I have a MK1 Cooper S currently running without flares and would like to buy a set of wheels that are in keeping with the heritage of the car. I have all-but decided to stay with 10 inch wheels in either a 5 or 6 inch width. I will probably go with a set of genuine minilites

I will run a set of 165x70x10 tyres.

My question is;
What size flares will I need to cover the 165 tyres on either a 5 inch or a 6 inch wheel? -I assume with either wheel the overall width will be about the same.

Alternatively, can someone tell me widths of the various flares available. Ie Group 2, 5 etc?

Thanks in advance

Doc

You dont need flares with a 5 inch rim if the offset is correct

Daniel

_________________
Videos - Turbocharged A-Series on Dyno & at Wakefield
Mafs waz not my strong subgeckt at skkol

Really..No flares required - even with a 165 tyre?

What Offset should I be looking for OR what rim will work?

...If the same width tyre is put on an 6 inch rim, will it also fit? - Or What flares do I need?

Thanks for your help!

Doc

Click on this link

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id ... 4335026118

Its got minilites with a 165 either formula R or A032R tyre. I'm pretty sure its a five inch rim

Daniel

_________________
Videos - Turbocharged A-Series on Dyno & at Wakefield
Mafs waz not my strong subgeckt at skkol

That's the look I'm after.

Looks like the 5 inch Minilites are the go.

Thanks

Doc

10x5 `LS offset' Contessas work with 165s and no flares, they are commonly used in Nb race Minis.
They just fit over S calipers- usually the caliper just needs a slight lick with the grinder, next to the bleed nipple.
I doubt you will find any 10x6 wheel that will fit without flares, although Nb cars often use Contessas modified (welded!) to give 5.5 inches width.. and they all run with no flares.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

So can anyone tell me the width of the various types of flares available?

Thanks

Doc

Std Mk11 S add 1" per side.

This is measured from the edge of the chrome strip without a flare to the edge of the chrome strip with the flare (got it?!).

Daniel

_________________
Videos - Turbocharged A-Series on Dyno & at Wakefield
Mafs waz not my strong subgeckt at skkol

10 x 4.5 "FIA" offset Minilites will juuuust fit under standard arches with (some) 165/70 tyres but its really quite borderline. I don't think 5s would cut it. 6" Techdel Minilites need more than standard Mk II S arches to cover them.

Same for the "factory" Contestas. I use them with 165 Bridgies and their legality is debatable (as in a topic of conversation every year with the rego inspector). Sofar I've been given the benefit of the doubt.

Group N cars are a useless comparison. You explain to me how standard (aftermarket) ROHs will fit on spacered drums under non flaired arches. Obviously 2 + 2 = 3. But there are a lot that get away with it (would be interesting to know just what they're getting away with).

Cheers, Ian

The Nb Minis use (often modified to 5.5 width) the 998LS ie `inset' Contessas, not the more common Mini offset ones that I and many others have- which I agree will not fit an S etc without flares of some sort..

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

The std offset contessas used on Nbs are without spacered drums on the rear. I've never seen them fitted to the front, John Battersby's is one of the Nbs like this and has LS offset at the front with the S brakes etc.

In Nb, David Wheatley, Peter Mouser and Darren Burnes all have Minilites, have a chat to one of these blokes at the next historic meet to find out size they use.

Saying that Nb's aren't relevant is a bit premature, doc didn't ask what was legal, a 6 inch rim in NSW isn't legal either. Cops are too concerned with ricers to be bothered checking minis anyway.

Daniel

_________________
Videos - Turbocharged A-Series on Dyno & at Wakefield
Mafs waz not my strong subgeckt at skkol

Hey folks

Thanks for all the input. The information that you have given has been great.

Are the any Group Nb racers on the List?
- My understanding of the Regs for Nb is that 1inch wider than standard fitment in Width is all that is allowed. So that would make the max width 5.5 inch right??

There has been talk about offsets of various wheels.
Q. Does anyone know where I can find offsets, and Backspacing for Minilite 4.5, 5 & 6 inch wheels - AND/OR Contessa wheels in similar sizes?

Thanks again for the input.

Doc

So i was going to buy 6 inch rims for my cluby, so they will not fit legally with the standard clubman s flares???

So what size flairs will i need for these ones, the Group Nb racers???

With these flairs do you need the metl base plate??

I had a scramble through the posts and didnt find a definte answer

Thanks Brenton

Nb race Minis are made to look like early UK Cooper S, they have to run with NO flares.
Yes some 6" wheels (GB) will fit with Clubby S or Cooper S flares, some others (Revolution) will not.
Both these Oz flares need the metal base added. If you don't want to do that, look at UK flares on the www.minispares.com site.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I have been scratching my head about flares too.. I have been trolling through the old posts (some interesting reading BTW) but I am yet to find a definitive answer about wheel sizes vs flares.

The problem seems to revolve around the multitude of different offsets/backspacing available on different wheels. Detailed specifications relating to Offsets, backspacing etc seems to be closely guarded information.. With this information you would have a chance of working out what size flares you would need for a given wheel.

Can anyone categorically answer 4 questions for me?
1. What size wheels do the group Nb minis use? 10x?
2. Dose anyone know the brand (details) used by any of the Nb racers
3. Can anyone tell me the Offset and Backspace measurements of the standard steel 10x4.5 Cooper S wheels?
4. What are the smallest flares available called, and what width are they?

Cheers
Doc.Martin