Seeking wheel advice from someone who KNOWS

[09TRD]

Originally Posted by Russelt3hPirate

since when are we talking OEM's?

OEM wheels also need to stand up to some dumb girl running over a curb at 35 mph and being able to go home and not tell mommy.

I'll try and re-organize our questions for you in a easier to read format. BRB.

The fact of the matter is that 15" - 16" OEM aluminum wheels weigh ~ 20 pounds because they are cast (cheaper than forgings), yet still must be ROBUST enough to deal with the rigors of street use. That means thick barrel sections and reasonably robust spokes (each of which adds weight).

The manufacturers would save money AND increase fuel economy if they could use 10 pounds wheels of the same size instead.

They don't because warranty claims (in the form of bent/damaged wheels) would skyrocket in areas like the Northeast.

Any 15"+ cast aluminum wheel that is lighter than 17.5 pounds or so is pushing the limit of impact-related durability in street applications.

Anyone who wants a wheel in that size that is LIGHTER than that AND values durability on the street would be wise to choose a forging.