I run my '04 Cooper at Road America. It has 18" O Z rims with Stop Tech brakes and 215 35 ZR 18 Kumho Ecsta MX tires. The tires don't stick very well.

Is there a good sticky tire that will fit these rims?

If not, is there a good cheap rim in 17" that will fit around these brakes? I have spacers all the way around. Falcons would be the way to go in 17"? Is there a better tire choice in 17"

Thanks

 

17" Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 rims will fit around those brakes and are pretty cheap. Very light too. If you go to a 17 check out a Potenza RE01R in 215/40R17 or 215/45R17.

 

Which is the better choice the 40 or 45?215 hp or so.

 

Would a 16" rim and tire set up be a better choice? They don't have to be driven on the street.

 

16" won't fit around the brakes. 40 vs 45 depends on your wheel offset (45 on the TDs) and suspension. The 45's are going to be wider than the 40's so if you're really low the 40's would be a better choice. Also, the 45's might rub on the suspension with an offset of 45.

 

I have spacers on each rim. Would this make up the difference? I haven't lowered the car from stock and probably won't but I may upgrade the shocks. We still use it for transportation.

 

If you have spacers and aren't that low you can probably get away with a 215/45.