A wheel questions for you wheel experts...

Can weight overcome plus sizing?

This time around I'm all about a performance setup for my car. I've always taken weight into consideration but usually combine that with plus sizing.

For my 05 S2K I was thinking of getting really light 17's and being done with it but here is my dilemma...

I've stumbled across an 18" rim that weighs 16.8 front and 17.5 rear VS the 18F/20R stock weight.

Do you guys think that at some point weight overcomes size when it comes to performance? It is my understanding that the farther from center the weight is located the more it will have an effect on the cars acceleration. On the other hand, I find myself thinking as a counter to this argument that tires are not light and that with a larger wheel you get a lower profile (read lighter) tire... Basically my question is this: Is there a point where a larger lighter wheel combined with a lower profile tire will yield better performance than a smaller wheel...? If so, do you think my aforementioned setup qualifies?

Thanks for your help.

 

Geez lots of views but no replys, must not be to many physics experts out there.

Come on people, a little help...!?

 

Yes, your scenario could be true. But no one can answer you're question without knowing how heavy the tires are. (I don't think I've ever read someone doing a mathematical analysis, just for the hell of it either) Note that lower profile tires don't necessarily mean lighter. The sidewalls have to be reinforced to prevent the tire from collapsing because of the lower profile.

You're example would probably result in so little difference, you'll won't feel a difference either way. If you are really serious about performance, there are 17" wheels @ around 13 lbs, or 16" wheels @ around 11-12 lbs.

Not to mention that "performance" can also mean turning too, where a good tire/wheel combo doesn't necessarily mean light at all costs.

 

Nope, I'm not a physics expert. But it does seem as if the lightweight 17" rims offer the best all-around performance and acceleration for the S2000. The 18's may (or may not) look cooler, and offers less sidewall flex. This may or may not be better for auto-x.

The wheels I've seen from the same manufacturer but in different diameters seem to average 2-3lbs more for every inch you go up. At least in motorcycles, we used to say that every pound lost on unsprung weight equalled 7 pounds lost somewhere in the car. It's a big deal.