The lightest 17" rims available for 986?

[LAP1DOUG]

About a year ago, GRM magazine did a test to confirm that a light weight wheel and tire improved times on an auto-x course. They used a Miata for the test, and found that the heavier weight wheel was actually faster!

After examining the data, it was apparent that the heavier wheel was faster just because that wheel/tire combination was just a bit smaller diameter, and thereby lowered the effective gearing and improved acceleration. Just a fraction of an inch less diameter completely over-rode the weight effects of a heavy wheel.

So, you should probably look at the whole package of resulting wheel / tire diameter, sidewall stiffness, etc. rather than being overly concerned about the last ounce of wheel weight.

[SpyderRS]

Hi,

our monobloc cast wheels weights in 8,5 x 19 offset45 21,5lbs and in 10,0 x 19 offset 40 23,8lbs, Made in Germany, german TÜV-Approved and a set here in germany costs about 1.200,-Euro in different finishes (matte titanium, matte black/front polish and matte black/red ring)... i´m very interesting for, if you become in USA similar (design, wheel weights ) wheels?

[Topless]

Originally Posted by LAP1DOUG

About a year ago, GRM magazine did a test to confirm that a light weight wheel and tire improved times on an auto-x course. They used a Miata for the test, and found that the heavier weight wheel was actually faster!

After examining the data, it was apparent that the heavier wheel was faster just because that wheel/tire combination was just a bit smaller diameter, and thereby lowered the effective gearing and improved acceleration. Just a fraction of an inch less diameter completely over-rode the weight effects of a heavy wheel.

So, you should probably look at the whole package of resulting wheel / tire diameter, sidewall stiffness, etc. rather than being overly concerned about the last ounce of wheel weight.

I agree with your conclusions Doug. What a goofy test though. If you want to test the advantages of lighter wheels you must start with identical wheel and tire sizes and diameters.

Bottom line: You can find quality 17" Porsche takeoff 17 x 8.5 wheels that weigh 21 lbs for around $125ea on CL or you can buy ultra lightweight (18lb) racing wheels for $2500 ea. Shaving 12lbs of unsprung weight might buy you 2/10sec per lap. Are there more efficient ways to spend your $10k that will yield higher performance? Adding a 3.8L motor (2-3sec)? Professional coaching by Andy Lally (8sec)? Tires (5sec)? Suspension (2sec)? The low hanging fruit is always the driver, not the wheels.

[Mrmaddbrad]

Originally Posted by Topless

I agree with your conclusions Doug. What a goofy test though. If you want to test the advantages of lighter wheels you must start with identical wheel and tire sizes and diameters.

Bottom line: You can find quality 17" Porsche takeoff 17 x 8.5 wheels that weigh 21 lbs for around $125ea on CL or you can buy ultra lightweight (18lb) racing wheels for $2500 ea. Shaving 12lbs of unsprung weight might buy you 2/10sec per lap. Are there more efficient ways to spend your $10k that will yield higher performance? Adding a 3.8L motor (2-3sec)? Professional coaching by Andy Lally (8sec)? Tires (5sec)? Suspension (2sec)? The low hanging fruit is always the driver, not the wheels.

People always overlook their driving skills.... Like instead of thinking that each lap wasn't fast enough so they make their car faster, they should just keep driving and going to driving schools...

And as previously stated, the difference between a 18 and 14lb wheel is not that noticable... If you're trying to be faster, when it comes to wheels, go smaller....

Driver before car... Driver. IMPROVE YOUR DRIVING! GO FORTH!!!

[Stroked & Blown]

WheelWeights.net - Database of Wheel Weights

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by Stroked & Blown

WheelWeights.net - Database of Wheel Weights

This database is awesome!