Mini R55 Cooper S Clubman - Lowering and new alloys

[Challo]

Picked this project up last month and while the tracking got sorted on Friday it still tramlines really badly on the 17's. All the tyres still have plenty of tread on them, so thinking about going down to a 16' alloy and seeing if this improves things?

Will lowering the car 30mm, and smaller alloys improve or worsen the handling?



The car currently is running 17" Conical Alloys which need a refurb, but thinking something like X-Lites could be an option?

[stevemcs]

If it has runflats on the 17's then that will be your problem, mine does not tramline with 17 or 16's. It might be worth getting the wheel alignment checked too.

[Challo]

stevemcs said:

If it has runflats on the 17's then that will be your problem, mine does not tramline with 17 or 16's. It might be worth getting the wheel alignment checked too.

I dont think they are run-flats but cheapy tyres. I had 4 wheel alignment done on the Friday to sort out the camber etc and it was out so it has improved it, but still feels twitchy.

I'll stick on some 16"s with slightly smaller tyre width and see how that feels.

[Maracus]

I've got 17s on our R56 MCS. The non runflat Kumhos don't tramline at all, all will need replacing soon.

May go back to RFs

[itsnotarace]

Tramlining should not be dictated by run flats or not, its the width between the wheels and the width of the tyre thats important. Try some spacers if anything (and longer wheel bolts & locking bolt)

[Hyde]

I run various 17" and 18" rims on my R55 and don't suffer from tramlining
Then again the first thing I did was replace the runflats

I also lowered it a smidge to remove some of that awful wheel arch gap, the second generation MINIs sit way to high stock!

[rigga]

Run 17's non run flats, previously v12 evo Hankook 215/45 and now Federal RSR same size, lowered on AP coillovers, and zero tramlining on either set of tyres.

[Challo]

Lowering springs are being fitted on Monday so take it down 30mm. Going to see how that goes, but really want to fit 16’s with a higher profile tyre.

Keeping an eye on eBay and Gumtree for sets. I have conicals on mine which should get a few quid if I sold them.

[BIRMA]

When I first bought my Clubvan the ride was dreadful but the handling entertaining if not a bit bone-shaking at times. So I set about changing it, first thing was to have fitted the Tein EDFC active coil-over system this gives a choice of ride height and the transformation is night and day. I'm running 215 17's mainly due to the big brake kit all round but have never experienced any tram lining. Despite some comments about the quality of the Rota RB wheels I have found them to be superb both in the quality of finish and so far still look good after 2 years.

Edited by BIRMA on Friday 10th July 09:45