View Full Version : Rim size affecting performance?


Bluechualappa
12-07-2005, 03:05 AM
I'm new to the rim area so I need some help!
I want to get the TRD 19" wheel and tire package but I don't wanna lose power because of it. These rims weigh( I think) 32 pounds per rim without tires. I don't think thats much heavier than the stockies.
I've heard that with larger rims you get less mpg and lose of HP! Is this true? I don't want to sacrifice HP but I could live with the cut of some MPG.
I think this package should be the same size as stock rim and tire diameter since it has smaller tires. I'm just really confused cause I can't stand the though of spending all that money only to lose HP! Anyone wanna help me straighten this out? :pray:

David_Seale
12-07-2005, 03:19 AM
OUCH. thats quite heavy bro. think about it.... how much harder does your car have to work to turn 120 lbs(trd 19s) versus 80(ligher weight wheel)? so you are going to lose performance one way or another. now, whether you notice the loss in power or not, is a different story.

Batjew
12-07-2005, 03:35 AM
MPG and braking will suffer most noticibly

randomsuper
12-07-2005, 04:23 AM
18's are plenty big. 19's will really affect your braking. my xa has 18's now and i'm getting rid of them because i don't like the way they make the car feel. besides, for what you'll pay for those 19's you can get some seriously nice 18's.

Krayzie
12-07-2005, 04:33 AM
yea, my bro put 18's on his car and he noticed a difference right away. But then again they're also chrome.

djct_watt
12-07-2005, 05:02 AM
The formula is:

RI = mass x (radius^2)
or
Rotational Inertia = Mass multiplied by (radius squared)

So take the rim radius (assuming you have equal overall diameter/width wheels on both sets, with the appropriate size and speed designation), square it, and multiply it by the weight.

Do that for each wheel, and pick the set that has the lowest number if you want the best HP, acceleration, and braking. Also note that tire weight is NOT a huge factor, contrary to popular belief. Most of the weight is in the tread of the tire, and not the sidewall.

fachiro1
12-08-2005, 01:44 AM
Go for some Gram Lights 17". Looks great and a whole lot lighter....better performance.

jrincon17
12-08-2005, 02:56 PM
just get more horsepower !

zoltiz
12-08-2005, 03:14 PM
If you want performance - get 17s, if you want bling - then you don't want performance ;)

Wide 17s worked great for me. A-techs that I have are 18lbs for 17x8. Might upgrade to 14.5lbs 17x8 enkeis some time in the future, though.

Bluechualappa
12-17-2005, 06:20 PM
Okay thanks guys I have some 18's on order! They are 18X7.5, What is the stock width? 17X what?

denny2217
12-18-2005, 04:31 PM
i just kelp what size i had i just got another set of 17". I got the konig unknown, freaken awesome!!!

The_Instigator
12-18-2005, 08:14 PM
What is the stock width? 17X what?

Stock wheels are 17x7

WeDriveScions
12-19-2005, 04:11 AM
Wow... Those 19's are INSANELY heavy.... my 19" Konigs are only like a few pounds more than stock....

I do need a set of smaller drag/sport wheels for track days... as I did loose power with my 19's.... made up for it with traction from the insanely horrible stock tires...

Run G-Force KDW NT's... Most Beautiful tires ever!

Bluechualappa
12-19-2005, 08:35 PM
Happy B--day! These are the Rims I ordered! Can't wait to see them on my Flint Mica tC!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/Bluechulappa/Scion%20tC/365797441_l.jpg

WeDriveScions
12-19-2005, 08:38 PM
Thanks.... What tires are you going to run?

Bluechualappa
12-19-2005, 08:41 PM
Going with perelli pzero nero!

SpdLmtNA
12-21-2005, 01:51 PM
funny how nobody really knows how much our stock wheels weigh... care to enlighten?

Bluechualappa
12-21-2005, 02:24 PM
I don't know. I searched but I came up with like six different answers. I've concluded they weigh(without tires) anywhere between 19 and 25 pounds.