Real differences in wheel weights(for acceleration)?
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 440
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From: Alamo Heights, Texas
Real differences in wheel weights(for acceleration)? I'm debating between getting something along the lines of 18" c6(non-z06) DD wheels, or a prostar type wheel. This is on a purely street car. occasional(rarely) roll racing, and spirited driving will be my focus. Is the weight savings from the lighter wheels going to make that big of a difference on the highway/general acceleration? Also, I have a steel driveshaft, and an ls7 flywheel on my car, which already has more rotating weight.. how much are those two things hurting me?
Is there any hard numbers or close to that someone can explain to me?
Is there any hard numbers or close to that someone can explain to me?
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 160
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From: New Jersey
From what I've heard, going from more or less stock wheel and tire size in front (17's with a 275, maybe a 21lb wheel or so) to a 15in skinny is good for about a 10th. Some people have reported big losses going to heavier wheels and tires, but most to ignore DA, track conditions, etc.
In my opinion, unless there is a huge weight difference, (10lbs+ per wheel) its not going to make a significant difference.
In my opinion, unless there is a huge weight difference, (10lbs+ per wheel) its not going to make a significant difference.
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
It is all related to rolling mass. Example: if you have 40 lb wheel and tire combo and you change tires and wheels to 45 lbs. The extra 5 lbs of rolling mass calculates to 7 times the weight. So the car feels as though it has to move an additional 35 lbs. per wheel, or 140 extra lbs. The less they weigh the better the car performs in every situation, acceleration, braking, cornering ect. So keep this in mind, if you change tires and wheels and they are heavier than what you have on there now, expect to see and feel the difference.
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Alamo Heights, Texas
If it is really a huge difference, I might actually consider going with a smaller lightweight wheel. I wanted to pay in the 500ish range for wheels(not including tires), so not sure what kinda light options I have. I see prostars and such go for around that amount.
Though, I'm wondering if the huge(not just width, but height) of tires on those prostars would add enough weight to make the lighter wheels pointless.
Does a hard hook on the highway(2nd gear going 50-60(I have 3:23 in a 6spd) break rear ends like a dead launch does? Looking at about 530 rwhp(with spray)
Though, I'm wondering if the huge(not just width, but height) of tires on those prostars would add enough weight to make the lighter wheels pointless.
Does a hard hook on the highway(2nd gear going 50-60(I have 3:23 in a 6spd) break rear ends like a dead launch does? Looking at about 530 rwhp(with spray)
If you want nice light wheels get ready to drop more like $2500+
Plus with drag wheels you'd be wise to slow down for corners, those front skinnies dont like sharp turns at speed.
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From what I've heard, going from more or less stock wheel and tire size in front (17's with a 275, maybe a 21lb wheel or so) to a 15in skinny is good for about a 10th. Some people have reported big losses going to heavier wheels and tires, but most to ignore DA, track conditions, etc.
In my opinion, unless there is a huge weight difference, (10lbs+ per wheel) its not going to make a significant difference.
In my opinion, unless there is a huge weight difference, (10lbs+ per wheel) its not going to make a significant difference.
Originally Posted by wheelczar
It is all related to rolling mass. Example: if you have 40 lb wheel and tire combo and you change tires and wheels to 45 lbs. The extra 5 lbs of rolling mass calculates to 7 times the weight. So the car feels as though it has to move an additional 35 lbs. per wheel, or 140 extra lbs. The less they weigh the better the car performs in every situation, acceleration, braking, cornering ect. So keep this in mind, if you change tires and wheels and they are heavier than what you have on there now, expect to see and feel the difference.
Without a doubt though, you will not see anything positive come from a heavier wheel.
