tyre size

[oldboyracer64]

hi all when i got my mini it was on 13" 175/50/13 wheels and tyres
but im now looking to put it back on 12" so what i need to know is what size tyre should a 1989 mini racing have 165/60/12 or 145/70/12
thanks david

[guru_1071]

145's originally.

[oldboyracer64]

hi has any body used the company before

http://www.blackcircles.com/

thanks david

[FWDRacer]

I wouldn't bother with the 145/70/12 to be honest. The original equipment Pirelli Cinturato in that size are absolute rubbish. If you are intent on keeping it on OE tyres for concours reasons I've got a brand new Pirelli Cinturato tyre, dark stored in my dry loft.

[oldboyracer64]

no not for concours reasons just i dont like the feel of the 13s never have to be honist so thinking of putting it back to a standard mini

[Cooperman]

If you can't fit 10", then 12" is the next best option. You can get some good deals on the Falken 165/60 x 12 at present and they are fine for road use.

[FWDRacer]

+1. Another vote for the 165/60/12 Falkens.

[JimexPL]

145s tend to feel like you're driving on ice when it's wet!
Any of the 165 tyres will be a big improvement over the 145 and give a better ride / adjustable handling when compared to the 13s.

I have Yoko A539s on my car. I've run most 12" tyre combinations, including a 155 metro size pirelli, and these are a great compromise.

[DanGT]

I have run 10" and 12" and never found that much diffrence. The lap times I get with 12" on sprints put me with most minis with the same power running 10". Next year I have a lot more power so it will be intresing to see if that makes a diffrence.

[oldboyracer64]

got round to fitting my 12s today and love it just got to change the sportpack arches to standard now
thanks for all the info
david

[miniboy1971]

John Cooper Garages used to supply 165/60/12 Dunlop tyres as part of a 'Handling Pack' in the early/mid nineties. What better endorsement than that !!

This tyre looked much better as well. The car always seemed to be on tip - toes with the narrower tyre.

[oldboyracer64]

yes i went for Falken 165/60 x 12 on minilites that i redone in white and i would never go back on on 7x13s i think the mini looks more normal now

[Cooperman]

I bet it handles much better on the 12" wheels now as well.