60 replies to this topic

[fatboy-rdt]

Hi All

About to get my 1991 1275 Cooper back on the road and whilst I'm getting the various bits of welding done, was thinking about sorting out 7x13 wheels. Having only ever driven on the standard 12s, I was just after some opinions on handling and the general effect on the feel of the drive if I decide to go ahead??

Really appreciate any advice!!

Cheers
Rich

[the.stroker]

imo stay with your 12s,sice ive put 13s on mine it handles like a dog,tramlines and not as fast top end,just my opinion though,not just my car either,two of my mates have converted to 13s and their minis behave the same,all my geometry,balancing re done post fitment,still does it!

[fatboy-rdt]

imo stay with your 12s,sice ive put 13s on mine it handles like a dog,tramlines and not as fast top end,just my opinion though,not just my car either,two of my mates have converted to 13s and their minis behave the same,all my geometry,balancing re done post fitment,still does it!

Cheers Stroker. Thats good to know. I suppose I was thinking I wanted the width for more stability rather than the size, but it would appear that 6inches is pretty much all you can get in 12s without getting some pretty horrible looking 'halfords style' rims which belong on someones corsa and not on a mini! but if going upto 7x13s isnt going to drive well, then theres no point!
Thanks.

Rich

[the.stroker]

dont just take my word for it mate,im sure someone has a different outlook on them,i mean they make the mini look fat and wide,and corner like its on rails,so there are some plus sides.the mini was never designed to take 13 inch wheels,also puts alot of strain on suspension components,and wheel bearings.

Edited by the.stroker, 05 August 2008 - 12:30 PM.

[998dave]

better to stick with 12's and get some nice tyres.
Then look at improving handling through camber, suspension, etc.

[cooperdan]

stroker is spot on there nice to look at but "mechanically *rubbish*!!" lol. just add tread goes like anything replacing tyres all the time lol

[fatboy-rdt]

Ok, cheers for the input guys. Definitely given me something to think about.

[captainjack15]

To be, or not to be. That is the question.

[taffy1967]

Ok, cheers for the input guys. Definitely given me something to think about.

Don't forget to register it on the Mainstream Cooper Register: -

http://mainstreamcoo...080805170932732

[Bungle]

6x12's

[m1n1]

If you get 13 x 7 alloys; you need to get the caster / camber sorted. I have the 1.5 fixed lower arms and adjustable tie rods fitted; now my tyres don't wear out on the outside edge like they before i had hem fitted on the 165/60 12's or previous set of 195/55 13's. Having a different caster angle has stopped it tramlining altogether; think it was set at 4 degrees but cant remember.
They wear like any modern tyre; not to fast; and 4 years down the line am quite happy. There's alot of talk about wheel bearings wearing out rather fast as well; Ive not had that problem.

However they are big wheels and the tyres do grip very well; it is hard to achieve wheel spin from a standing start at the traffic lights!

[taffy1967]

If you go to 13's, you'll also have to cut back your front wings to stop the wheels fouling.

You'll also have to modify your steering rack too so it doesn't foul on full lock.

KAD now supply special adapters that do the job, so it saves fitting a Sportspack type of steering rack.

[fatboy-rdt]

think I am going to go down the the 6x12s route. It will be an improvement on standard hopefully without the pitfalls of going up to 13s.

Cheers all!

[biggav]

I have 13's.... i'd never go back to 12's.

Granted i did spend over a grand on suspension and mods.

[taffy1967]

6x12's

Looks awesome Bungle, I love the arches too.