I've heard rumor that you get better mileage with a lighter wheel/tire combo - which only makes sense... can anybody give me some first-hand experience/data on this?

I'm looking at some 18" Motegi FF7s in Gunmetal, but they weigh out at 24.3 lbs. each - which I believe is heavier than the stock steelie. I'm quite happy with my mileage now and don't want to go backwards.

So how significant is it?

Alternately, does anyone have a suggestion of another manufacturer with a similarly styled wheel (gunmetal 7 spoke, chrome lip) that is lighter and won't break the bank?

 

well the big deal with the weight of a wheel is rotating mass.
i have en 06 xb with 15s and i get about 360 miles to a tank. my buddy jeff has en 05 with 19s, if he babbies it he might get 260 miles to a tank.

see it take alot of HP to get something spinning, thats why it a big deal to use a lightened fly wheel. removing 5 pounds or rotating mass is like taking 100 pounds of the total weight of your car.

 

yup. wheel size and weight matters. it really does make a difference if you get down to it.
also lightening the load in your car will do wonders. i don't keep the spare wheel in the trunk. some may say that's crazy talk, but hey, whatevs.