anyone know the benifits of lightweight wheels?

[kurokoma-kun]

My question would be, is there any disadvantage to lightweight wheels?

I bought mine based on design, but was pleased to find out they weigh just 11.8 lbs apiece! Then I read something that said wheels can be too light...something about reduced traction...which just confused the hell out of me...

[brickhardmeat]

Originally Posted by kurokoma-kun

My question would be, is there any disadvantage to lightweight wheels?

I bought mine based on design, but was pleased to find out they weigh just 11.8 lbs apiece! Then I read something that said wheels can be too light...something about reduced traction...which just confused the hell out of me...

I doubt anything we could get are hands on in a 14 inch or more wheel size would be too light with a tire on it. I've never heard it put that way. I have heard about braking problems with oversized wheels. I think the lighter the better but then strength maybe an issue

[WRBlue]

Originally Posted by brickhardmeat

I think the lighter the better but then strength maybe an issue

Thats the only issue for lightweight wheels.

If you ever look at Kodiak wheels, they are made for racing only. They aren't built to withstand the rigours of daily driving with pot holes and road debris. Driving with race wheels on the street is asking for a cracked wheel... But we're talking about <10lb 14" wheels...

[kurokoma-kun]

Ok so...

less rotating mass = reduced inertia = faster accel/deceleration?
lower unsprung weight = less up-down+side-to-side motion = better grip?

[keesue]

Originally Posted by kurokoma-kun

Ok so...

less rotating mass = reduced inertia = faster accel/deceleration?
lower unsprung weight = less up-down+side-to-side motion = better grip?

Faster suspension response (up and down) due to less weight. The shocks don't have to absorb the heavier mass; and, faster steering respone for the same reason. "Quick" is the word when lighter wheels are installed, as in, "dayum, dis steerin' sho is smooooth' (spoken in inner-city ebonics for emphasis). And....the lower the profile tire, the greater the risk of damage. Typically, its best to use a 15" wheel with a 60 series tire to absorb the punishment of road hazzards. You get super quickness and ride quality at a slight penalty in handling. I'm going 15's...

[gaffo]

Originally Posted by brickhardmeat

I doubt anything we could get are hands on in a 14 inch or more wheel size would be too light with a tire on it. I've never heard it put that way. I have heard about braking problems with oversized wheels. I think the lighter the better but then strength maybe an issue

MY little Ford Fiesta (German - not the Korean Festiva) had quite a bit of power 1.5 liter, and tiny wheels - 12". The front of the car was too light for the wheels (it was front wheel drive) and on a hard acceleration the wheels would start to "hop" - left then right then left then right (maybe 6 hops a second), like being on a vibrating bed LOL.

So wheels can be too light - but probably depends upon the car of course.

To note, the Fiesta could hawl ass, and ALMOST out accelerate the old bloated 305 8 cylender 1970'/80s Camaros everyone and their dog had in highschool in the 80's...................and the 6-cylender ones were utter DOGS - that Fiesta could beat any 6-banger Camaro easy.