who's got light wheels and what benefits have you seen?

[joanthegreat]

i'm thinking of getting 15" drag dr-16 wheels and they're supposed to be 12lbs each. if its a savings of ~8lbs per wheel, should i expect a noticeable increase in fuel economy, handling and acceleration? please - opinions welcome

[INFINI]

I would think you will get benefits yes. Why I plan to get light wheels. There has been discussion about this a few times here in these forums.

[THE_DON]

I went from heavy 18" chromes to lighter 17" alloys and I did notice a difference in the overall "feel" of how the car handled and took corners. And I put an end to the rubbing. I think you notice it more if you remove heavy wheels. If you go from stockers to lighter 15"s, I don't know if you'll feel it as much.

Gas mileage... I didn't notice a change, but who knows.


-THE DON

[stankubrick]

I had Enkei RPF1s (9.8 lbs) and 195/55-15 falken 512 (really light tires). I experienced increased fuel economy (90% city driving), acceleration, and a smoother ride. This was after riding on super heavy 15x8 +12 steelies.

[xbizzle425]

it got 15'' rota wheels and didn't notice any benefits other then it is easier to rotate your tires... plus they look nice

[INFINI]

Originally Posted by xbizzle425

it got 15'' rota wheels and didn't notice any benefits other then it is easier to rotate your tires... plus they look nice

If you came from the stock 15's there would not be a noticeable diff. I don't think. For me if I went from my 18's to 15's there would be a noticeable diff.

[joanthegreat]

all the things i've read about reducing unsprung weight since i'm going from a18 to a 12lb wheel should make a difference i would think. plus then it becomes a good excuse to get new wheels!
i'm getting 30-33mpg on my stockies now and would like more

[joanthegreat]

Originally Posted by stankubrick

I had Enkei RPF1s (9.8 lbs) and 195/55-15 falken 512 (really light tires). I experienced increased fuel economy (90% city driving), acceleration, and a smoother ride. This was after riding on super heavy 15x8 +12 steelies.

wow thats really light! how much fuel economy improvement, and what about the durability of them?

[stankubrick]

Not much, maybe 2-3mpg. Acceleration from start was easier, so that helped too.

Durability-wise, the RPF1s had no problem on horrible San Francisco streets: potholes, steep hills, streetcar/cable car tracks, contruction everywhere, you name it. I think the ride was a bit smoother too since the suspension didn't have to work that hard.

[joanthegreat]

Originally Posted by stankubrick

Not much, maybe 2-3mpg. Acceleration from start was easier, so that helped too.

Durability-wise, the RPF1s had no problem on horrible San Francisco streets: potholes, steep hills, streetcar/cable car tracks, contruction everywhere, you name it. I think the ride was a bit smoother too since the suspension didn't have to work that hard.

thanks for the response sounds like there's a few positives apart from just looking good!