R53 CS questions - wheels and pulleys

[Rouleur]

I'm looking at getting an R53 Cooper S some time soon but I just want to clarify what the score is on wheel sizes. ISTR reading years ago in evo that the largest (18"?) wheels messed up the ride.

And am I right in thinking there were two other sizes available? It might just help me chose between cars on the market.

Also what are the rough bhp/torque gains with a 15% pulley on a 2002/03 CS with no other mods? And are they easy to DIY fit?


Thanks

[hyperblue]

18's might give a bit of a harsh ride, but any cars fitted with the awful standard runflat tyres will. Your best bet is to go for a car with 17's and fit normal tyres to them.

[Accelebrate]

If handling and ride quality is more important than looks I'd swap the 17" wheels for 16", or at the very least a 17" wheel which is lighter than the 'S-Line' design...

[Rouleur]

Thanks muchly. Very helpful.