anyone know the benifits of lightweight wheels?

[CaysE]

Welcome to physics 101. o.O

And "significant" is subjective. On a car that makes less than 100hp, dropping 5 pounds off of each wheel is going to make difference enough that you'll notice it.

[kimona]

Originally Posted by CaysE

Welcome to physics 101. o.O

And "significant" is subjective. On a car that makes less than 100hp, dropping 5 pounds off of each wheel is going to make difference enough that you'll notice it.

Actually "significance" is not subjective; it is a mathematical calculation with a foundation in simple statistical analysis.

Certainly less rotational weight makes some difference... "Welcome to physiscs 101"... but the question is whether a few pounds per corner will make any significant difference in gas consumption and acceleration.

[brickhardmeat]

Originally Posted by kimona54

Actually "significance" is not subjective; it is a mathematical calculation with a foundation in simple statistical analysis.

Certainly less rotational weight makes some difference... "Welcome to physiscs 101"... but the question is whether a few pounds per corner will make any significant difference in gas consumption and acceleration.

the difference in consumption will likely come from over all weight loss any loss woul be a benefit to a degree but the unsprung weight is the wheels and tires

I think I'm just agreeing with you here

[kurokoma-kun]

My question would be, is there any disadvantage to lightweight wheels?

I bought mine based on design, but was pleased to find out they weigh just 11.8 lbs apiece! Then I read something that said wheels can be too light...something about reduced traction...which just confused the hell out of me...

[brickhardmeat]

Originally Posted by kurokoma-kun

My question would be, is there any disadvantage to lightweight wheels?

I bought mine based on design, but was pleased to find out they weigh just 11.8 lbs apiece! Then I read something that said wheels can be too light...something about reduced traction...which just confused the hell out of me...

I doubt anything we could get are hands on in a 14 inch or more wheel size would be too light with a tire on it. I've never heard it put that way. I have heard about braking problems with oversized wheels. I think the lighter the better but then strength maybe an issue

[WRBlue]

Originally Posted by brickhardmeat

I think the lighter the better but then strength maybe an issue

Thats the only issue for lightweight wheels.

If you ever look at Kodiak wheels, they are made for racing only. They aren't built to withstand the rigours of daily driving with pot holes and road debris. Driving with race wheels on the street is asking for a cracked wheel... But we're talking about <10lb 14" wheels...

[kurokoma-kun]

Ok so...

less rotating mass = reduced inertia = faster accel/deceleration?
lower unsprung weight = less up-down+side-to-side motion = better grip?

[gaffo]

Originally Posted by brickhardmeat

I doubt anything we could get are hands on in a 14 inch or more wheel size would be too light with a tire on it. I've never heard it put that way. I have heard about braking problems with oversized wheels. I think the lighter the better but then strength maybe an issue

MY little Ford Fiesta (German - not the Korean Festiva) had quite a bit of power 1.5 liter, and tiny wheels - 12". The front of the car was too light for the wheels (it was front wheel drive) and on a hard acceleration the wheels would start to "hop" - left then right then left then right (maybe 6 hops a second), like being on a vibrating bed LOL.

So wheels can be too light - but probably depends upon the car of course.

To note, the Fiesta could hawl ass, and ALMOST out accelerate the old bloated 305 8 cylender 1970'/80s Camaros everyone and their dog had in highschool in the 80's...................and the 6-cylender ones were utter DOGS - that Fiesta could beat any 6-banger Camaro easy.

[CaysE]

Originally Posted by kimona54

Actually "significance" is not subjective; it is a mathematical calculation with a foundation in simple statistical analysis.

Certainly less rotational weight makes some difference... "Welcome to physiscs 101"... but the question is whether a few pounds per corner will make any significant difference in gas consumption and acceleration.

If you drive the car to work a few times a week and have plenty of money for gas, it is far less significant than someone else who is on a road or auto-x course looking to shave off tenths of a second. This is called subjective. English 101?

I'm just busting your balls, don't take it personally; I don't even know you. I think we're on the same page... you're talking about daily driving and I'm talking about racing. You're not going to notice like a 20% improvement in gas mileage or something crazy, but you'll definitely notice better course times.