Tire Thoughts - 235 on a 7" wheel?
 

I need some help on a tire decision for the MINI. Last season I ran Star Specs in 215/40-17 which left a ton of room, and overall, worked well. But I think I gave up some width.

I have confirmed that I can cram 235/40-17 under my fenders, my only issue is putting them on a 17x7 wide wheel. I have concerns about that as it's an inch smaller than the recommended wheel width per Dunlop. I've never been a big fan of an excessively "rounded" contact patch on a street tire due to using a small width wheel. Has anyone run this size config? I know the stock STi's were putting 255's on 8" wheels, so that's pretty comparable. Thoughts?

My alternative is a 225/45-17 Hankook, which is cheaper, it's width is between the two Star spec sizes, and the tire is a bit taller. I think this might be a good compromise, but I'm not in love with the taller tire. (Although this is the same size as a stock STI Re070 and I had good luck on those).

So, 235 on an 7" wheel, yes or no?

245/40 on a 17x6.5" is doable. You've seen it. Your 235/40 should be fine on the wheel if it fits under the bodywork.

Kev, I was trying to recall the wheel width on the Mazda, were they 6.5"? wow!

Yeah, I couldn't believe it when I saw the first one mounted up. It didn't really look all that weird, and even that relatively light car put the whole contact patch down.

I'm not so sure the extra width of a 235 over a 225 on a 7" rim is really worth it. Maybe at autocross, but for the track I would go with the slightly narrower tire... too bad it's taller... though that would be better for the track as well.

I guess it depends mostly on what you're planning on doing with the car. Everyone knows that wider is better for autocross... but you'll lose some of the feel of the car at higher speeds.

Yeah, still focused on Autocross.

As you know, I was rockin' 265's on an 8" wheel. Despite the rounded edges, I was able to put the entire contact patch down, at the correct tire pressures.

Thanks Guys, I'll make it happen. Besides, I think the Hankooks are on backorder still...

I ran a 195/60/13 on a 13x5. Cantilevered tires FTW. :lol::lol: