Minilites on an S3, Spyder Springs, etc.

[adigra]

Hi all,

I know, another one of these topics, sorry.

I've decided to fit Minilites to my S3 which is on standard suspension. I want 13x5 wheels and know there are potential issues with clearances. I've seen that Spyder offer rear spring conversion kits (down to 2.250?), and wanted to know if anyone has had this done.

Any advice regarding fitting these wheels in general will be gratefully received.

Thank you,
Adi

[Elanman99]

As you say, its only a potential clearance issue and you may be able to fit them without problems, unless you have a overwhelming desire to go to smaller springs.

Another factor that might complicate things is if the tyre makes contact with the wheelarch which is what I experienced, (on an S4)

Ian

[adigra]

Thank you Ian,

I'd rather keep the springs the same if I can. The car rides really well as is, and I'd love to keep it on standard wheels, but, unfortunately, I don't have too much confidence in them at 46 years old and 120K miles.

I'll order the wheels and tyres and see how it goes before trying to predict problems.

Adi

[CBUEB1771]

As always, the more serious interference will with the outboard end of the rear wishbone. This has been covered in excruciating detail here over the years.

[rogersste]

Hi
I bought a set of 5 x 13 Minilites for my S3. I have Tony Thompson rear suspension with narrower springs on adjustable platforms, so spring fouling is not an issue. As noted by others I needed to grind a bit of the heads of the wishbones bolts to prevent them fouling the inside of the rims. The other problem was the tyres fouling the inside of the rear arches (the tyres in question were 175 x 13 Avon CR6ZZ). I took as much as I possibly could off the fibreglass but they still just fouled (on both sides equally). I had mused about getting a set of 165 x 13 Michelin XASs - I wish I had as I'm pretty sure they would not have been a problem.
In fact having measured every dimension many times I think the problem with my Minilites is their offset - it seems to be about 5 - 10mm more than the standard steel rims. I read somewhere that Minilite may do different offsets (I got mine from Tony Thompson)???
I have now fitted my Avons to the standard rims and they fit (just!). My Minilites are sitting in a pile in the corner...
Good luck!
Steve

[adigra]

Hi Steve,

Thank you very much for the response! That is exactly the kind of insight I was hoping for. I'd like to avoid having to grind into the body if at all possible so your advice on the tyres is really helpful.

This is where I got lost in the archives as I couldn't find a definitive answer to the offset issue. I think you are right, Minilite will do any offset you want, but my concern is whether that will stop the rubbing on the body but worsen the issues with the wishbones and the springs. And I'm trying to avoid having the new wheels sit in the garage collecting dust...

Best,
Adi

[cabc26b]

Adi,

The panasport 5" inch with 25mm offset are an easy fit to a car with standard arches and springs. You can either grind the bolts or machine the outer lugs(where bushing goes) to create clearance, in my case i did the lugs. I ran 155 sized tires no issues.

To go larger like Steve tried in order to put more rubber down or use a larger rim width will take more effort ( smaller/shorter springs, welling the inner arches etc. ) I have fitted that 5.5 inch Minilite copies that TTR sell but they are thicker that the panasports and not so good on wheel to hub fit ( steel hubs also from TTR) so require machining to make it all work. in the end you get some 30+ mm or contact and tires that fill the wells to keep the look.

Steve , do you like the avons ? I thought about them but were concerned over how long they would last.

George

[adigra]

Thank you George!

So 155 is OK on 5" wheels? I really don't need any more grip as I'm quite happy with 155s I have now.

Do you know if Panasport are much different in fit to Minilites? I don't know if Panasport are easily available in the UK.

Adi

[cabc26b]

Adi,

Its been a while since I had the two side by side so I am hesitant to say for sure. The panasports are quite lite so check the weights ?

George

PS , some folks have had to make clearance at the bottom of the spring platform ( small amount ) i did not.

[rogersste]

Regarding the Avons I haven't had much use from them yet - a few hundred miles and a track day. They are medium compound with an 'old fashioned' tread pattern and I don't expect them to last all that long. The grip is pretty good. They are heavy tyres and took some balancing (not an issue with the rims as there wasn't a problem with the previous tyres). I wanted grippy 70 profile tyres and there are realistically few options. It isn't ideal having them on 4.5 inch rims (low end of recommend width range) but they have gone on okay.
I really don't want to flare or mess with the arches in any way and have now concluded that the standard steels are the best option. I have checked them carefully and can't find any problems. I would like to buy another, preferably new, set though....
For information the minilites have Q 6460 stamped on the back
Steve

[adigra]

I spoke to a nice chap at Minilite who also said that, from their experience, only the wishbone bolt is an issue with the 5" wheel. He did use the disclaimer that no two Elans are the same So I ordered the wheels. I'm pretty excited about them.

Many thanks again for all of your help and advice.

Adi