[daxler]

Ok 10500 miles later I need some new frount tyres currently I've got the 16" Goodyears on the 5 spoke wheels which came with the car. Just wondering If anyone has changed the tyres for anything different or better - preferably runflat but not that bothered, Maybe somthing slightly wider?

Anyone got any advise they could give me!

cheers

[rich]

I was just about to start a new thread on this question when I spotted daxler's post, so I figured it would be best to add my question here too...

I'm thinking of switching the standard runflats on my Cooper S for something that will improve performance, handling, grip

I don't have much knowledge of tyres, but I read posts from Garfield that picked out the Toyo T1-S as a good option. Weight is 8.8kg (19.4lbs)

To save $$$ I will very probably be sticking with the lightest stock 16" wheels - the X-Lites (V-Spokes) which have a 6.5" rim and weigh 8.0kg (17.8lbs)

Ideal tyre size appears to be 205/50, which has a 24.1" rolling diameter

Please can folks let me know any tyre recommendations, experiences they may have. Much appreciated

Rich

[rmorin]

Don't know about the weight but I have been researching tires and wheels for a couple of weeks. 205-50-16 does seem to be a good compromise between handling, looks and ride comfort. Might want to check out the new Dunlop FM901 tire as well as the Sumitomo HTTRZII. I'm looking at Enkei RS5 wheels. They weigh about 17.5 lbs. and are a simple 5 spoke design which should be easy to maintain. The Kahn Design wheel looks great but is heavy and expensive.

[Garfield]

Where do you use your car?
What kind of performance do you want? Max, All weather?
What's your budget?

There's several I would recommend, but it depends on your needs.

[rmorin]

I will be driving it to and from work every day including bad weather, but plan to use the standard 15" wheels and all season tires from December thru March. Do want great handling but not at the expense of a decent ride. Would like to stay around $1K for the wheels and tires.

Right now I am leaning toward Enkei RS5 wheels in 16 x 7 with either Dunlop FM901 or Sumitomo HTRZII tires in a 205-50-16. Both of these come in around $1K. What do you think?

[rich]

Quote:

Originally posted by Garfield
Where do you use your car?
What kind of performance do you want? Max, All weather?
What's your budget?

There's several I would recommend, but it depends on your needs.

On bad public roads... In the generally warm, dry conditions of Sydney... Want to get most out of car's handling & acceleration based on using stock 16" X-Lites plus tyres @ < USD150/each

[daxler]

looking for something to cope with english roads and english weather - looking for the best tyre but nothing excessive ie £200+ cos this is my everyday car and it could get expensive

[Wentworth]

Goodyear Aquatred 3

These are the best all-season tires I've ever used. I hope to figure an inexpensive way to get them on my Mini.

[Garfield]

Aquatred? No thanks, I'll take a little bit of dry performance.

Daxler, no doubt in my mind, a Pirelli P7000 Super Sport in the 205/50R16. I have them on my Passat 1.8T (225/50R16)and they're great in the rain. Through Tire Rack, they're also one of the ONLY "Ultra High Performance All-Season" tires. They're also one of the lightest tires on the market. They've taken a great deal of abuse through pot holes, weather, and very high performance driving.

Rich, you don't want a soft sidewall if your roads are bad. A strong sidewall equals extra weight, which is why the stiffer R Compounds are heavy (Kumho V700). My Azenis are also a tad heavy, but stiff, and certainly give the best dry traction of any tire I've ever had. They're not bad in the rain, but certainly not meant for much of it.
If you want ultimate dry traction, not worried about wear (mileage), then get the Azenis.
If this was my everyday car, but I didn't get much rain, and wanted to spend the least, I'd go with the Kumho Ecsta 712 or Yokohama A520.
Not minding to spend a little more? Toyo T1-S
For a little longer lasting tire, I'd get the Bridgestone RE730.

Going to a 205/55R16 opens up a lot of possibilities if you don't mind having a slightly taller diameter tire (1.8%).
There's the standard P7000 (non-Super Sport) which would be a great tire.
Also, the AVS Sport, a GREAT traction tire, I just wish it came in a lower diameter. If this tire came in my exact size (215/45R16), I'd be running it simply because of it's ultimate grip, lighter weight, and slightly better longevity than the Azenis'.
The positives to the very slightly taller diameter is more sidewall protection from potholes. You just may loose a tad of acceleration, nothing most would even notice.

Remember, these are just my opinions, based on actual use, other racer's use, reviews and everything else I've read.

[rich]

Thanks for the advice Garfield... Plenty of options to consider there

[Garfield]

rmorin, I just read up on that Dunlop SP Sport FM901. Quite a tire, comes in the 205/50R16, and is CHEAP!

Hmmm, that's another one for you Rich.

[daxler]

will 205/50 R16's fit on the standered 16" 5 spoke wheels ? sounds like quite a bit of width difference to me!

sorry if i'm being a bit dence here but i'm not that familiar with tyre choices.

ps thanks for the advise

[Garfield]

It's only 10mm wider than the stock 16" tire. Not a problem at all. Even the 215's fit fine, but are a close call with the stock offset wheels. I'm running 215/45R16's on the street and 215/40R16's for race.

The standard 16's are 6.5 inches wide. I've fit (albeit it was really wide) a 225 on a 6 inch wheel before for racing.

[daxler]

As the profile is lower is there any issues with speedo inaccuracy?

[rich]

Quote:

Originally posted by daxler
As the profile is lower is there any issues with speedo inaccuracy?

There is a section in the faq that deals with this - gives tyre/wheel sizes within acceptable tolerance