just checking to see what ppls opinions are of running the 15s on an S for street.
I would also like to hear from anyone that converted to 15s on their S and what they like and dislike about the change.
thanks,
db

 

Have had lightweight 15s on my MCS for over 40,000 miles. Started out with 15s for auto-x, and liked it so much I switched to 15s for street.

Doubt I'd ever go back to 16s, and can't imagine 17 or bigger.

Can't think of a single downside to 15s for a street MCS, including looks. The larger wheel/tire rigs look out of place to me. I know that some folks disagree - they like the big wheels on a small car.

But even if I did like larger set-ups better, the performance of the 15s towers over bigger, heavier combos.

Heck, I even like the speedo being off (reads higher than you're actually going).

 

in 6th what are your RPMS on the highway and how off is the speedo?
db

 

You can compute sizes at this Miata wheel/tire size calulator, link posted below.

It also shows how far off your speedo will be.

The answer to your question depends on wheel size, width, as well tire size/aspect ratio. But this calculator will supply that data.

In 6th gear, I guess it comes down to how fast you're going. But it really isn't that much more than stock. I think mine (which is more radical than most) is off by 5.6% - meaning that an indicated 60 mph is really about 56.6 mph.

The "rule of thumb" is no more than a 3% error. If it were the other way around, reading lower than actual, I'd be concerned. But this way, it's just fine with me. YMMV.

And you can calculate the increase in RPMs in a similar manner when you know what speed you wish to examine and the current RPMs in 6th gear.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

I have a set of Rota's Circuit 8's, 15" x 6.5" wheels and am looking at tires now. They have some old worn out Kumo esta 712's on them in 205x55. When I have them on I like the change in final drive ratio but am traction challenged way into 3rd gear.
What are you running? These will be for summer and screwing around at autoX only.

 

I have the exact same street wheels. Currently I'm using 205/50-15 BFG KDW-2 and they're OK.

I have 65K miles on my MCS, so I've been through a lot of tires.

My street favorite has probably been Toyo T-1S - 205/50-15. If the T-1R had been available when I needed tires, I'd definitely have gotten them.

Some folks recommended the BFGs, so I tried them. They aren't bad. Guess I just like the breakaway characteristics of the TOYOs better.

For auto-x, I use Kosei K1 TS wheels, 15x7, with 225/45-15 Hoosier AS304s.

Suspension-wise, I have H-Sport springs, comp sway bar, rear control arms, Koni Yellows, RDR front camber plates.

 

I'd like to see pics...not many people running 15s on the MCS

 

I saw an '05 Cooper S the other day with the whole JCW kit except for the brakes that had 15" BBS wheels on it that looked like the R90s. No JCW badges on it and no sunroof. The "S" is for stealth on this car.

 

me 3,
I want to see some pics!

db

 

Do yourself a favor, and increase the performance and ride on your MINI, go against the norm, and get 15's with 205/55 for the street or 225/45-15 for track too.....You won't be sorry...Only potential drawback is difficulty putting on a big brake kit which you probably don't need anyway if you use good fluid, race pads, and stainless steel lines.....By the way Partsman, the car you referred to also has a LSD..... Hope the springs and shocks are working well....Lighter is better.............

 

If I can snag a set of silver Holeys off ebay for 200 Im going to switch to 15s, I missed a set for 185 a couple weeks ago.
db

 

Photos from MINI2.com of 15x7 SSR's (9.3 lb) with 205/55:

 

I don't think that car has been lowered (springs - H-Sports, H&R, M7, Alta, etc.).

 

If your looking at the Hollies, try the dealer. Mine had a surplus and was desperate to get ride of them. Got mine for half of that.

 

15x7 205/50/15 H&R springs Koni struts
Not an MCS...but has MCS bumpers


I love the ride, and the performance.

 

correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the outside diameter of the tire the same as a 16 or 17 inch? Just the sidewall is thicker? or within a 1/8"? I really don't want to have to lower the car...$$$ and scraping

I like the look of the wheels but not the amount of gap... I've got R84s now and keep my eyes open for some black rims with a polished lip, hopefully something like a Konig Rewind/panasport knock-off

ZAMIRZ car with 15" Rotas:

a dude in Atlanta (don't know his name :

the Konig Rewind:

 

RallyMINI...LOVE that look! Do you find you are scraping with the springs?

 

The Atlanta dealer wants $200, are you saying you got a set for $100???
where???
this is prob a dumb ? but did they have tires?
send me a PM.
db

 

Lots of scraping even sometimes on deep dips. It's only scraping on the air diffuser on the bottom...so its just a plastic piece on the bumper. I have never scraped the important stuff. But you guys with MCS's might need to watch out because most springs drop the car further on MCS's. I am running 205/50 tires because i thought that keeping the stock circumfrence would be bad for looks AND handling. With 205/50's you lower the car a noticable amount.