14 replies to this topic

[kappa]

Hi,

Just a quick question, I looking to split my spcials to 1 peice splits from Force Racing, If i was to run 7 x10" 1 peice splits mini special rims, would these be road legal on 165x70x10 yoko a032r tyres?

Also how safe is this and what are the advantages and disadvantages to running these?

Would it be a better option to run 6.5x10" 1 piece splits instead?

All help appriciated alot.

Thank You

[Skortchio]

Anything over 6" wide won't be rated by the tyre manufacturer for use on 165 tyres.
I think also you could fall into the realms of using equipment for purpose not designed, which might cause hiccups with insurance in the event of a claim.
In terms of performance, the tyre won't react as it's designed to do because of the stretch. It's ability to flex and deflect will be reduced of course although you might gain a little (really little) road holding as a result of the stretched tyre giving a larger footprint (maybe, don't quote me on it).
The ride comfort will also go down a little of course.

Those are the disadvantages.

Advantages are, that wide wheels look awesome!
You get to save money on tyre fitting because you can do it yourself.

That's about it I think, unless you're into the drifting scence but then you're unlikely to be doing that in the FWD Mini

Safety wise, well it's not certified by the tyre maker but that said there's a pretty large number of people who do it and have no problems at all.
You pays your money and you rolls the dice on that one, you'll probably be fine but if you're not you'll have no recourse.

I'm thinking of doing it myself, because as mentioned I think it looks awesome!

[kappa]

Very interested now, as it does look amazing, all I want is the asthectics for the car and wheels, but will I have problems to get car MOT'eed?

[Skortchio]

Erm.. dunno on that one, like most things will depend entirely on the mood your MoT tester is in I imagine.

But, if you happen to take your car for it's MoT with your boring winter wheels on then decide it's a nice day so swap them over after, that's a different story.
MoT's are a pretty pointless activity really, like an ordinance survey map. Stating that at that moment everything was just so, but no guarantees or assumptions it will stay that way beyond you driving off the ramp.

[kappa]

Very true, I was thinking just running my normal 6 x 10" minilights on there, when MOT'ing the car, then put the sexy 7 x 10" specials

[Bungle]

just remember to change your wheels just before you have a crash

also saves the problems with the insurance company

[kappa]

Very true

[bmcecosse]

7" is far too wide for safety on 165 tyres. 6" is the max.

[minidaves]

best width for a 165 70 10 tyre is 5.5

dave

[JustSteve]

IF you choose to do it, inform your insurance. Tell them the EXACT wheels and tyres you have and just incase you do have an issue with insurance, you have a leg to stand on.

[Alex_B]

Die young, leave a good looking corpse!

and to think, you will look very cool sliding along creating sparks when the tyres give out because they were way over stretched!

I'm all for looking cool thats why I drive a mini, they look cool and drive excellently, but only do it safely. Taking unnecessary risks is just silly, and when you have 10x7 rims on the car wont drive nicely at all I would have thought. 10x6 are just as cool looking and available in splits so I would go with them as they will still be within the tyres recommended specs. :) but thats just me!

[ANON]

don't see why people just don't use cross ply tyres?? you can get that crappy euro look and still have the correct tyre size for the rim width

[Alex_B]

Also cross-plys dont grip as well so you get propa sid3w4ys 4ct1on! 1nn1t!

[tiger99]

I will tell you why people don't use crossplies. They wear out far too quickly on the frongt of a Mini. Simple as that. And can you still get them?

But they do allow a greater amount of power-on understeer, and power-off oversteer, than do radials. In many ways they can be more interesting to drive.

[CMXCVIII]

Longstone will sell you some very expensive Dunlop CR65 road legal crossply racers or quite cheap 5.20 x 10 Duros!