Do heavier wheels overly affect performance
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Do heavier wheels overly affect performance
All,
I had a set of 18's (Evos - I know, not everyones choice!) on my S, but I put the original alloys back on it last week cos the alloys need a refurb and 2 new rear tyres. I drove the car afterwards and it seemed like it was going a bit better than normal. A week on and now I'm not sure whether it was my imagination or it is quicker.
I know heavier wheels = slower car, but in reality would it be that noticeable?
I'm sure someones done the math before... let me know. I do know that the stock 16's now look awfully small on it!
Ian
I had a set of 18's (Evos - I know, not everyones choice!) on my S, but I put the original alloys back on it last week cos the alloys need a refurb and 2 new rear tyres. I drove the car afterwards and it seemed like it was going a bit better than normal. A week on and now I'm not sure whether it was my imagination or it is quicker.
I know heavier wheels = slower car, but in reality would it be that noticeable?
I'm sure someones done the math before... let me know. I do know that the stock 16's now look awfully small on it!
Ian
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From: sideways with an OWL!
Just to fuel the inevitable fire, unsprung weight (ie weight that isn't supported by the suspension) will provide a better performance gain per kg lost than a kg of sprung weight. Various claims from various people but an approx (unscientific I know) 1:4 ratio ie a 1kg unsprung loss is roughly equal to a 4kg sprung loss.
Dynamically, unsprung weight is dead weight. So the more you can reduce it the better. Whereas you can use the suspension to mitigate the effects on sprung weight.
The only comparison I've been able to make is the 350Z with and without the RAYS forged alloys (at least 1kg lighter per wheel), and the car certainly feels a lot nimbler, with crisper turn in.
One note, any or all of the above might be utter rubbish but it's what I believe. I'm currently considering lighter 17" alloys.
Dynamically, unsprung weight is dead weight. So the more you can reduce it the better. Whereas you can use the suspension to mitigate the effects on sprung weight.
The only comparison I've been able to make is the 350Z with and without the RAYS forged alloys (at least 1kg lighter per wheel), and the car certainly feels a lot nimbler, with crisper turn in.
One note, any or all of the above might be utter rubbish but it's what I believe. I'm currently considering lighter 17" alloys.
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From: Northampton
Originally Posted by chilled,Aug 4 2005, 02:09 PM
Various claims from various people but an approx (unscientific I know) 1:4 ratio ie a 1kg unsprung loss is roughly equal to a 4kg sprung loss.
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From: Kent'ish
IMO
Simple answer, Yes it does effect acceleration and may well affect handeling too, but its only that last 10th if you ask me. And if your in that last 10th and on the road you deserve to lose it.
On the track stick to stock wheel or mega bucks lightweight track type wheels, No need to pimp on a track
Simple answer, Yes it does effect acceleration and may well affect handeling too, but its only that last 10th if you ask me. And if your in that last 10th and on the road you deserve to lose it.
On the track stick to stock wheel or mega bucks lightweight track type wheels, No need to pimp on a track