I need to opinion from a competition point of view.

Statements:

- Aftermarket alloys are lighter, than stock steel. Lighter wheels offer better performance, etc, etc.

- Stock steel wheels are heavy, so therefore slow you down, etc., etc.

- Aftermarket wheels are generally WIDER than stock steel. Let's say I have a 89 Integra. Stock steel 14X5.5. Aftermarket alloy wheel 14X6. Tires would be exactly the same size 195/60/14 for both.

Question:

If the above statements are true. Then wouldn't the wider (lighter) aftermarket alloy wheel, actually be heavier than the stock steel wheel, because it's wider? Therefore decrease performance?

Again, this is a general statement in theory, rather than comparing actual wheels.

Please comment, educate, and advise.

Mods - if this question is better suited for another section, please move.

Thanks

 

for competition you want the smallest (diameter), widest wheel you can fit on your car.... unless you're restricted to use a certain rim size (such as stock).

The material of the wheel and how the wheel is made dictates its final weight much more than its width... diamater also plays a role (larger diameter wheels are generally heavier, of the same type). You can get cast aluminum (heavy), forged alumimum (light but still strong), spun/rolled alumium (light but weak), steel (really heavy), magnesium (light and strong), forged magnesium ($$$$$), and so on....

-Ryan

 

To summarize my question, the stock steel wheels are generally more narrow than aftermarket alloy. Given that the alloys are lighter, wouldn't the extra width = weight negate the effect of a lighter wheel?

 

Material differences = less weight for aftermarket stuff.

O.E. stuff has to put up with a lot more abuse (hight factor of saftey) than aftermarket stuff.

Will

 

Not necessarily... different materials weigh differing amounts. So you can have a larger/wider wheel that weighs less than stock - but then you have to worry about moment of inertia and such...

-Ryan

 

Manufacturing differences can play a part (cast verses forged).

Will

 

As Will said. For example, roughly, my stocks are 15x6=16lbs - SSR Comps are 15x7.5=10lbs. Bigger wheel and less weight = good track wheel.

Think about it - a corrugated box will weigh a lot less than a wood box, but may be structurally stronger.