195/50 16 on 16" mini rims

[vroom vroom]

Hi I just ditched my 195/55 R16's run flats to 195/50 16s. (non runflats)
This obvously has altered the gear ratio slightly in my 02 cooper however can anyone tell me if there is a major problem in doing this?
Assume that the gear ratio change would be similar to what mini have done to the 05 cooper gearbox?

[obehave]

It's a 3% change. Yorr speedo will be off by 2MPH at 60.

I run 205-50 16s in auto-x and drive to the track with them.Makes a nice change. Should be a bigger change with yours.

[texas]

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave

It's a 3% change. Yorr speedo will be off by 2MPH at 60.

I run 205-50 16s in auto-x and drive to the track with them.Makes a nice change. Should be a bigger change with yours.

Hi there - can you kindly share your experiences with aftermarket tires? Like was here any power increased? Or lower fuel consumption? Perhaps a softer ride (less harsh?)

What tires would you reccomend - i am looking at something light. Went and carried the actual Conti CSC 2 tires - damm light but very expensive due to the high euro.

Hear from ya mate. Thanks!

[obehave]

Quote: Originally Posted by texas

Hi there - can you kindly share your experiences with aftermarket tires? Like was here any power increased? Or lower fuel consumption? Perhaps a softer ride (less harsh?)

What tires would you reccomend - i am looking at something light. Went and carried the actual Conti CSC 2 tires - damm light but very expensive due to the high euro.

Hear from ya mate. Thanks!

I have 2 set.
14.5 lb Monzas 16x6.5 48ET running 215-5016 Dunlop Traction TAs. Daily tires. Very happy with them. Just under 5lbs per corner lighter than OEM setup. Makes a nice difference. The performance gains are very nice. Bought the Monzas used but they're about $120 Ea new. The tires are going for around $100 at TireRack

Second set is:
SSR Comps 11.5 lbs 16x7 42ET runnig Kumho 712s (also bought used with the Monzas) Saves me another 5lbs per corner and makes a BIG difference in acceleration and handling. The Kumhos are not as good in the rain as the TAs bought work well, for me, doing auto-x. I'll drive around with them on for fun sometimes. The difference is very nice.

My best advice is to find your money limit first and then your realistic usage of the tires. Too often I see people here specing track tires for daily use and that just silly. Spec what you can to meet your guidelines. Once you're specific about your target you'll get a lot of good help here.

[vroom vroom]

i went dunlop sp sport 195/ 50 r16s, yes about 5% lighter and and about %5 quicker. ride is better as well but that is because they are not runflats

[texas]

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave

I have 2 set.
14.5 lb Monzas 16x6.5 48ET running 215-5016 Dunlop Traction TAs. Daily tires. Very happy with them. Just under 5lbs per corner lighter than OEM setup. Makes a nice difference. The performance gains are very nice. Bought the Monzas used but they're about $120 Ea new. The tires are going for around $100 at TireRack

Second set is:
SSR Comps 11.5 lbs 16x7 42ET runnig Kumho 712s (also bought used with the Monzas) Saves me another 5lbs per corner and makes a BIG difference in acceleration and handling. The Kumhos are not as good in the rain as the TAs bought work well, for me, doing auto-x. I'll drive around with them on for fun sometimes. The difference is very nice.

My best advice is to find your money limit first and then your realistic usage of the tires. Too often I see people here specing track tires for daily use and that just silly. Spec what you can to meet your guidelines. Once you're specific about your target you'll get a lot of good help here.

Agree wif you on that. i m definitely not getting any track tires simply because i dun need them and secondly, the wear is too heavy for me. What I am after is light weight tires. That to me is most important - followed by grip then wear...

I do like the Conti CSC 2 but far too expensive over where I am at. For 4 tires 205/16/50, you are looking at SGD1000, or about USD605. I believe thekumho that you r using cost us about SGD400 or USD242. After some of the stuff that i read, would like to have a look at the toyo tires too.

Thanks for ya advice. By teh way do you know of any links where i can find out the weight of the tires? Thanks!

[MINNOW]

Quote: Originally Posted by vroom vroom

i went dunlop sp sport 195/ 50 r16s, yes about 5% lighter and and about %5 quicker. ride is better as well but that is because they are not runflats

What model of Dunlops are these? FM Sport 901's?
I have also been considering going to 195/50R16 for my Cooper instead of the stock 195/55's or the most common replacement size of 205/50's.
Partly to keep the weight down, and also I don't believe that 205's are needed for a Cooper with 115hp, and I prefer the steering response that a narrower tire provides.
There's not a whole lot of choice in 195/50R16 size though, have found ContiSportContact's and Toyo T1-S's, as well as the Dunlop 901's, that's about it.

[vroom vroom]

They were dunlop sp sport 5000. cost aud $120 each after talking the guy down from $aud140. I have not seen them on the denlop website though, dont know much about them.
steering response and acceleration is much better