12 replies to this topic

[Jwatts93]

Im looking to change to 4.5x12 wheels from my 6x12 minilites, will this dramatically change the handling and feel of the car? Aslong as the suspension is set up well ?

Thanks guys

[Jwatts93]

And which tyres would I want ? As I can't find any yokos in the right size ?

[absx2]

I have the original minilight style alloys with yokohama 165/60-12" A 539`s and the handling is spot on without the bump steer you get with offset and deep dish wheels. I believe the mighty minis use standard 4.5X12" wheels in their racing series. I wouldn`t go back to 145 tyres though as there is not enough grip.

Edited by absx2, 19 February 2013 - 06:47 PM.

[Austin]

I went from wide wheels with a big offset to standard 4.5x12 minilites on my daily mini. The steering feels much lighter and there is less 'bump steer'. The steering wheel doesn't get pulled around uneven road surfaces as much. Kind of feels more precise too.

[AVV IT]

Oh dear!!! It's now only a matter of time until Cooperman arrives to explain the difference between road handling and road holding again!

Anyway, yes you will notice a massive difference in handling (or "holding" to be technically correct) if you put 4.5" x 12" 's on the standard width 145/70/12 tyres, as it will be pretty awful. If however you use 165/60/12's instead it will handle (sorry I meant "hold") completely differently.

[Jwatts93]

Ok I believe the tyres on the wheels at the moment are 145/70 so I can just fit those 165/60 tyres no problem ?

And do you have arches as I'm looking to run these wheels without arches and they are the original minilites aswell

[AVV IT]

I think you'll find that you will need arches to fit 12" x 4.5" Rover minilites. Due to the offset, you need spacered rear drums to fit them (as fitted to rover models as standard) Also if you fit 165/60/12 tyres to them, you tend to also need 3mm shim spacers on the rear as well, in order to stop the wider tyres scrubbing on the inner arches when cornering.

I can only assume that if you were to fit non spacered rear drums in order to go archless, then the offset would almost certainly cause the wheels to foul the inner arches. As for the front wheels, I think it will largely depend on what brake set up you are running, but if you have the standard 8.4 disc setup (as fitted to Rover models as standard), then you will need arches.

If you're talking about original mag minilites though, as opposed to the more common 4.5" Rover version, then you will have to check the particular offset of the wheels.

Edited by AVV IT, 19 February 2013 - 07:36 PM.

[Jwatts93]

I think I have space red rear drums and 7.5 " front disks ?

[Cooperman]

With the original size 4.5" x 12" Minilite wheels arch extensions are not necessary (see photo below - ignore the date, wife's camera!)).
Ideal tyres are Yoko 165/60 x 12.
Road-holding in the wet will be slightly better and about the same in the dry.
Handling will be better in most conditions.

[Jwatts93]

I have those tyres on my 6x12's I believe so do they fit both size wheels ?
And that car is the exact look I'm after those wheels and no arches.
Is that running disk brakes ?

[Cooperman]

That is a standard 1997 1275 MPI with the 4.5 X 12 original wheels and Falken 165/60 x 12 tyres. So yes, it has the disc brakes and 3 mm rear spacers on the rear drums to ensure good tyre clearance between tyre and radius arm.
It was good to not have to drill holes (=rust traps) in the new front wings and to have welded up the holes in the rear quarter panels.
Ride height is standard and dampers are KYB Gas-Adjust.
Actually that car might be for sale in a couple of months time. It is absolutely rust-free with re-built engine & suspension. Asking price will be c.£5500 with 12 months MoT and new tyres all round.

[jaydee]

4.5x12 minilites are better at handling
6x12 are better at road holding but on dry tarmac only

I run 4.5x12 archless with disc brakes, its perfect and looks great

[Jwatts93]

Okay thanks for the help guys I'm gunna go for it I think :)