235 width Racing Tires

[Zack]

I'm going to be running in an autocross Race October 21st and Craig Wilcox said he could possibly loan me his racing wheels/tires for my run but he isn't sure if his 235 sized tires will fit. Any input from you all?

[Minidave]

If you're at stock suspension height and have the right spacers they may fit, but they won't help. What you need is more time on track first before you worry about tires....

[Sspreso]

Apples (R58) to oranges(R53), but I'm running 235s on my stock sport suspension.

[Minidave]

Zack, you've only done 1 event, the only thing you need to worry about at this point on your tires is that your wheels are torqued on properly and the air pressure is set right, getting stickier tires may improve your time a tiny bit, but you'll get huge improvements by learning the proper line and not hitting any cones. IOW, the part that you really need to improve the most and that will show the greatest results is the nut behind the wheel!

At your last event the top time was set by a Justa, wasn't it? That should show you that high HP and the fattest tires are not how you get around quickly. On the same course and the same day, the guy driving the Justa could better your time in your car by a huge amount because he knows how to drive properly.

Changing sway bars, tire pressure, tire width and stickiness only masks the issue and in some cases can make it worse......first you need to know how those things will affect what you're doing, then you can learn how to use them to your advantage.

Bottom line, you should leave your car alone, set it up consistently and learn how it works, then make small changes as your skill level improves. You should be less concerned with your time compared to others and more concerned with improving your skill set and your own time from event to event.

[Zack]

Zack, you've only done 1 event, the only thing you need to worry about at this point on your tires is that your wheels are torqued on properly and the air pressure is set right, getting stickier tires may improve your time a tiny bit, but you'll get huge improvements by learning the proper line and not hitting any cones. IOW, the part that you really need to improve the most and that will show the greatest results is the nut behind the wheel!

At your last event the top time was set by a Justa, wasn't it? That should show you that high HP and the fattest tires are not how you get around quickly. On the same course and the same day, the guy driving the Justa could better your time in your car by a huge amount because he knows how to drive properly.

Changing sway bars, tire pressure, tire width and stickiness only masks the issue and in some cases can make it worse......first you need to know how those things will affect what you're doing, then you can learn how to use them to your advantage.

Bottom line, you should leave your car alone, set it up consistently and learn how it works, then make small changes as your skill level improves. You should be less concerned with your time compared to others and more concerned with improving your skill set and your own time from event to event.

Dave. I have autocrossed in over 25 events since 2005. I have autocrossed the Mini in only about five events. I'm not quick yet but I was advised by some Mini guys at the events that my new sway bar will improve my times.

2005-2007 - #22 Saturn SL1
2008-2011 - #65 Mazda 3
2011-present - #53/#37 Mini Cooper S

[Minidave]

My mistake, I thought you said the last one you drove was your first.....

[Zack]

My mistake, I thought you said the last one you drove was your first.....

The first autocross in the Mini was earlier this year. I have done races before. I sucked at them but I had a blast. The sway bar will make it more fun. I'm by no means an autocross expert that's for sure. I was told that the sway bar will allow me to corner on the track much easier and not have to let my foot off the throttle as often.

[Counterfit_Mini]

You could lower it too.... It would make the handling better.

[Zack]

You could lower it too.... It would make the handling better.

Except I'm almost 30. It would kill my already bad back. Ouch. I've driven a lowered car before. Hurts.

[Counterfit_Mini]

Depends on what springs you use to lower it. If you do a really crazy drop it ruins the ride comfort.