2 replies to this topic

[luismx123]

Hey all

Just wondering what weight difference one would have if you were to use alloy wheels compared to steels?
Hypothetical 10*6 Wellers Vs 10*6 mini/super/ultra-lites?

Spoke to a guy today who said one should steer clear from steels as the unsprung weight is quite a lot and it's better to have less weight down there.

Let me know you experiences and thoughts on the matter. Need to decide what I want to get :/

[KTS]

the weights thread lists a number of steel & alloy wheel weights, and unless you're looking at magnesium, there's not a massive amount of difference between them...

 

Wheel 1275 GT Steel 10” x 4.5” (without tyre): 4.090 kg*
Wheel Cooper S Steel 10" x 3.5" (without tyre): 3.520 kg*
Wheel Cooper S Steel 10" x 4.5" with 165/70 x10" Tyre: 9.000 kg*
Wheel Cooper 12" x 4.5" with 145/60 x12" Tyre: 9.200 kg*
Wheel Minilite Alloy 10" x 5" (wheel only): 3.770 kg
Wheel Minilite Alloy 12" x 5" (wheel only): 4.570 kg
Wheel Minilite Alloy 13" x 6" (wheel only): 6.510 kg
Wheel Minilite Magnesium 10" x 6" (wheel only): 2.925 kg*
Wheel Sports Pack Alloy 13" x 6" (wheel only): 6.760 kg

Edited by KTS, 17 November 2018 - 09:43 PM.

[absx2]

It is so true that the weight of the wheels have a direct effect on acceleration and braking as well as suspension performance as a lighter wheel can be controlled by the shock absorber better. 

Back in my cycling days a light set of wheels on a heavy old steel bike would perform the same as a top of the range super light alloy bike with the same wheels.

 

Just to put it in perspective you probably wouldn`t notice the difference on most cars but on a bog standard 998 you will.

I changed my reverse rim 10" steels to standard 10" steels and could not believe the difference as it completely transformed the car. It had brakes that worked ( drums ) and would actually accelerate up my hill.

The reverse rims when weighed out of interest with part worn Dunlop 145`s came in at 10 Kg and the standard steels came in at 7.64 Kg with brand new Marshall 145`s so thats a saving of 9.44 Kg of rolling weight.

I had a chap ask me how he can make his 998 mini go faster on a super tight budget, I told him to sell the 7 X 13" wheels and put his old 4.5 X 12" Minilights back on.

Job done and a lesson learned about style over performance.