wheel arch shaping

[kleaky88]

Just bought some group 5's to fit over a set of 13" wellers. At first appearence the arches don't seem a good fit to the car. Is this because they're shaped to fit better once the wing has been cut back? Or will they fit better when screwed on??

Also, is there any rule of thumb for cutting out the current wing to fit the 13's. I know it will probably be common sense but just thought I would ask if there were any rules I should follow?

[haynes]

do a search and find calvers corner at minimania, i'm sure there was an article on cutting your arches for 13s. Better still, fit 10s, much better, que 10s vs 13s debate...

[Cooperman]

Minis definately go best on 10" wheels with 165/70 rubber.

[Ace-T]

A fat amount of rubber helps when you are forced to mount the pavement after being cut up too. Definitely forget the 13's and go for 10's.

Ace-T

[pgm]

hate to go against the opinion of experts, but I really enjoy the feel of our mini since we changed from 12 to 13's and the car is still great fun

minispares website has a download section with arch templates if you are registered which I used to do the sportspack copy arches I got

Cheers
Paul

[Cooperman]

From some little experience, my choices of wheel/tyre for road going Minis are:

1. 4.5" or 5" x 10" with 165/70 rubber
2. 4.5" x 12" with 165/60 rubber

IMHO the 13" wheels have several disadvantages.
First of all the width and offset upsets the original suspension geometry, which, in turn, spoils the unique handling. Remember the basic geometry is not changed from the original, so the steering with 13" wheels does not equate with the original design and the critical track:wheelbase ratio is altered which reduces directional stability. Secondly, the offset will ruin the wheel bearings as the loads are not being put onto the bearings as originally designed.
Thirdly, the width of tyre normally used (175?) on 13's is too wide and the contact pressure of the rubber onto the road is too low, especially in the wet.
Fourthly, and a personal thing, I think they look all wrong for the car when compared with the 'classic' look of the 10" wheeled race and rally cars on which we base the heritage of our 'little boxes'.
Now, I'm sure lots will now disagree with me and I can respect that. After all, if you own something, you are entitled to do with it as you please.
I do recall the well-known Mini-specialist Chris Spennewyn who, when someone said they didn't think much of the non-original 'S' wheels and brakes on his lovely 1963 Wolseley Hornet asked "What do you have on yours then?" "I haven't got one" came the answer. "Well, when you have one of your own you can do what you like to it, can't you" was Chris's reply. Wonderful answer.

[pgm]

sorry wasnt disagreeing from a technical point of view, just that i like it.

I know that the 10" setup is regarded as the best in terms of purity, but personally speaking i am willing to accept the compromises as i like the look of it.

cheers
Paul

[kleaky88]

With my limited knowledge I understand the loss of handling from the 13's and I know it will be more sluggish. I just personally think that they look more agressive than 10". I have considered 10's and a good friend recommended them. But at the mo the change is just too costly!! Prices for wheel assemblies and discs are higher than I can afford with the money from my paper round...

[vrooom]

THere is hidden extra cost running on 13" bodywork mods, new panel time, have to cut the archs again, plus going though the many wheel bearings. in the end you could have bought new cooper S brakes setup or similar.

[Cooperman]

kleaky88 said:

With my limited knowledge I understand the loss of handling from the 13's and I know it will be more sluggish. I just personally think that they look more agressive than 10". I have considered 10's and a good friend recommended them. But at the mo the change is just too costly!! Prices for wheel assemblies and discs are higher than I can afford with the money from my paper round...

It's perceived looks as opposed to actual performance really.
You take your choice. Look good (to some, maybe?) or go well.
With regards to looking aggressive there is little, IMO, in Mini terms, to match the aggressive look of the early 'proper' rally cars with their 2 off or 4 off 7" spotlights, knobbly tyres on 10" wheels, sump guards, 4.5" wheels with no wheel arch extensions, etc. And look at the results they achieved from 1963 to 1968.

[kleaky88]

I completely agree and at the end of the day its personal choice. i've chosen 13's for the look they give not performance. I just like it but I have to say I like 10's aswell. I know its been well overdone and nearly every car has 13" minilites on. I've gone for a retro look and the car has a mark one look. I like weller wheels as I think they represent that old grunty look that minis are all about. Plus I loved them on my mates last mini. So I went for 13 wellers. If I had the money, I probably would go for 10's. But the costs of my car are already sky high. And n doubt on my next one, I'll go with the tens.

[Cooperman]

If you are interested I might have a set of period Dunlop D1 alloy wheels at 5J x 10". They are very rare and in lovely condition and the reason I don't need them is because you need the Group 2 wheel arch extensions to fit them and I don't run arches on my rally car. I think about £15 each plus any carriage (or you collect from Huntingdon area) and have a go in my 64 'S' as well. I have 4 definately, maybe 5 if I search my store of bits.
Let me know if you're interested.
Peter