I have an '02 MCS (with a 15% pulley, Alta intake and rear sway bar, Milltek Sport exhaust, short shifter, brake ducts, stainless steel lines, etc.). I haven't tracked the car in 2 years and have been "out of the loop" re: all things Mini during this period. I'm anticipating getting the car back on track, and would like to get some recommendations from those of you who know what's available nowadays for the car.

I'm planning on getting a set of Hoosier R6's. Is 15" all around the best wheel size? What tire sizes would be good? Which brake pads are people using now? Thanks in advance.

 

I've got my eye on some 15" wheels and 205/50R15 Toyo RA1 tires (the spec miata setup, which just happens to also work on a MINI). As longs as you don't have bigger brakes, that's the ticket, I think, for track use on a budget.

I've been using 16x7.5 Kosei K1 wheels (the older star-spoked ones, not the newer twin-spoked ones) with 215/45R16 Azenis which work pretty well for autocross and track, and are nice and cheap. Azenis in that size have been backordered though, so my next set of tires (arriving tomorrow) are the Hankook RS2 - still 215/45R16.

 

Spindoc,
Before you spend big bucks on the Hoosiers, or any other R compound tire, you need to get front camber plates and rear control arms. Otherwise you will core the outsides of the fronts in no time. You might only get one or two track days out of them.
So, if your looking to get the car track ready then I would first get the camber plates and rear control arms.
As far as wheels and tires go, you really need to consider that if you get real aggressive on track days that you may want a front big brake kit. If you go with 15s then your about out'a luck with future stopping power. My favorite setup for the track would be some good light 17"x7.5" wheel (I like the Rota Subzeros) and the Toyo RA1s 205-40-17, shaved to 4/32. This gives you a small dia. tire that about as light as they come. Now you can fill that space with a TCE Wilwood 13"x.81" BBK. Again, you will loose some weight with these over stock.
This is a good place to start. Once there then take it a bit further with mods if you want.
Have fun

 

What type of brake ducts do you have?

 

Custom fabricated by German Speed Merchants in Wilmington NC. Much more useful and durable than previous attempt with dryer hoses.

 

Thanks, good advice!

Also thinking about getting some Koni Yellows as my OEM shocks now have 50,000 miles on them - does this make sense?

Also, any recommendations on brake pads?

 

Yea, Koni yellows are nice, though to be honest, I'm not so up to date on what's new this last two years. Put some thought into this though. Decide what kinda springs you want to go with and then try and match the shocks up with them as far as spring rate and stroke. The biggest killer of these Mini shocks is the mismatch of the above.

Again, I can't speak for pads as I use Wilwoods.

 

Hawk offers a complimentary set HPS for street, and HP+ for track.

I sugest a full set of HPS, and then just fronts for HP+ on track days.

They can easily share the transfer film.

Alex

 

My experience with HP+ pads tells me you'll burn through them in no time on the track, or they'll leave deposits on your rotors which will make them feel like they're warped. Make sure you use a good fluid like Motul.

I'd look into a more aggressive front pad--I've had good luck with PF97s, and you can also find Hawk HT10s for MINIs now. I use stock rear pads (on a Cooper).

Gary

 

I'd previously gone with the Ferodo 3000's in the front and 2500's in the back and was happy with them. I guess I'll just stick with those.

 

I have the 9012's and the HT10's available. Depends on what each user needs.

Alex