https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/artic ... ly-better/
Interesting comparo from 4 years ago. I didn't see this on a search of this forum section?
I've never replaced wheels for weight but ONLY to gain width to fit wider tires. The wider wheels ended up being less weight than factory ones. Probably not as strong?
The one thing I love about light wheels is the ease of lifting them on and off the car + putting them up on the storage rack or stacking. A 40lb wheel/tire is a real back shoulder killer to shove up there 4x.
2014 Grassroots Wheel comparo is lighter better?
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Doug Adams
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Loren Williams
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2014 Grassroots Wheel comparo is lighter better?
Your suspension finds the heavier wheel harder to lift and control the motion of, as well.
And the there's rotational inertia. More relevant on a momentum car.
As for strength, "good" lightweight wheels are actually stronger because they are forged rather than cast. Cheap OE wheels are heavier and strong enough because they are designed to work with the cheaper casting process.
There are also a lot of rolling processes that add strength without as much cost as a full forging process.
And the there's rotational inertia. More relevant on a momentum car.
As for strength, "good" lightweight wheels are actually stronger because they are forged rather than cast. Cheap OE wheels are heavier and strong enough because they are designed to work with the cheaper casting process.
There are also a lot of rolling processes that add strength without as much cost as a full forging process.
Loren Williams - Loren @ Invisiblesun.org
The "Push Harder, Suck Less" philosophy explained:
Push Harder - Drive as close to the limit of your tires as possible.
Suck Less - Drive something resembling a proper racing line.
The "Push Harder, Suck Less" philosophy explained:
Push Harder - Drive as close to the limit of your tires as possible.
Suck Less - Drive something resembling a proper racing line.
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Tim --
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2014 Grassroots Wheel comparo is lighter better?
I've preferred factory wheels and resist going to an aftermarket unit (only for width as well) on my projects. Fortunately, my cars had decent wheels from the factory (Corvette - Amolds/17 pounds/$250 ea, STI - BBS/15 pounds/$700 ea!).
I've also read competitive wheels may have service life/disposable - less weight could equal weaker/less ductility?
Do agree lifting those things is a challenge - despise all the later model cars with the gigantic 19/20 inch wheels!
Certainly agree lightweight wheels are ideal...some nice designs too.
I've also read competitive wheels may have service life/disposable - less weight could equal weaker/less ductility?
Do agree lifting those things is a challenge - despise all the later model cars with the gigantic 19/20 inch wheels!
Certainly agree lightweight wheels are ideal...some nice designs too.
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Loren Williams
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- Drives: A Mirage
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- Safety Harbor
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- First Name: Loren
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2014 Grassroots Wheel comparo is lighter better?
Yeah, you got cheater wheels from the factory, Tim!
Loren Williams - Loren @ Invisiblesun.org
The "Push Harder, Suck Less" philosophy explained:
Push Harder - Drive as close to the limit of your tires as possible.
Suck Less - Drive something resembling a proper racing line.
The "Push Harder, Suck Less" philosophy explained:
Push Harder - Drive as close to the limit of your tires as possible.
Suck Less - Drive something resembling a proper racing line.
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