I'm certain this has been discussed elsewhere, but I just can't find it. I am looking for the wheel/tire configuration (wheel size, offset, tiresize) that will result in the largest tire width without tire rub on a MINI.

Will any configuaration permit more than a 215 wide tire?

 

I will be ordering some BFGoodrich T/A KD's in this size in a couple weeks!

There is some crazy #%&!# out there who is running 275 cross section tires (and really goofy fender flares). I forget who it is, but he drives a yellow MCS... This did take a LOT of body work, and I doubt it helped performance at ALL! But it looks FAT!

CB

 

I really don't want to make any external body mods (flares) to accommodate wider tires. I might consider some internal plastic cutting / sheetmetal forming (big f%$^$#g hammer) to accommodate the rubber.

 

Then you can do a 235-40-17 on a 7.5-8" rim. I'd start with a 45 offset wheel, then use 3mm spacers in the rear to clear the trailing arms and 5mm in the front to clear the struts. Front arches need to have the lip cut away (not noticeable) and some of the outer part of the plastic fender wells.
The rears take more work. Remove the arches and cut the lip away like the front. You also need to cut away inner support lip out (you will know what I mean when you do this). You need to cut away a good amount of the outer and rear parts of the plastic well. You need to cut off some of the small studs that support the well (with small nuts). There is a seam just under the lip of the metal fender well (where the fender well meets the fender) that needs to be cleaned up with a grinder. Then you need to start banging out the metal fender. It's very soft and very easy to do. Just work slowly. This is why you have cut away that inner support from the arches because if you leave them they won't fit flush anymore.

With all this work done carefully and slowly, no one will ever notice that it was done. It's not as hard as it sounds. I might bet that with a bit more work you could fit 255s in some tires.

Actually, my sig. pic is with the 235s on.

 

True with the performance issue. With a typically modified Mini S (no head, cam or internal work), a 235 will be slower on a race track then a 205.

 

Onassled,
Thanks for the great info!



Why is this: Suspension geometry or rolling resistance?

 

i think mine is widest w no rubbage

 

Kenchan,
How wide are your tires? I'm already running 215s with no rubbage/no wheel well mods. I assume your wheel setup is as specified on your site. I'm less concerned about wheel track.

 

GSD3 205/50/16 +42 on 16x7.5

GSD3's measure 225mm+ in real life expecially on 7.5" width wheels.

 

Good info, thanks!

 

Great information ! I am about to stuff 225/40/18 on 18x7 rim.. I understand the entire triming in the back.. Do you have any pictures of where you had to cut into on the front ??