mk1-forum.net

It's likely I'll need to replace my tyres at some point this year, so I'm starting to look into my options. I'm running LP883 Cooper S steel wheels (so 10x4.5"), which have currently got Yokohama A008s fitted on all four corners.

Options under consideration are...

• Stick with Yoko A008s

• Yoko A032Rs

• Blockleys (165x70)

• Yoko Y350s

• Dunlop R7s

• Dunlop Aquajets (165x70)

I quite fancy a more retro-looking tread pattern to suit the Mk1 look, but don't want to sacrifice grip and performance at the same time, so that isn't a dealbreaker. For more info, my car is what many would probably consider a "fast road" spec, circa 100hp under the bonnet, Cooper S brakes, does get driven quite enthusiastically but only really in a road setting during warmer months.

A032Rs were previously at the top of my list, but they've recently shot up in price which makes them less appealing in the scheme of things. That said, I'm not against going for the pricier options, tyres are after all a critical safety item!

I'd welcome any insights from people who've run any (or ideally multiple) of these tyres before, please share your thoughts - thank you!

BLOCKLEY every time, plus they are great people to deal with. Also consider that Blockley considered the many requests of UK and European mini owners and put their money where their mouths are. We are ALL winners with Blockley

I'd say it depends on mileage and use,

Stick with Yoko A008s - had them before, no issues, do look quite modern, you will know how long the last set lasted

Yoko A032Rs - the A 32's don't exactly have a deep tread depth to start with, however if you want good grip in the dry, and Avons are not on the list they are a good option.

Blockleys (165x70) - If you want a general tyre I'd say the Blockleys are the way to go, though I have no personal experience of them.


Yoko Y350s - not come across these before

Dunlop R7s - used them all the way to the Alps and back, and for a number of years afterwards (low miles), not had a problem with them, like the period 'race' look

Dunlop Aquajets (165x70) - used the 145 on a standard powered S, no issues, I'm not sure I would want them on something getting close to 100 BHP, they seem quite soft in 145 form, can't imagine that would be any different in 165 width

There you go. Good news is Roly has a set of 165 Blockleys for sale as we speak....... The BAD news is that you've got to go to Essex.........!

For what it's worth, my ten pen'orth.

Stick with Yoko A008s - A good allrounder 165

Yoko A032Rs - Good grip, but wear fast & are VERY expensive now.

Blockleys (165x70) - Excellent newcommer to the market, I have used the 145's and am very impressed.

Yoko Y350s - Not heard any complaints in 145.

Dunlop R7s - Wear fast, don't work brilliantly, but look ace.

Dunlop Aquajets (165x70) - I didn't like these back in the day but have had to use them on some of my more recent minis for the vintage look, a poor tyre for the very high cost.

Peter Laidler wrote: ↑Tue Mar 14, 2023 10:37 am There you go. Good news is Roly has a set of 165 Blockleys for sale as we speak....... The BAD news is that you've got to go to Essex.........!

His are 145

Got that Graeme, but Wing3D is only running 4.5 S rims..... It's going to Essex that is the frightening part.............

Oi, nothing wrong with Essex!

Ha ha . I live in Essex . If you think that’s bad , I also live with mostly Irish travellers in our own estate in wickford . Best place I’ve lived in by miles . Hermes refuse to deliver here . Might be because the kids shot the postman … Shirley

Sounds like Blockleys have earned a good reputation thus far. I'd certainly consider the 145s, but given the choice, I think my preference would still be 165s as currently fitted... and while I'm sure Essex is lovely, my petrol (and time) to get there and back would probably negate any savings I'd make vs buying brand new with delivery. Thanks all for your input and opinions

Blockley do a 165 as well. It's just that I have never tried them.

just my opinion the Blockley 165 has flexing sidewalls as a comparison to any Yoko .. try this yourself on their 165 before it is fitted onto the rim .. i was happy to buy from Blockley & pleased to support a Cotswold Company ( made in china but that statement is hidden from view when their Tyre is on a rim )

China....... Indonesia surely Norman....? And you're right about the extra sidewall flexing with fitting a WIDER tyre to a narrow (or relatively narrow in this case) wheel. 3.5 and 4.5 wheels deserve 145. 5", such as the Dunlop D1s, then 165 in my experience and learning

I've already got my steel helmet on awaiting the incoming mortar-fire.

An international tyre broker, Peter Lucking, based in Newbury told me that formula many years ago. He put it all down to triangulation angles. Nice bloke. Small time sponsor of our modsports team - and we never bought tyres!

Peter .. my Blockley 165,s that were supplied late last year has Made in China showing on the sidewall bead area & this is not visible with the Tyres fitted on Minispares 4.5 inch S rims.

Mine have Indonesia........ Strange! It's the market place I suppose

Not my intention to hijack your thread-

But what is your impressions, thoughts on the yoko A008's?
It's the only tire that is DOT certified for road use here in US, so I'll be having to buy some soon myself.

The A008 is probably the most widely used mini performance tyre for road use. They have decent grip, decent life and a decent price. Definitely the best all round tyre for fun driving on the road

The absence of any mention of the Falken tyres would suggest that these are not rated by forum members?

I have been using their 165 70 10's for the past 5 years, done about 10,000 miles. Plenty of tread left on rears but recently replaced fronts. Have found them more than adequate for normal road use but lack grip in damp/wet roads however,I generally choose not to use my car in these conditions.

Joel Welsh 4769VU wrote: ↑Thu Mar 16, 2023 12:49 am Not my intention to hijack your thread-

But what is your impressions, thoughts on the yoko A008's?
It's the only tire that is DOT certified for road use here in US, so I'll be having to buy some soon myself.

I've found the A008s to be a perfectly decent tyre, to be fair. Decent in all weather conditions, bearing in mind I used to daily drive my Mini, they were good for all-round road usage. The simple option for me would probably be to just get another set of them again, but I like to try different things and a slightly more retro tread pattern would be cool.

I’ve got the Yoko GT Classics on my car. Not run it yet, but they do look good.