Does wheel weight matter that much?
 

This is something I've been confused about. Does wheel weight make that much if a difference in handling and acceleration? For example, if you went from a 20lb wheel to a 17lb wheel, would it make any measurable improvement?

1. Depends - on how the mass is distributed in the wheel. And don't forget tires...if same or less tire weight as stock then definitely yes.
2. Yes - again supposing the 20lb wheel doesn't have all the mass in the hub and the 17lb wheel all the mass in the rim...LOL

Yes

It's unsprung weight and rotational mass. A heavier wheel takes more energy to spin it, has more kinetic energy while it's spinning and requires greater friction from the brakes to slow it down. A change in unsprung mass is a change against the suspension that regulates it's motion.

At 3lbs per wheel, it'll be doubtful you'll notice anything. You'd have to have a well tuned suspension and a be well tuned driver along with maybe data to see the difference.

In theory, yes.

However,I believe the impact of a few pounds is completely overstated on Internet forums. People w/ 20lb wheels run down others w/ 17lb wheels everyday on tracks all over America.

Makes me want to go with a set of 16s rather then 18s.

Depending on the nature of what you're doing, that may work for you... however, a wheel size change also brings with it a sidewall height change, and that alters performance through a corner. :)

Always diminishing returns... Run only 2 quarts of oil and save 6-8lbs! ... :bonk::popcorn: You might lose more weight when the engine grenades...

C

Personally...and this is just me...

I like to see a little sidewall on "normal" cars.

About the ONLY cars that I like big wheels and low profile tires on are legitimate supercars from the 1990's onward. I always thought my car looked silly on the stock 17's.

Of course, I'm only talking about cosmetics. Performance is a different thing altogether.

What tires brand is better than the other compare to weight sizes?

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This. Times a billion. Its MASSIVELY overstated. Does it make a difference? Sure, it can. But for most people, it will have zero effect on how fast they are at the track...

Basically it comes down to, Am I really such a fast driver, that my ________(wheels, intake, tires, aero, exhaust etc etc) is what's stopping me from being 1 second faster?. For most people, it isnt anything more than a placebo.

Only thing I've really found is that generally tires in the same size, but heavier, will have stiffer sidewalls and less likely to roll over and have better performance etc. Basically buy because its a good tire, not because its lightweight. If you happen to narrow the choice down to two good tires, sure, then choose based on weight...but don't eliminate tires just because they weight a few pounds more than another.

Im going 16's when the time comes.

You'll obtain a more true gear ratio with a 16 to a 17. you put 18 or 19's you will be going slower

A 3lb difference is barely noticable but in my case nearly 6lb difference between the stock rims and my OZ Alleggerita is tremendous.

Car feels lighter, Brakes easier and handles rough roads much better.

With our cars and the low torque and low power... YES its very important and noticeable! More noticeable than with something with a lot of power and a lot more weight.

If you are racing the car best choice is the 16 inch rims and tires with stiff sidewalls and good compound. This is the original spec. Otherwise, it doesn't matter too much. Choose a 17 or a 18 inch rim that you like most.