should i stick w/ 16" or get 17"?
#1
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should i stick w/ 16" or get 17"?
16in = 19.5 lb each
17in = 23.5 lb each
that's 4 lb each rim, 16lb unsprung weight, plus weight difference of tires and we're looking at 20-22lb of unsprung weight saved.
17"s are aesthetically way more pleasing, but at what cost??? I'm pretty sure I'll see much better acceleration, braking, fuel economy and better ride w/ 16"..
what do you think?? the car is not tracked so 10/10ths handling advantage of 17" rubber might be unnecessary..???
any counter arguments?? .. yeah, bling is important too i guess...
17in = 23.5 lb each
that's 4 lb each rim, 16lb unsprung weight, plus weight difference of tires and we're looking at 20-22lb of unsprung weight saved.
17"s are aesthetically way more pleasing, but at what cost??? I'm pretty sure I'll see much better acceleration, braking, fuel economy and better ride w/ 16"..
what do you think?? the car is not tracked so 10/10ths handling advantage of 17" rubber might be unnecessary..???
any counter arguments?? .. yeah, bling is important too i guess...
#5
Originally Posted by rai,Oct 23 2005, 03:32 PM
You can get 17" wheels that weigh less than stock 16" wheels
Here is a list of weights-->>click
You can get volks (ce28) 17x9 weigh 14.8 lbs and 17x7 weigh 13.8 lbs
Yum, this is what I want to buy
Here is a list of weights-->>click
You can get volks (ce28) 17x9 weigh 14.8 lbs and 17x7 weigh 13.8 lbs
Yum, this is what I want to buy
Cheers
ian
#6
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It's not the actual, physical weight that's saved. 4lb per wheel of unsprung weight equals 24lbs of sprung weight (6:1 ratio), so that's like 96lbs of weight saved just in the wheels alone. Someone correct me if I'm wrong on the ratio, but I believ that's right.
There's another issue to consider. I'm pretty sure those 17" wheels make the car sit 1/2" to 1" higher off the ground because the wheel center is at least 1/2" higher than the 16" wheels are and that center figure may actually be 1". An expert in suspension could tell you more than I could about thsi stuff, but that's my understanding.
Warren
There's another issue to consider. I'm pretty sure those 17" wheels make the car sit 1/2" to 1" higher off the ground because the wheel center is at least 1/2" higher than the 16" wheels are and that center figure may actually be 1". An expert in suspension could tell you more than I could about thsi stuff, but that's my understanding.
Warren
#7
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Originally Posted by WarrenW,Oct 23 2005, 06:11 PM
There's another issue to consider. I'm pretty sure those 17" wheels make the car sit 1/2" to 1" higher off the ground because the wheel center is at least 1/2" higher than the 16" wheels are and that center figure may actually be 1".
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#10
Its not unsprung weight...its rotational weight. This has an even greater effect. I believe for rotational mass its something like a 8lbs to every 1lb or something like that. I forget but think its around 4 or unsprung weight, those items are like the brake calipers, a-arms, shocks, swaybars, etc.
I'd say that if performance isn't your primary concern just go for what you like more...probably the 17's. It doesn't appear to be, and don't worry about it. Your not going to kill the cars characteristics by adding a few pounds per wheel (sure you not going to make them better, but like I said...it'll still be fun.)
I'd say that if performance isn't your primary concern just go for what you like more...probably the 17's. It doesn't appear to be, and don't worry about it. Your not going to kill the cars characteristics by adding a few pounds per wheel (sure you not going to make them better, but like I said...it'll still be fun.)