Does wheel weight make a difference?

[mahout]

Originally Posted by YeeFit

I figured I'd ask the more rev happy ppl in this forum to see if they have any insight on wheel weights and how they affect our cars.

I understand that the current Fit Sport rims weigh 15.8lbs roughly.. now I have been contemplating getting 17" wheels that weigh 18lbs. I know that isn't much of a difference, but the wheels I am also considering are a set of 15" 10.6lb wheels.

So the difference in weight between the 2 different wheels that I am considering is 7.4lbs.

Now this could be a pretty big number when it comes to how my Fit will perform seeing as we are just rated above 100hp...

Can someone fill me in with their knowledge? what are the advantages and disadvantages?

I'm not going to track my car, but I do like to drive aggressively and don't want to make my Fit any slower than it already is.

The lighter the wheel and tire combination the better your handling and economy will be , all other things equal naturally. The original 195/55x15 tires and the lower weight wheels will be advantageous. The only thing to watch out for is to make sure the 10.6 lb wheels are load rated for the Fit and have an offset of 42 to 45 mm. Some have gotten away with 40 and even 38 mm but its very risky. There are some better 195/55x15 and 205/50x15 tires. Even lighter or slightly smaller diameter which is better..
As far as the bigger wheels and 205 tires is concerned cornering is improved but mpg will be less by 1-2 mpg. Take your pick. And maybe looks but thats your call.
good luck.

[Crucio]

I havent read through this thread but in short....

i went from stock tires to 17/40/205 tires and i felt the car was noticeably slower.

[mahout]

Originally Posted by Crucio

I havent read through this thread but in short....

i went from stock tires to 17/40/205 tires and i felt the car was noticeably slower.

Me, too. but the 205/40x17 tires are heavier by 2 lb, and are slightly bigger in diameter so some loss was expected to just get increased cornering. Worse, the 17" wheels were a trifle heavier to boot. There's no free lunch.
However our 175/65x15 tires on lightweight 12 lb wheels get 2-3 mpg more than the stock 195/55x15's. But there is no cornering like the 17's. No free lunch.

[M-VTEC]

oh my wheel spec is enkei wheel 15 * 6.5 , with offset +38 with 195/50/15 Advan neova.

no drama!

[mahout]

Originally Posted by M-VTEC

oh my wheel spec is enkei wheel 15 * 6.5 , with offset +38 with 195/50/15 Advan neova.

no drama!

Thats a combination not in my database. Do you have any rubbing at all ?
Thanks

[M-VTEC]

no rubbing at all, however it may depends on how low you set your suspension at.
I am using HKS hipermax C-Compact coilovers at the moment and I set the suspension at the lowest setting, still no rubbing at all.

[mahout]

Originally Posted by M-VTEC

no rubbing at all, however it may depends on how low you set your suspension at.
I am using HKS hipermax C-Compact coilovers at the moment and I set the suspension at the lowest setting, still no rubbing at all.

Just how low is the lowest setting ? If you lowered enough to basically eliminate wheel travel I can see you getting by.

[M-VTEC]

Originally Posted by mahout

Just how low is the lowest setting ? If you lowered enough to basically eliminate wheel travel I can see you getting by.

I am too lazy to measure exact figure, but the distance between the fender and tyre is about 2cm at the front and 2.5cm at rear.

[mahout]

Originally Posted by M-VTEC

I am too lazy to measure exact figure, but the distance between the fender and tyre is about 2cm at the front and 2.5cm at rear.

Thats too indefinite. You need to measure the distance from the ground across the center of the wheel to the edge of the fender arch. Based on your info I would guess about 61 cm.
Lets try again.
cheers.

[Road Dawg]

Any suggestions on what would be the lightest 15 inch wheel that would hold up to the crappy pothole laden roads here in NJ? Thanks for any help provided..........

[mahout]

Originally Posted by Road Dawg

Any suggestions on what would be the lightest 15 inch wheel that would hold up to the crappy pothole laden roads here in NJ? Thanks for any help provided..........

The lightest wheels purchased around here arethe SSR Type C (RS) 15x6 at 8.8# and the Enkei RFP-1 15x7 at 9.5#. Both are in the $200 to $300 range, each. For those of us tightwads there's the Kazera KZ-M 15x7 at 13.5# for $100 or so. Offset check. I'm sure there are others. In fact the Falken 15 wheel on my CRX is avertised as one of the lightest wheels if they still offer.

These are wheels for the weekend warriors. For you I'd get one of the inexpensive wheels at DiscounttireDirect.com for under $90.. Shipping not free anymore though.

[HEMI-Fit]

Another option could be OEM Saturn wheels, if you see one you like. The Sawblade wheels are the lightest at about 15# each. If you can find a nice set, they'll bolt on and are OEM-tough while still being a few pounds lighter than a stock Fit Sport wheel. Some powder coating could make for a unique looking wheel package.

HF