Hey Guys (and gals)

I am curious as to the affect of wheel weight on performance. I am replacing my 17 inch BSA wheels (21.5 lbs) with something else, I havn't decided on what wheel to go with other than one that has a gloss black face with a polished lip. Here is my question: Is it worth it to shave 4-5 lbs per wheel to gain in performance due to less sprung weight and rotating mass? I am not a serious racer, I just enjoy spirited drives and an ocassional sprint from stoplight to stoplight. So Does 4-5 lbs mean enough difference to spend a couple hundred extra bux on lighter wheels? Thanks

Ohh and if it matters, I drive a 99 Accord coupe, 4cyl VTEC, 5spd With intake and full exhaust (new 2.5 pipe from downpipe back, new cat, mandrel bends into a "turbo"style actual muffler)

Chris

 

get some lighweight 16s.....saving even 4-5 lbs per wheel can make a difference

 

it does make a difference, 4-5 lbs per wheel u will probable notice the difference during acceleration and braking especially. depends on ur tires too though. what do u plan on getting for those?

 

I run Yokahama AVID H4S in a 225/45/R17, I want to keep the tires becuase I paid a pretty penny for them...The tires weigh 24.5 lbs each according to my scales...keep the comments comming!

Chris

 

those r my winter tires...in a 195/60/15. i love em but hey my mom paid for em so yeah to me

 

bump

 

Eh, I picked up some 16s that weigh 19.5 lbs, but i'm not complaining, theyre Borbet, and they make wheels for BMW...

 

I've been rolling on Cast 17's for a couple of years now. They weigh over 25lbs a piece with tires. Finally deciding to retire them as winter wheels. Got a new set of 1 piece forged 16X7.0's on the way. Just have to wait 45-90 days.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ricepicker &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've been rolling on Cast 17's for a couple of years now. They weigh over 25lbs a piece with tires. Finally deciding to retire them as winter wheels. Got a new set of 1 piece forged 16X7.0's on the way. Just have to wait 45-90 days. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Volks!!??!!

Hey, if your 17's only weighed 25lbs apiece with tires that's pretty light. My 18's weigh 25lbs without tires. I'm getting my 17" CE28's next month

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDM.Accord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Volks!!??!!

Hey, if your 17's only weighed 25lbs apiece with tires that's pretty light. My 18's weigh 25lbs without tires. I'm getting my 17" CE28's next month </TD></TR></TABLE>

you, my friend, have too much god damn money

 

When I first got them, the total bundle weight was 50lbs with Falken Ziex 502's. I haven't weighed them since I got the Blizzaks on though. The 17's are Racing Hart C5 replicas (Was way too poor back then and wanted a good looking wheel for cheap).

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDM.Accord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Volks!!??!!
CE28's </TD></TR></TABLE>

Mine could be here next month. Hopefully anyways. Just trying to stay away from 17's cause I hate how they ride, and with smaller tires to match the OEM tire size, the chances of bending them become greater.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ricepicker &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Just trying to stay away from 17's cause I hate how they ride, and with smaller tires to match the OEM tire size, the chances of bending them become greater.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, I've always liked bigger cars (mine's a sedan) with bigger wheels to fill out the wheel wells. Plus the 17" CE's only weight 13.8lbs

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fw190bvi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

you, my friend, have too much god damn money </TD></TR></TABLE>

Finishing college is a wonderful thing

 

Going from 18lb 15" wheels to 12.4lb 15" JDM ITRs made a HUGE difference. It's like driving a different car through acceleration and braking. Definately worthwhile.

 

Thanks for all the replys everyone, so it is generally aggreed that I should opt for the lighter wheels even though I am not a racer?

 

I'd say so. It should make the car more enjoyable to drive and safer to a point as you'll be able to stop better.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krispyaccord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks for all the replys everyone, so it is generally aggreed that I should opt for the lighter wheels even though I am not a racer?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Although, heavier wheels might keep you from speeding around. ROFL

 

True True

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ricepicker &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Although, heavier wheels might keep you from speeding around. ROFL</TD></TR></TABLE>

Nah, his top speed will be the same, it just wouldn't take as long to reach top speed with light wheels lol

 

I meant the feel from all the rotating mass. I know I don't do it as much cause it feels slow. lol

 

dont forget better MPG...with the rising gas prices it might even pay for themselves!(in about 70 years or so...haha)