Wheel weight vs. Contact patch...

[Stephen06GT]

What would you choose:

Option 1: 275/40/18 tire on a 10” wide wheel, 65 pounds

Option 2: 255/45/18 tire on a 8.5” wide wheel, 53.5 pounds

Same tire compound for either set up and this would be a square set.

[newbiestangowner]

For a total of 11.5 lbs difference I choose 275- contact patch and I like the look over weight saving
Lol - slo turd ain’t gonna be that faster anyway or win prize money

WAIT that’s 11.5 per wheel!46 lbs total , hmmmm

I’ll be going 285 square 18x10 for track set up
Possibly 19x10 285
I wanna get u guys input as well later before I buy


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[ZR]

If it's a one set for all around use, choose the lighter wheel n tire combo hands down.

[RedSN]

IMO... depends on your setup. If you have tons of power you can’t use anyway, go for more rubber at the expense of the unsprung weight.
If you are short on power, take the weight savings.

[Zippy]

It's an interesting question for sure. I can see pros and cons for both.

[newbiestangowner]

It's an interesting question for sure. I can see pros and cons for both.

Agree- light vs wide

I ditched the factory heavy wheels , but was able to go lighter ,AND wider, because of wheel choice ;
world of difference in handling,grip, and putting power down without overwhelming the rear.

Just 255’s look skinny on MY car
( running 255 front, 285 rear)


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[RAT ATK]

My smaller and lighter setup works much better for me than my larger heavier setup did. My 17” setup saved me 10lbs a corner over my 18’s.

[FABMAN]

I like wide tires and the grip they provide, plus I am bias because a 275 on the back of an S550 looks like you are running on space saver spares. :)

I went with a lighter 19x10 and 19x11” flow formed rim but run a staggering set (for the street) Nitto INVO 285 front and 325 rear. I plan to get a second pair of 285 rears for track use only.

[Zippy]

I like option 2.
Less rotational mass would help with turn in, reduce braking distances and increase acceleration.

[1BAD92LX]

Lighter = faster to me. But wider is better also. Guess that’s why wide light weight rims are so expensive.
Seems like you need to visit this website. https://www.apexraceparts.com/wheels.html :stickpoke:

[ZR]

Can pick you up a set when I'm there next week Stephen. ;)


https://cortexracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/apex-silver.png

[Stephen06GT]

Lighter = faster to me. But wider is better also. Guess that’s why wide light weight rims are so expensive.
Seems like you need to visit this website. https://www.apexraceparts.com/wheels.html :stickpoke:

Unfortunately not in the budget at this time.

[Stephen06GT]

Can pick you up a set when I'm there next week Stephen. ;)


https://cortexracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/apex-silver.png

Are they having a buy-one-get-one free sale?

[Minaccia]

The engineer said what I wanted to say, thanks Don.


IMO... depends on your setup. If you have tons of power you can’t use anyway, go for more rubber at the expense of the unsprung weight.
If you are short on power, take the weight savings.

[Scrape]

I also agree with this statement. Apex Rims are on sale and are relatively in expensive and very light.
IMO... depends on your setup. If you have tons of power you can’t use anyway, go for more rubber at the expense of the unsprung weight.
If you are short on power, take the weight savings.

[UnlimitedTraction]

Option 2: 255/45/18 tire on a 8.5” wide wheel, 53.5 pounds
--
This is my pick because it has far less rotating mass, which translates to better steering feel. Still heavy though

[G-ForceJunkie]

Lots of variables, but in general, I'd take the heavier/wider package.

[johnny5]

What is your driving style, do you attack corners and using curbing or stay off the curbs? What tracks do you plan to attend? What vehicle/engine combination?

If you use curbing I would go with the "stronger" rim and not be as concerned with the mass.

[UnlimitedTraction]

What is your driving style, do you attack corners and using curbing or stay off the curbs? What tracks do you plan to attend? What vehicle/engine combination?

If you use curbing I would go with the "stronger" rim and not be as concerned with the mass.

The heavier the rim is, the greater the unsprung weight is. Without knowing if the wheels are cast vs flow formed vs forged, it is hard to determine how strong the rim is. Based on the absence of this information, I would pick the lighter wheel.

[Stephen06GT]

I ran the heavier wheel combo, but as I'm old and slow anyway, it probably won't make a difference what I run. I did have fun though!!

[ZR]

So went from 20s to a much lighter set of 18s, even on the street, difference is substantial in ride, feel and handling. To say it's transformed the car would be an understatement. If I end up keeping it, will buy another set of same wheels for track use, yes like em that much.
Thanks again to Rob for his feedback on how much difference he saw with his own car when shifted to lighter wheels.