235/40R17 is it possible?

[minimc]

Too wide?

My 03 MCS currently rides on R85 S-lites, shod with Dunlop 9000’s. The tyres are just about worn out, and I’m contemplating replacement with WIDE non-runflats. The tyres I am considering are 235/40R17.

I’ve read the FAQ’s section, but its not complete nor exhaustive, and there’s pertinent information missing – specifically relating to tyre/wheel combinations & strut clearance, as some tyre sidewalls bulge more than others (near the strut).

I’m also aware of the wheel-offset calculator & have used it, but this doesn’t really help when one is seeking clearance measurements.

So… I went out to the car last night & tried to measure. This wasn’t easy & I'm not confident of the accuracy, but I got a measurement of 12.5mm between the tyre and strut. I measured just above the wheel rim where the tyre is widest.

An SP 9000 mounted on an R85 protrudes almost 14mm on each side of the wheel (or approx. 13.58% of the tyre section width) (tyre section width 205.74mm mounted on 177.8mm (7”) wide R85 wheel).

The wider tyres I’m considering would also necessitate wider 8” wheels or 8.5" wheels. My intent is keep the % of tyre overhanging the wheel as similar to OE as is feasible. From my measurements the ideal tyre would be no wider than 230.79mm, but I’m still considering the 235, as it would keep the diameter very close at 24.4” (OE = 24.1”).

Disclaimer:
I appreciate that I’m on the fringe here & what I’m seeking might seem illogical or unreasonable. So… if you have information that’ll show me it’s physically impossible to fit a given tyre then please let me know. …But please keep it objective. Ie. Whether or not YOU would want such wide tyres, or whether or not you think I’m daft are subjective.
Please & thank you for your thoughts.

[modmanmini]

Can you imagine how good that would look on a Cooper? Such a fat and squat look, it would look incredible. I have been thinking about doing the same thing, but it very hard to find 8" wide rims for the mini, that are not terribly expensive. I might just go with a 225/40/17 on a 17x7.5" for ease of getting rims. Somebody could chime in with their storys or ideas.

cheers, jason

[MINIAC]

Members List > Search Members > Advanced Search:

pkrehbiel has 225/45-17 Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 on 17x7 OEM R90 [ET48]

johnlummis has 225/45-17 Dunlop SP Sport 9000 on 17x7 Kahn RS-R [ET35]

Wouldn't 235/40-17 tires on the front make steering sluggish?

[minimc]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

Members List > Search Members > Advanced Search:

pkrehbiel has 225/45-17 Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 on 17x7 OEM R90 [ET48]

johnlummis has 225/45-17 Dunlop SP Sport 9000 on 17x7 Kahn RS-R [ET35]

Wouldn't 235/40-17 tires on the front make steering sluggish?

As for what would happen to steering, I'm not certain, that's partially why I'm asking. But even if it did slow the steering response a bit MINI's steering is SO quick now I wouldn't be too worried unless I were competing in slalom or similar.

cheers!
mc

[minimc]

BUMP

...Just getting this on top of the heap again so I can hopefully get a few more responses.

Also

Recently saw photos of an MCS with 8.5x17" wheels, tyres were 225/40/17 front, 245/40/17 rear. WOW!!!

[modmanmini]

I run these tires and they do not rub at all. I am not sure how those guys are running such large tires. A 225/45/17 tire is a full inch bigger at 25" total diameter than the stock wheel and tire combo of 24" The problem with the size I like which is 225/40/17 is only one tire manufacturer seems to make that size, and that is Nitto. And the 235/40/17 would require a 8" wide rim.

[EBMCS03]

So how "bad" is running 225/45/17? What would be the downside with 225/45/17? Slower acceleration? Higher gas consumption? Ride? Handling? I just like the looks... I like wide tires on cars they look a lot better.


Also did anyone figure out if 235/40/17s would work w.out too much buldging?

[modmanmini]

I like the look of wide tires too, especially on a small car like the mini, gives it a much more aggresive look. Think 84' rabbit with stock wheels, and then a rabbit with the wide arches and fat tires! 235/40/17 size tire wil require an 8" wide rim which is hard ro find for our cars. I am going to go with a 225/40/17 tire on a 7" wide rim, the only downside is only one tire company has that size and that is nitto. Not a bad tire, just wish there was some more choices.

cheers, jason

[EBMCS03]

Ah... but I'm not planning on getting 8" wide rim so I guess thats out of the question. I'm going to stay with 17X7" either my current S-lites or the R90s. What about going with 225/45/17? would that be bad? Would it rub and such?

[minimc]

Quote: Originally Posted by EBMCS03

Ah... but I'm not planning on getting 8" wide rim so I guess thats out of the question. I'm going to stay with 17X7" either my current S-lites or the R90s. What about going with 225/45/17? would that be bad? Would it rub and such?

It all depends on the tyre you are using, and how wide the section width is, when mounted on your wheel of choice. The few ppl I've seen posting about 225/45/17 tyres on MINI2 / elsewhere say that they do rub, and that fender modifications are required.

Technically a 245/45/17 is within 3% (or on the bubble), which is generally acceptable plus-sizing, though at the limit. It seems that our little cars are more difficult to plus-size.

I still don't know if the 235/40/17 combo will work... I'm thinking of biting the bullet though. I'll need to chat with the dealer though and see if he wouldn't be agreeable to exchange for credit if they won't fit.

Thanks for the input all!

[EBMCS03]

HUmm man... even 225s might be pushin it huh? forget it.. maybe i'll just go wtih 215s and save myself the trouble...

but please let me know how you're work out maybe it can stil be done... and if it can I would like to do it.