One of the upgrades that I'm thinking about for the future is new wheels and tires. I'm particularly excited about this upgrade because new wheels can really change the way your car works and looks. It is by far the most important single upgrade you can make. It affects handleing and performance as well as cosmetics.
Weight: Wheel weight is extrememly important for both handling and performance. See also unsprung weight.
Size: Since the size of the wheel affects the weight it is important but it also affects the engine speed and handling of the car. A wheel is basically a gear for your car.
Tires: Since tires don't last forever it's important to consider price when determining what size tire, and therefore wheel, to purchase. For example 225/50R16 are $160 each and have a wheel diamter of 24.86 inches. A 225/45R17 are $176 each and have diameter of 24.92 inches. Also, a 225/35R18 are $218 each and have a diameter of 24.2. Also, the bigger tires weigh more and bigger wheels weigh more. The question is because the bigger tires have a lower profile do they handle better?
Wheels Under Consideration:
Volk CE28n 16x8 12.9lbs
Volk CE28n 17x9 14.8lbs
Volk TE37 17x8 16.3 lbs
Subaru Impreza MY04 STi 17x7.5 (BBS wheels) 16.5 lbs
Prodrive PFF7 18x8 21 lbs (Like looks not size or weight)
Subaru Impreza MY04 STi 17x7.5 (BBS wheels) 16.5 lbs
Prodrive PFF7 18x8 21 lbs (Like looks not size or weight)
OZ Superleggaras 17x8 15.9 lbs CAST
OZ Ultraleggaras 17x8 17 lbs CAST
OZ Ultraleggaras 17x8 17 lbs CAST
Sizes I'd Like:
16x8 or 9
17x8 or 9
Tire sizes for 16x7 inch rims:
225/50R16 approved for 6.0-8.0 (7.0 recommended)
225/45R16 approved for 7.0-8.5 (7.5 recommended)
Info on wheel weight
http://www.ssgti.net/tech/wheel.htm
Excellent points from car engineers:
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/eng99/eng99334.htm
16x8 or 9
17x8 or 9
Tire sizes for 16x7 inch rims:
225/50R16 approved for 6.0-8.0 (7.0 recommended)
225/45R16 approved for 7.0-8.5 (7.5 recommended)
Info on wheel weight
http://www.ssgti.net/tech/wheel.htm
Excellent points from car engineers:
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/eng99/eng99334.htm
Wheel weight "database":
I actually enjoyed reading through this posting.Many thanks.
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