Should I lower my Cooper or get performance tires?

[Chilipeppa03]

Hi I have a 2003 MINI Cooper and I am wondering if I should lower it first or get bigger tires for the stock 8 spoke 15 inch rims. Since these rims are only 15x5.5 what is the biggest size tire I could put on it? Maybe like a 205/50/15 will fit? If I lower it first what would be the advantages of that? Also what are the best springs out right now?

[TT_Convert]

Ooh, questions, questions!

Lowering makes it look nice, and sharpens the handling. Eibach's are good, not expensive - lots of people have them and like them. Don't know about the size of the tyres right of the top of my head, but unless you're changing the alloys, I would personally see much of an advantage obvously more rubber = better handling, but wouldn't be something I would consider.

Tuning would obviously give you the most noticeable change in the car via a remap, and probably be my first mod, as it gives the most fun. Then would lower. Then alloys.

[dansmini]

My vote is for lowering. It will give you looks and performance increase. A "double your pleasure" deal! And I recommend H-Sport springs. You can definitely get lower springs than H-Sports, though.

[Chilipeppa03]

What kind of springs are lower than the H-sport ones. And where can I buy the hsport springs from? Also do you guys have the amount of inches each spring company makes the Cooper drop?

[TT_Convert]

Eibach's are -20mm. Seems a sensible amount, given that if you go too low, you don't get enough clearance to do speed bumps. And there's no performance in bhp to be had from lowering springs, of course - just better handling.

[obehave]

If you're not going to buy lighter wheels when changing tires then go with the springs.

[dansmini]

H-Sport is a one inch drop both front and rear. They can be had off of the hotchkis web site. I got mine off of ebay. While you are doing the springs, you may as well do a rear sway bar, too. That's what I did. I got them from this guy:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW

[PM_]

Function Vs Form?

Lowering makes the car looks better

But for improved grip (which is definitely not enough in the skinny std 175 tyres on stock 15s), changing the wheel & tyre combination first is the go

There are two options. First, you may consider changing both wheels and tyres together. Light weight 16sx7 is a good option for Cooper combine with ultra high performance 205/50R16 tyres like Goodyear G1 GSD3. Secondly, you might take the cheaper option (like I did) by changing tyres only - using the existing rim. In 15s 195/60R15 is the size you should go for improved grip and having an adequate choice in tyres. I believe both Michelin Pilot Preceda and Yokohama ES100s are quite good high performance tyres available in this size.

As for lowering Eibachs seems to have a good reputation around here. But I'd only do it after the tyres cos' it's where it makes the most differences in terms of improving cornering speed

[Chilipeppa03]

Thanks guys. I already have a set of 16x7 rims. They are the Konig Holes and they are about 16 lbs a piece. Is that heavy for 16 inchers or about right? I just need new tires.

[PM_]

Quote: Originally Posted by Chilipeppa03

Thanks guys. I already have a set of 16x7 rims. They are the Konig Holes and they are about 16 lbs a piece. Is that heavy for 16 inchers or about right? I just need new tires.

16lbs is reasonably light for 16s - you might wanna get some decent rubber to put on it, e.g. Goodyear F1 GSD3 is a very good value ultra high performance tyre. Tirerack highly recommends them

Otherwise Pirelli P Zero Neros are good too but expensive. I'd get the tyres in 205/50R16.

After you've got the tyres then you might wanna start looking for some lowering springs like Eibach

[OZChris]

Go on do both.

Any excuse to show my car again.

Cheers
Chris

[Chilipeppa03]

I probaly get the falken BRB FK-451 in 205/50/16 for only $69.00 at onlinetires.com. Are these good tires? It is a ultra High Performance tire so it should be good.

[pocketrocketowner]

I myself would keep the 15" and fit the lowest possible profile tire I could get AND lower it. I am totally convinced that these babies perform a whole lot better with shorter tires than with larger ones as their gearing is way too long (for MPG reasons).

[Mike Edwards]

Just fitting tyres with smaller sidewalls to your existing rims would mean your speedo will read high and make the car lower geared.

It will also look weird...

[Bilbo Baggins]

The question was never asked, but are you interested in actual performance modifications or just cosmetic modifications?

For preformance mods. "pocketrocket" in correct, especially anything pre '05 build date. The only concern would be if you were planning any sort of class racing where there are rules that control tire and wheel sizes. If you break the rules you get bumped to a higher class and faster competition.

For cosmetic mods. it is all up to your eye as to what you want it to look like. Nobody can help you there.