Best whl/tire setup for track use??

[hotdogmini]

Can someone please point me to information on the best track setup for the MCS? It does not need to conform to any racing class or anything... this is just for driving schools at big tracks like The Glen. I realize there might be threads for this already and I am looking for those. Please feel free to point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance. Cheers.

[jasonve]

I would go with a 16" rim 7" wide minimum (do 15s fit the S??? if so they may work too... the biggest factor here is weight!!! The lighter the better... Idealy here we are under 15 pounds each (rim only)

Then for tires I would go with a good high Perf street tire or some of the more durable R compound DOT race tires like the Kuhmo V700 ... size will depend on exact rim width ect.....

[hotdogmini]

Thanks for the advice. I am trying to locate a set of the stock 16" MCS wheels (they are called X Lite or something like that). Supposedly they are the lightest MINI wheel from the factory, among the 16 and 17 sizes. I thought I could get a set of those as "take offs" for a reasonable price, then I could pick out some tires to go with them. My 17" runflats are unacceptable for the track. Once I get a set of the 16s, I am trying to decide which tire (and which size) I should put on them....

[Boo]

Here are mine, they work great on the track...
OZ Racing Chrono Evolution with Bridgestone Potenzas RE540R 215/45/17
The Chronos leave lots of space for the air to get to the breaks

[Boo]

and the tread pattern...

[Grinder]

Boo...how are those things in the rain?? I tried looking 'em up on the bridgestone website "search by product", but I cant find any mention of them...

[hotdogmini]

Boo,
Those look incredible. Thanks for sharing. That is exactly the type of feedback I was hoping for.
Regards,

[Bk MCS]

If you want light wieght, which you do, check out the SSR competitions in 16x7.5 in (they weigh 11.2lbs each), downside is they are $1300. The rims alone save you around 25lbs off the stock x-lite 16s. Then get some nice r compounds race tires since your will be switching them out.

[robbo mcs]

Hi,

From what you are saying it sounds like you want a dedicated set of track rims and tires, and are going to keep your street set-up.

You say you are not worried about class, categories etc.

First of all you need to think about rim size

Generally the pros and cons are

Larger rims (diameter and width) : pros are allows wider tires with a bigger contact patch, allows fitting of a bigger brake kit, allows better brake ventilation. Cons are it adds weight (unsprung which is bad) and is more expensive for both the rims and tires

Smaller rims : pros are they are lighter, cheaper and tires are cheaper. Cons are they potentially restrict after market big brake kits and have a smaller contact patch.

Next you need to think about weight. After you have decided on the size what are your priorities? You can spend big bucks on a lightweight rims. By going lightweight you will save fractions of a second, but it costs. What are your priorities? If you simply want to have fun on the track I would not spend megabucks on light rims. If however, you are competative, it may be worth it.

Next tyres. If you are using them for track only, or driving to and from the track I would recommend a street legal semi slick tyre. Unfortunately I am in Australia, so the tyres here are different.

I am using standard mini 16 inch lights with dunlop formula R DO-1J semislick tyres 205/16/50 and am very happy with the set-up.

By the way, I am running 35psi HOT all round, but am still experimenting

Robbo

Attached is a pic of one of my rims I just took in my garage. Unlike many photos this is a real life photo, fresh from the track with brake dust, scrubbed rubber with many "marbles" attached.

[Grinder]

Robbo, is that an M3 wheel I see in the background? Niiice

[robbo mcs]

Hey Grinder you have a great eye!

Yes that is a portion of an E46 M3 19 inch rim.

Check out my photo gallery.

In my garage there is

2003 BRG MCS
2002 Oxford Green 4.4 X5
2001 Topaz Blue E46 M3

I dont have any tractors. However I do have a couple of horses!

Robbo