8 replies to this topic

[bishen67]

I bought 4 x what I thought were standard Rover minilite type 12" wheels.It turns out that 2 x were correct 4.5 x 12 but x2 were copies and 5 x 12"   I presume that 155 70 12 tyres are recommended,as this is a nil budget rebuild it will be cheapie tyres and not well known makes.

[MrBounce]

The two standard sizes used on Minis were always 145/70 12 or 165/60/12 (or 165/55/12 for Yoko A048Rs). The 155/70/12 was a popular size in the 80s as it was used on many smaller-wheeled Fords, Vauxhalls etc. I used to have a set on my old GT in the 90s. Don't know if if was the make or not but the handling, roadholding and ride increased significantly when I changed back to 145s. I didn't even know they still made the 155s.

 

One other thing to consider - the tyres on your car are your only contact patch between you and the road. Always buy the best you can afford 

Edited by MrBounce, 13 July 2016 - 08:34 PM.

[bishen67]

Ok thanks,yes i remember working on cars with smaller size wheels, 4.5 wheels usually had 145 size and 5.00 was 155 05 5.5 wheels had 165,s. I did price the 145 and 155 and the price was the same.I think I may go with 155 as they are more suitable for the slightly wider odd wheels.Yes ,I remember upgrading my Mk 1 Escort from front drums,12" wheels and 1300cc to discs,13" wheels and 1650 cc. Oh happy days.Just thought I would see what people preferred. Cheers   .

[Cooperman]

155/70 x 12 is not a type approved size for a classic Mini. It needs to be 145/70 x 12 or 165/60 x 12.

[gazza82]

Not sure whether having 4.5s and 5s mixed on your car will make it handle well. Budget tyres will make it worse.

 

Remember they have to be on the same axle too!

[bishen67]

I did not realise two wheels were different,it was the guy doing the refurb who pointed it out when it was already done. I will put the wider ones on the front and have had a price for Hankooks which are decent. I may buy a couple of matching wheels when funds allow,then I may refurb or let the guy who did the others have a go. I may price up the 165,s Thanks for the advice.

[Cooperman]

Put the wider ones on the rear. The rear track is 2" narrower than the front as standard.
Hankook are not highly regarded on the classic Mini.

[pothole]

My 97 Cooper was up for an MOT, and I noticed that the front tyres 165 60 r12 were near limit, as I could not afford at the time to replace them, I switched all four for my Sidewalks 155 70 r12. It passed and I left them on and drove 39 miles along the Fosse Way to Gaydon for the mini show, the ride had certainly changed it was not as comfy and smooth as it usually ran. I replaced the 165 60 r12 and left them on the Sidewalk, I had always preferred the ride in the Cooper to the Sidewalk, but now the Sidewalk was much better, not as bouncy.

So this is just my experience with 165 and 155 tyres, it definitely made a difference to the ride.

Unfortunately when I bought the Sidewalk they were fitted with 155's so I assumed they were standard to the car and replaced them all last year, wish I had done this experiment sooner, as both would be fitted with 165's.

[bishen67]

Thank you