After market wheel weight
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Vancouver British Columbia
After market wheel weight
After researching the various after market wheels, both cast and forged, the difference in the weight can vary as much as 10 lb's per wheel with the price increase relative to the weight of the rim. If one does not track the Vette, is there any difference in the driveabilty and feel from a $250 rim verses a $1000 rim? Would love to purchase the high end forged wheels but if money is a factor is it worth it.
Team Owner
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From: Oklahoma City OK
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I had OE Wheels, chrome which are a heavy wheel on my 04 coupe, now I have i-Forge Swifts on the car now which is a light weight wheel and really I can't tell any difference driving it.
Race Director
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From: San Diego CA
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1549359016-post2.html
You won't feel a difference until you hit a bump or crevice. Adding unsprung weight in the form of rotational mass is a good way to:
Reduce acceleration
Increase braking distances
Of course, if we're talking 4 lbs per wheel, don't worry about it but 10 lbs per wheel is going to degrade performance, the amount based upon your driving habits and conditions. Pothole-filled roads are not the place for big heavy wheels. Now if your roads are glass smooth and you "cruise" rather than drive somewhat aggressively, you may not feel any difference with big heavy wheels.
You won't feel a difference until you hit a bump or crevice. Adding unsprung weight in the form of rotational mass is a good way to:
Reduce acceleration
Increase braking distances
Of course, if we're talking 4 lbs per wheel, don't worry about it but 10 lbs per wheel is going to degrade performance, the amount based upon your driving habits and conditions. Pothole-filled roads are not the place for big heavy wheels. Now if your roads are glass smooth and you "cruise" rather than drive somewhat aggressively, you may not feel any difference with big heavy wheels.
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I'd say if you are tracking or racing the car, then you might be able to tell some difference. For normal, everyday driving, it seems to me it would be hard to notice a difference.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
I tried out a set of aftermarket China made wheels 6 yrs ago.
I felt the acceleration decrease dramatically
The car was not nearly as nimble as before.
It did not turn as easy as it used to.
Car felt sluggish overall. Felt like I was dragging an anchor behind me.
I felt the difference immediately pulling out of my driveway because I had to give it more gas to get going. I felt the clutch engage differently.
I later weighed the set of wheel/tire combo and they were 9-11 lbs heavier than stock.... EACH ! Basically I added 40+ lbs of rotating mass.
Do you really want to spend money to slow down your high performance car ?
I am VERY in tune with my car. I'm sorry to say this out loud but anyone that can't feel a performance reduction with wheels that heavy is not in tune with there car at all. It was a night and day difference for me and I just cruise around Dallas on weekends. I never race my car. Heck.. I don't even drive it that hard really...
Toque
I felt the acceleration decrease dramatically
The car was not nearly as nimble as before.
It did not turn as easy as it used to.
Car felt sluggish overall. Felt like I was dragging an anchor behind me.
I felt the difference immediately pulling out of my driveway because I had to give it more gas to get going. I felt the clutch engage differently.
I later weighed the set of wheel/tire combo and they were 9-11 lbs heavier than stock.... EACH ! Basically I added 40+ lbs of rotating mass.
Do you really want to spend money to slow down your high performance car ?
I am VERY in tune with my car. I'm sorry to say this out loud but anyone that can't feel a performance reduction with wheels that heavy is not in tune with there car at all. It was a night and day difference for me and I just cruise around Dallas on weekends. I never race my car. Heck.. I don't even drive it that hard really...
Toque
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Vancouver British Columbia
As per Toque I kind of felt adding overall weight of 40lb's of unsprung weight has to negatively affect the car. I see you (Toque) have the CCW SP500 setup on your Z, looks very nice. I suppose being forged they are comparible in weight to OEM '02-'04 Z Rims?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
and adding 10 lbs per Wheel as mentioned above or 40 lbs total to rotating mass is ~ 260 lbs to your cars wt.
Cheap wheels are never worth what you pay for them. Keep them stock until you can get what you really want.
Cheap wheels are never worth what you pay for them. Keep them stock until you can get what you really want.
Last edited by AU N EGL; Aug 20, 2011 at 10:14 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
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After researching the various after market wheels, both cast and forged, the difference in the weight can vary as much as 10 lb's per wheel with the price increase relative to the weight of the rim. If one does not track the Vette, is there any difference in the driveabilty and feel from a $250 rim verses a $1000 rim? Would love to purchase the high end forged wheels but if money is a factor is it worth it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Communist Colorado
Ive owned 75 vehicles in my life. I have owned many more types and brands of wheels. I would advise always buy the best wheels you can afford for the Vette. I have had HRE wheels on my 2 Z06's. I cannot afford new HRE wheels, but a used set with tires is usually around 1/2 the cost of new wheels by themselves. Look for a high quality used set of wheels and tires, you'll be happy with the results!!
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
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From: Driftwood PA
I bought OE wheels in 18/19 the total difference in stock weight with tires was 3 lbs per wheel. Got rid of the heavy heavy run craps.
By badyellowvette at 2011-05-30
By badyellowvette at 2011-05-30
Race Director
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From: Central Ma
[QUOTE=Jims2001;1578463251]I bought OE wheels in 18/19 the total difference in stock weight with tires was 3 lbs per wheel. Got rid of the heavy heavy run craps.
This an often over looked point. The wheels may be heavier but the tires are lighter so the net gain is not too bad. My new Ace wheels weigh more, but with the new hankooks on I feel like I have a new car.
This an often over looked point. The wheels may be heavier but the tires are lighter so the net gain is not too bad. My new Ace wheels weigh more, but with the new hankooks on I feel like I have a new car.
Tech Contributor
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From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
Good luck with your purchase !
Toque
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I bought OE wheels in 18/19 the total difference in stock weight with tires was 3 lbs per wheel. Got rid of the heavy heavy run craps.
By badyellowvette at 2011-05-30
By badyellowvette at 2011-05-30
you won't notice with most repro wheels. That's from my experience after selling them for 3 years and running a set.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
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From: Yorktown Virginia
I put aftermarket wheels on my camaro and I could really feel the difference in ride quality, just wasnt as smooth nor did it accelerate as fast. It did handle a little better due to the sticker tires that were a tad wider.
Former Vendor
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From: Hazel Green, Wi www.doubledmods.com
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Not only is the quality of repro wheels horrible(thats why we dont sell them anymore) but the weight is something you can notice.
Once I switched to Forged wheels you could tell a huge differnece in the weight alone just in the way the car feels and handles
If your looking for a lighter wheel at an affordable price I would suggest going with the TSW Nurburgring or Interlagos.
http://www.doubledmods.com/Specials.php
We have sent out dozens of these wheels as not only are they light but great quality and correct offsets as well.
Forged wheels are nice if in your budget
We have many of those to offer as well.
Good luck in decision.
Dennis
Once I switched to Forged wheels you could tell a huge differnece in the weight alone just in the way the car feels and handles
If your looking for a lighter wheel at an affordable price I would suggest going with the TSW Nurburgring or Interlagos.
http://www.doubledmods.com/Specials.php
We have sent out dozens of these wheels as not only are they light but great quality and correct offsets as well.
Forged wheels are nice if in your budget
We have many of those to offer as well.
Good luck in decision.
Dennis
Last edited by Double D Mods; Aug 20, 2011 at 02:41 PM.
