22 replies to this topic

[gkmini]

P.S: Your mini looks bitchin'.

[Yams]

I've thought about it but I'm buying the Sportspack side skirts as well and if I'm not mistaken, they only look good with them.

Since I'll be buying Moulton Smootha Ride suspension, I might just bite the bullet and slap some thirteens on. I'm just worried about handling and losing power.

 

You wont lose any power with 13s. And the ride wont feel a whole not different. Only the steering is really affected due to the increased width, as most cool designs only come in 13x7. The 'acceleration' wont change like some have apparently seen with 10's, as the overall circumference of both 12s and 13s are the same, unless the tyres are stretched.

[gkmini]

 

I've thought about it but I'm buying the Sportspack side skirts as well and if I'm not mistaken, they only look good with them.

Since I'll be buying Moulton Smootha Ride suspension, I might just bite the bullet and slap some thirteens on. I'm just worried about handling and losing power.

 

You wont lose any power with 13s. And the ride wont feel a whole not different. Only the steering is really affected due to the increased width, as most cool designs only come in 13x7. The 'acceleration' wont change like some have apparently seen with 10's, as the overall circumference of both 12s and 13s are the same, unless the tyres are stretched.

 

Oh man. You've got me seriously considering them. What do I lose in steering and how can I make up for it? And how much do I have to do to modify the body? Would I have to do roughly the same amount as I would if I put 12x6s on? I'm really tempted now. I've always loved the look of 13s.

[Yams]

You will have to cut away some of the front arch so they don't catch when turning. This is fairly common practice. There are many ways people think you should do this, but generally being 'tidy' with a grinder then putting a lip back on is deemed to be the best way. You would have to do this with the 12x6 anyway. As when it comes to turning and handling this thread will tell you everything you need to know. I have no doubt this will help you finalize your decision. My only advice is not to get sucked in by the whole 10" wheel fad going on, do what you want to do to your car.

 

http://www.theminifo...3-alloy-wheels/

[gkmini]

You're the best Yams. Thanks so much for all your help and advice. I've decided on 13x7s because I want a wicked stance and they look best in my opinion. I'm glad you don't buy into the 10s fad either. I found it kind of silly myself.

Cheers!

P.S: I added you as a friend because you're awesome.

[adamg1380]

Nice! I read on another thread that a 12x6 with an offset of ET-7 is the closest thing I'll get without running 13s. The reason I don't want to run 13s is for performance. I've been told you get better handing with 12s.

 

But... part of the reason you get better handling with 12s normally is because they don't stick out as much. So, if you fit 12x6s with a low offset or spacers so they stick out more, you'll get the some of the downside of 13s. See http://www.minimania...les.cfm?id=1096

 

12s might give less drag, maybe more grip (there's a theory that the mini is not heavy enough for the contact patch on 13s, not convinced myself, more rubber is better, with sticky tyres anyway), and a bit more sidewall flex, so they might still be slightly better than 13s.

 

I'm switching from 12s to 13s on my hillclimb car so I can use better tyres, but I'm doing the opposite in terms of offset, I've gone for high offset (ie sticking out less) 13x5.5s so there's less impact on the handling, I've tried to keep the wheels tucked under as far as I can, somewhere between standard 12s and standard sports pack 13s.

Edited by adamg1380, 13 November 2013 - 05:48 PM.

[Yams]

You're the best Yams. Thanks so much for all your help and advice. I've decided on 13x7s because I want a wicked stance and they look best in my opinion. I'm glad you don't buy into the 10s fad either. I found it kind of silly myself.

Cheers!

P.S: I added you as a friend because you're awesome.

 

I'd say 10s are cool, (well some anyway) but it's so expensive to buy the conversion kit if you have calipers just to fit smaller wheels. I want classic 10" banded steels with hub caps, but the total would have come to somewhere around £700 in all, and thats just far too much for me to spend on changing my wheels. I may do it some day, just not any time soon. I'd say that if thats your orange project car in your pic, to just get that on the road and enjoy it before doing any seriously pricey modifications. For my car I'm only really starting to 'make it mine' recently as it had only had the paint finished a few months back. My vision of my car has changed dramatically since i purchased it 4 or so years ago.

Edited by Yams, 13 November 2013 - 09:05 PM.

[gkmini]

 

Nice! I read on another thread that a 12x6 with an offset of ET-7 is the closest thing I'll get without running 13s. The reason I don't want to run 13s is for performance. I've been told you get better handing with 12s.

 

But... part of the reason you get better handling with 12s normally is because they don't stick out as much. So, if you fit 12x6s with a low offset or spacers so they stick out more, you'll get the some of the downside of 13s. See http://www.minimania...les.cfm?id=1096

 

12s might give less drag, maybe more grip (there's a theory that the mini is not heavy enough for the contact patch on 13s, not convinced myself, more rubber is better, with sticky tyres anyway), and a bit more sidewall flex, so they might still be slightly better than 13s.

 

I'm switching from 12s to 13s on my hillclimb car so I can use better tyres, but I'm doing the opposite in terms of offset, I've gone for high offset (ie sticking out less) 13x5.5s so there's less impact on the handling, I've tried to keep the wheels tucked under as far as I can, somewhere between standard 12s and standard sports pack 13s.

I like the way you think. Im glad there are still people in the 13 camp. Ive read so many horror stories. Heck, that one article by the guy from Minimania is pretty much a witch hunt.

I'm sure it's not as bad as all the 10 inch fanboys make it sound.