lightweight wheels?
12-02-14, 09:50 AM
#4
Some of the TSW rotary forged wheels are light. My TSW Nurburgring weighs around 20 lbs which is 8 pounds lighter than OEM. I had them on for many months going through bad roads in CA and autocross. They are still strong like new. I bought the TSW because it looks good, lightweight, quality, and affordable price.
If you only look for lightEST weight, Enkei RPF1 is the one to go with. I saw tons of these on other cars in autocross.
If you only look for lightEST weight, Enkei RPF1 is the one to go with. I saw tons of these on other cars in autocross.
12-02-14, 11:11 AM
#7
For your information also, if you are looking for better lap time. Lightweight wheels don't really give you much gain over OEM wheels. The gain, if there is any, will be very small. The big gain in term of lap times is from BETTER TIRES. The more traction you have, the higher limit you can utilize the horsepower and corners faster.
If you are looking for "faster" acceleration, lightweight wheels again don't really gain you too much. It may give you a "faster feel" but not really faster even though people can argue about saving the unsprung weight is beneficial and all that. Reducing unsprung weight does make acceleration and braking "smoother".
In my experience on street and also on autocross, with the lightweight wheels, both acceleration and braking are "smoother" plus the steering feel is more "accurate" so the "fun to drive" factor is better than the OEM.
If you are looking for "faster" acceleration, lightweight wheels again don't really gain you too much. It may give you a "faster feel" but not really faster even though people can argue about saving the unsprung weight is beneficial and all that. Reducing unsprung weight does make acceleration and braking "smoother".
In my experience on street and also on autocross, with the lightweight wheels, both acceleration and braking are "smoother" plus the steering feel is more "accurate" so the "fun to drive" factor is better than the OEM.
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12-02-14, 03:22 PM
#9
I just recently switched from the OEM wheels to lightweight wheels for my track set up and it noticed a huge difference. I got a set of konig milligram 18X8.5 which weigh in at 19lbs compared to the 29lbs for the OEM wheels. I can't say the difference in lap times as I got better tires at the time as well but the car accelerates out of corners quicker and is much more agile. You have to realize that wheel weight is rotational mass and cutting that has a much more significant effect than just simply unsprung weight like taking the spare tire out of the trunk.
Also for the original question a 17" wheel with a higher profile tire will almost always be lighter than a 18" set up with a lower profile tire. Will also be much cheaper. The advantage of the larger rim and lower profile tire is better handling due to less sidewall. And looks of course!
Also for the original question a 17" wheel with a higher profile tire will almost always be lighter than a 18" set up with a lower profile tire. Will also be much cheaper. The advantage of the larger rim and lower profile tire is better handling due to less sidewall. And looks of course!
12-02-14, 05:44 PM
#10
awesome. thanks for the feedback everyone! i'll check out those Enkeis.
these would be my winter/drag wheels.
I have 19" Work Varianza T1S for summer. and currently use my stock 18"s for winter.
I notice a huge difference in acceleration. Not sure what I would be willing to spend just yet
since i'm basically only interested in them for drag racing. otherewise I would continue to just use my OEM for winter.
So I guess I would be more towards looking at the best bang for the buck wheel rather than just the lightest wheel. Just want one of the lighter 17"s available. don't even care if they're ugly as hell.
these would be my winter/drag wheels.
I have 19" Work Varianza T1S for summer. and currently use my stock 18"s for winter.
I notice a huge difference in acceleration. Not sure what I would be willing to spend just yet
since i'm basically only interested in them for drag racing. otherewise I would continue to just use my OEM for winter.
So I guess I would be more towards looking at the best bang for the buck wheel rather than just the lightest wheel. Just want one of the lighter 17"s available. don't even care if they're ugly as hell.
12-03-14, 08:03 PM
#12
From what the IS-F guys have posted online here, they can fit 17" wheels in the rear (with OEM calipers) AND a drag radial or slick with a lot of sidewall (which is better for drag racing). Perhaps a 16" would fit on a 250/350? The smaller the wheel, the lighter the possible weight + the wider selection of available wheels too.
12-04-14, 03:58 PM
#13
From what the IS-F guys have posted online here, they can fit 17" wheels in the rear (with OEM calipers) AND a drag radial or slick with a lot of sidewall (which is better for drag racing). Perhaps a 16" would fit on a 250/350? The smaller the wheel, the lighter the possible weight + the wider selection of available wheels too.
J/K I would entertain the idea of 16"s if they were super light!
12-04-14, 06:41 PM
#14
TSW Interlagos are very light...im running 18s on my car each wheel is 20 pouds.. i have two 18x8.5 offset 20 right now still in box unopened ill let go for a cheap price!
12-05-14, 03:55 PM
#15
Check here are a pretty comprehensive listing of aftermarket wheels and their weights :
http://www.wheelweights.net/