What is the difference in having lightweight rims(like racing harts) compared to a regular rim(20lb.+)? Does the weight effect your performance anywheres other than the extra weight?

 

in basic theory, a lighter weight wheel wil reduce the moment of inertia for the wheel, allowing it to rotate easier. there are many other factors, such as the weight center and distribution for the wheel, the wheel radius, tire weight, etc.
also counting that this is unsprung weight, which affects ride/speed/acceleration differently than sprung weight.

another thing to consider is that with (usually) larger leightweight wheels, the tires are often times a bit heavier.

the effect it will have on a car NOT driven on a track will be next to negligable. you might feel a little bit of sometihng, but not a whole lot.

it also depends on what your car had stock. 14" steelies are 18lbs. 13" are 16lbs. i think i ended up saving about 2.5 pounds per corner. probably 95% of my improvements from my new wheel/tire combo are from having better stickier tires

 

well I'll just spill my guts. I have a 93 2 door EX and it has 14 steelies on it right now. But I have a set of GSR(17"racing harts) and a pair of JW(17" but not lightweight). I'm moving soon and need to get rid of some things. I LOVE the JWs and the racing harts I'm iffyish about cuz they were re-drilled to fit another car or something. Plus they have some curb gash I can't sand out. Plus I need money for my turbo and tickets, and everyone likes them racing harts, I just want a better pair, but I still want performance. so will it slow my track time?