donemcclure

Ok, so I've decided on swapping the wheels/tires this fall once the weather is cooler. Since I'm running the track this season I think I'm going to wear through these runflats a bit faster, and I want to have an all-season this winter since its my daily driver. So here's my question for anyone: Does it make any performance (on or off track) if a 225/40 is mounted on an 8.5 inch wheel vs an 8.0 inch wheel? From what I can tell the section width on the tire would be about .2" wider, but tread width would be maybe half that. So is .1" a difference? Or is it just fitment in the wheel well and overall look that is the deciding factor? I don't want my wheel/tire to "poke" out so I'm leaning to 18x8 ET45 but if an 8.5 is better.... Any thoughts/advice?

Thanks to Corey and David for all the set up/tear down, and running the school earlier this year. If you're new to your mini, I highly encourage you to come out, or sign up for the next autocross school. It's a great way to learn how to handle your go-kart...these cars will probably do more than you are comfortable with. So if you're thinking of running the Dragon, or pushing some twisties in the DMV area...you should run the track first. It's a fun supportive environment, just compete against yourself each run. You'll be glad you did, I am. See ya Saturday!

@Atomic Monkey, just sent you a message. Can meet up, or lead the two of us. : ) Weather looks cold/rainy Saturday morning so maybe not the best day, but up for whatever. Since there were no RSVPs I marked it as CANX, but let me know.

The pics are great! Thanks for being out there and taking the time to post these...now I gotta figure which ones I want. : )

@Egadd, thanks! I think I would be about the same , not more than 6-8 a year. No other concerns on tires or other suspension things to keep an eye on? This is my first Mini, and I want to enjoy it but make sure I take care of it to keep the good times rolling. : )

Ok all, last weekend at the track was a blast! I think I want to sign up for the season, but I need to keep it as my daily driver as well. How hard on the car is auto-crossing and will it change what I have to do as far as maintenance schedules etc..? Just looking for some thoughts/advice.

Oh cool, thanks. I just figured it was a file size or something! : )

I added a couple pics, but I couldn't add videos. Can't wait to see what pictures the guys with real camera's got!

I was thinking of going to Barrel Oak winery and brewery for the April HSB. It looks like there are some previous runs that ended there. I'm looking at the weekend after Easter, either Saturday 26th or Sunday 27th. Does it matter Sat/Sun, is there a club preference?

That's good to know, thanks for posting. I've used Passport a couple times and they have been really good to work with, knowing that they at least offer some DCMM discounts is even better.

I could try a HSB in April. I haven't led a run, but willing to give it a shot. Also, Monica and I are heading to MOTM (Mini's on the Mack) July/August. Our plan is to hit all the Great Lakes on the way...could certainly make it a run if a few folks wanna tag along.

I didn't realize there was a 3mph difference, I guess I figured it was closer than that. Before this car I drove a 2017 Jeep Wrangler with 35s...so speed was not really a consideration. I really like the looks of either the 215s or the 225s. I also didn't realize the overall size of the tire (diameter) can even vary based on the manufacturer despite being the same width, some I've seen are an inch or so different. My wife and I are heading to MOTM in July, so I need to decide if I'm going to swap the tires before we spend 6hrs a day in the car for a week. Thanks again for the advice.

Thanks! I found a site that has a gallery of wheel and tire options : https://www.fitmentindustries.com/wheel-offset-gallery I do like the look of both 215s and 225s...so I think it will come down to cost and availability once I'm ready. Ok, so last question: Can you calibrate the speedometer for the new tire, or do you just best guess your speed?

Thanks guys! I think I may switch to a regular tire once these are done and look at a compact spare for long trips. I've generally had good luck with tires, so hopefully that will continue. What tire set ups are you running? I've looked at some 215/40R18s which looked pretty nice, but I also don't mind the look of the 205s. As of right now I don't plan to lower the suspension but I for sure have no desire to start shaving or modifying the wheel wells.

Thanks! I'm 50/50 on going to a set of all-season 215/40R18 tires (not runflats)...but I do like to get out and drive on the weekends when the weather is good. We also have a big trip (~2k miles) to MOTM this summer so I just wonder what my options are so that I don't get stuck someplace along the way. I did see some F56 with 225/40R18s (which I could get in a runflat) on fitmentindustries.com without any need to modify the wheel trim...so maybe that's an option? @SneakyBaron How/where do you jack the mini to put on the spare?