15x7 BBS RW with Kumho 710's for track use. Besides looks, there is no reason other than Big Brake Kit to run larger wheels. Cheap, light (sorta) and they will get ugly over the years.

Kosei and Rota are good choices for the budget minded.

I ran a three day weekend at Mid Ohio on stock brakes with HP+ pads. They were certainly adequate in stopping power, BMW - err- MINI has always had decent brakes.

 

That's not necessarily true. There are plenty of people racing and tracking Minis with stock brakes (with good pads and possibly some ducting).

[edit] Good, in this case, means moving past the mediocre offerings of Tire Rack to a more competent pad, and either dealing with the squealing and dusting on the street, or changing your pads (and possibly rotors) at the track. This isn't anything out of the ordinary though... people running a big brake kit will have to do the same thing to get any decent performance out of them.

 

Ok,
I think i might get a set of Konig Next or Rewind. They come in 15x7.0 Alot of the other Konigs come in 16x6.5 only. (Workin on a good deal on these)

Any opinions on Konig's?

If i go with 15x7.0, what tire sizes ranges can i use. (Pessimistic question, but if i would happen to quit track days and make these a set of snow tires, will a set fit)

Thanks for the input,
-jim

 

Konigs are good wheels. I run 205-50-15 on track and snow tires will fit in the off season!

 

I run 205-50's on my konigs when i take it to the race track. No problems here

 

... aren't Konigs like 100 lbs? I always thought of them as heavy wheels and not a great performance choice.

 

My #1 pick for my next set of wheels is the 15x7 BBS that tire rack is now offering. Awesome looking and very lightweight.

 

Galaxie... would you need any fender trimming to clear the 225/50? especially on a stock suspension? I have a set of Yoko ES100s that I'm a little hesitant to put on.

 

mine are 13lbs

They arent SUPER light like SSR comps....but im just a poor college kid, ya gotta give me a small break

 

Oh the RG-F? Thats one of the sharpist BBS's out right now!



I LOVE the red caps!

Alex

 

It really is...i saw it in person on a mini, they are to die for

 

Nope. My car's lowered an inch (H-Sport springs) and I don't have any real rubbing issues with my 225/50/15's.

 

Alex,

What's the weight and offset on these BBS?

Are they hubcentric or you need to run a ring?

How do they compare to the RE ?

 

ATS Comp Lite in 15x7 is about 13 lbs and around $100 each. You can choose silver, anthracite, and bronze too I think. I have a set in 35mm offset but have not tried fitting it to a Mini yet (still on order). Not sure if it will rub, nor do I know if the 11.75" Wilwoods would fit under it.

 

10.2 lbs et 42
BBS ring system included.
in what aspect?

Alex

 

Weigth-wise?

 

its a hard compaison due to diffrent diameters

15x7 RG-f 10.8 lbs
16x7 RG-f 12.8 lbs

18x8 RE 19.0 lbs

both are cold forged

 

Wow! Tire Rack has 15x7 SSR Comps on sale right now: $289 each. Not exactly cheap, but 9.3 lbs!!!!

 

Alex,

Are you saying the RE is NOT available in 15"? I was told it was, but then again, I am sure you are right.

JP