2 replies to this topic

[djshongo]

Model:sprite
Year:1993



Hi guys,
I currently have 185/60/13 superlites on, and was thinking of changing to a set of Cooper 145/60/12's cause I can get em for cheap.

Ive heard that the handling isnt the best with the 145s..?

Anybody any experience or tips?
Thanks

[Cooperman]

Don't confuse handling with road-holding. The best handling Mini I think I ever drove was an early 998 Cooper with 3.5" x 10" wheels and 145/80x10 SP3 tyres. It handled superbly, but compared to modern rubber the road-holding would have been poor (it seemed great back then in 1964).
The worst handling is probably with 13" wheels and very wide tyres. This is beause the suspension and steering geometry has not been altered since the 3.5" x 10" wheels, so with very wide wheels it's way out from that intended.
With 145 tyres on a 12 wheel your handling should improve noticeably as will your wet weather grip and road-holding. In the dry it will seem more stable and, in reality, there is no down-side to going from your 13's to those 12's. Your wheel bearings will also last longer as well.
To run on 13" wheels requires a very accurate suspension geometry set-up.
With 12 " wheels the best tyres are probably the Yokohama offering at 165/60x12 once the 145's have worn out.

[djshongo]

Thanks for all that info Cooperman! thats a great help