New wheels/tires: 15" polished Rota Circuit 8s, Yokohama AVS ES-100 tires

[ZAMIRZ]

Noticed these on ebay and emailed the seller to see if he'd be willing to negotiate a sale out of auction, picked 'em up for a hair over $100/wheel. Called up Wesco tire and got some 205/50-15s. The wheels are polished Rota Circuit 8, 15X6.5 with a 38MM offset. So far no rubbing. Oh yeah, this is hands down the best mod I've done thus far, definately more noticeable than the intake/exhaust/springs. The car now handles better, rides better and in my opinion has a more classic MINI look. Before I forget, 15" Rota with Yoko tire weighs in at ~35 lbs. vs. stock S-lite with runflat which is ~49 lbs. Anyway, on to the pictures...

BEFORE:


AFTER:




hope you guys like 'em, cuz I sure do

[sergio rollerfunk]

They sure give your MINI a very classik look...I like 'em!
What did you do with the S-Lites? (IMHO, the best lookin wheel out there).
What about the exhaust/intake?...wich ones do you have? (...since you didn't feel a big improvement...).


Sergio

[modmanmini]

Gotta tell you I do not like that look at all. They are too small, giving it almost a Geo metro kinda feel. But I am sure they are super light, and no doubt less punishing on the road. Hope you enjoy them.

cheers, jason

[ZAMIRZ]

sergio, S-lites for sale for $350 for the set with fairly worn front and very fresh rear Dunlop runflats. My sig states what other modifications are done to the car. While hte intake/exhaust did give a healthy gain (dynoed 155 at the wheels about a month ago) the overall driving experience wasn't as improved compared to the new shoes.

modman, no worries, can't please everybody. Only important thing is I'm happy.

regards,

amir

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by ZAMIRZ

... got some 205/50-15s.

This tire size is outside the ±3% variance from stock. Why did you choose this size over the preferred 205/55-15?

Quote: Originally Posted by ZAMIRZ

My sig states what other modifications are done to the car.

Some people don't view MINI2 with signatures ...



Please create a MINI Profile ...

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?p=586040

[ZAMIRZ]

MINIAC, thanks for the heads up on the MINI profile, I just filled it out

Main reason I went with this tire size is because it was recommended by more than 1 person who avidly auto-X their MINI on the NAM forums. I'm happy with my choice thus far, and since the MINI speedo is a bit ambitious itself, I'd say it's about spot-on now.

[MINIAC]

ZAMIRZ,

Thanks for completing your MINI Profile and for your reasons on choosing the 205/50-15s

[Aurel]

As I said on NAM, that is the best looking wheel I have ever seen for a MINI! Total class!!!

It inspired me to go down from 16" instead of up ...

[monkeynuts]

That car looks the dogs.....

Retro is cool and those wheels do give the car a solid look like the old mini.

i would love to see the new mini in small 14" or 15" split rims!!

[Humourl3ss]

Those look trée cool. I've been a little alarmed the last few years with the proliferation of excessively oversized rims. Sure, I have the 17" S-lites, but that's because I was foolish enough to order the full Sport Pack.

My MCS looks a lot better proportioned on 15" 8-spoke rims (AE Series 169); the Rotas look similar.... just better.

-CW

[ZAMIRZ]

Quote: Originally Posted by Humourl3ss

Those look trée cool. I've been a little alarmed the last few years with the proliferation of excessively oversized rims. Sure, I have the 17" S-lites, but that's because I was foolish enough to order the full Sport Pack.

My MCS looks a lot better proportioned on 15" 8-spoke rims (AE Series 169); the Rotas look similar.... just better.

-CW

Heh CW, I also got the full sport pack and regretted it afterward. I like the DSC and foglights, but in reality I would've only gotten the xenons from the package had I been a little wiser. 15s rule!

Scooby and Aurel, thanks, retro is cool!

[Humourl3ss]

Quote: Originally Posted by ZAMIRZ

Heh CW, I also got the full sport pack and regretted it afterward. I like the DSC and foglights, but in reality I would've only gotten the xenons from the package had I been a little wiser. 15s rule!

Scooby and Aurel, thanks, retro is cool!

That photo just reinforces my belief - it's all about proportion. Plus it's just such a very cool and contrasting combo to see the green and blue beside one another.

About the sport pack: I'd love to know what braniac at BMW decided that "boat anchor" weight 17" wheels (thanks to Paulmon for the term; it's very appropriate) and foglights constituted "sportiness".

-CW

[CSDan]

Sweet looking wheels !!
Gives a great look to the car IMO. I also have to agree, the Sport Package was a bit of a waste, but since it was either that or the full boat package(preimium/sport) I went for the lesser of the two evils.
Funny thing, I have my Kosei's on most of the year. But I dont wanna sell the stockers just incase of resale value later on *shrugs* stupid not having enough money *stomps off to rob bank*

[innate]

Zamirz--
I like the look- sharp. I have been considering a similar change in going from 17's to 16's with 205/45/16, which will give me just slightly less reduction in overall tire diameter than you have now. Have you noticed any difference in your gear ratios? (with my stock wheel/tire size, I feel the RPM's are frequently too low in second when I come through a tight 90 degree turn)

[ZAMIRZ]

innate, with the shorter tires and decrease in rotating mass the car is much more lively and I'm only going into 1st now when I come to a complete stop. I can leave it in 2nd and inch over speed-bumps (the downside to this upgrade ) and then get on the gas and the torque pulls the RPMs back up very smoothly without any hesitation, jerking or clutch-work necessary.