9 replies to this topic

[fastestmini998]

hi..
i am currently restoring a 1991 mini.
I am just wondering what modifications have to be done to put on 13x7 inch wheels on the car?

[CobraV8]

You will need to trim the front of the wheel arch quite a bit for clearance.

My car is very low, and has the guards cut larger already (tubbed in the rear), but I needed to trim extra at the front:


But.. they look fantastic:


Your suspension really should be up to scratch, ie good rubbers, shocks, preferrably camber sorted out properly.

[fastestmini998]

Do i need to change any suspension parts or jus change the set up??

[CobraV8]

Everyone in here will tell you you need adjustable shocks, new cones etc etc. In my case I didnt have to change anything as it had all the goodies, so I cant say for sure, but.... all I suggest is that you check that all the suspension bushes, shocks etc are in good condition. No special bits needed.

[robtheplod]

You might need new cones if yours are old and probably adjustable suspension such as Hi-Lo's......

[Bungle]

the reason people say you need new shocks and bushes etc is that 13 inch wheels weigh a lot more than the standard 12 inch mini wheels

[Komenda]

I renewed every suspension part on mine and went for Coils, Hi Lo's etc, but thats only because it is going to be tracked and I don't want anything breaking on me.

I don't get any rubbing even with the dampers on their softest setting, and I have lowered shocks. The car is a sportspack though so the arches, (Like Cobra's have been trimmed) and steering rack were already done for me.

[CobraV8]

the reason people say you need new shocks and bushes etc is that 13 inch wheels weigh a lot more than the standard 12 inch mini wheels

My car had the stadard 12 inch mags - and I agree that they weigh less than the 13s, but.... I also picked up a 6 inch wide 10 inch wheel the other day, and doubt that there would be that much of a weight difference. I might weigh all three and report back.

[CobraV8]

Ok weights of what I had available to weigh:

Wheels without Tyres
- 13x7 Performance Superlight 5.7kgs
- 10x6 Mini Cooper S, reversed and widened to 6 inch wide 5.3kgs.

So... the difference in the wheel weight is insignificant. 10x5 or 10x6 mag wheels would of course weigh less.

Wheel With Tyre
- 12 x 4.5 Cooper Standard Mag wheel with - 145/60/12 Yokohama 9.2kgs - 120mm tread contact on road
- 10 x 4.5 Mini Cooper S Steel Wheel, - 165/70/10 Dunlop Aquajet 9.0 kgs - 145 mm tread contact on road
- 13 x 7.0 Performance Superlight with - 175/50/13 Sime 12.1kgs - 175mm tread contact on road (almost 50% more tread contact than standard cooper 12 inch wheel)

So... surprisingly, hardly any difference in weight between 10s and 12s (12s have skinny tyres tho) and hardly any difference in the wheel weights, but almost 3kgs per tyre heavier with the wider 13 inch tyre. I expect there must be a lot of extra steel in the tyre. Still... I doubt that the extra weight would make a significant difference in handling compared to the gain in handling from a 50% wider tyre, stiffer sidewall and wider track.

Anyone with a 12x6 mag and tyre combination that can weigh in?

Edited by CobraV8, 26 August 2009 - 09:50 AM.

[fastestmini998]

all right thanks guys!!