The Central Hub for DSM Community and Information

For 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser, and Galant VR-4 Owners. This is where the DSM platform history is documented and archived. Log in to help us in our mission, and to remove most ads from the browsing experience.

Wheels: High Rigidity vs Light Weight

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Flash

20+ Year Contributor
3,360
14
Nov 30, 2003
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
This is too good of a read to pass up. I was even shocked. I asked Kent @ AME Wheels/ Endless USA to email me the PDF file for the article. I guess a buddy of his translated it all to English. So I exported the PDF to JPEG so I could share it with you all. Thank you Kent (even though you don't go on DSM forums)!!!

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.
 
Good read, I guess this means if I want 14lb wheels I should be stealing my friends FD3S wheels Muahahahaha....


Also IMO yet another reason to not go over 17" wheels is the jump in weight. You can still have fairly light wheels that are plenty strong if you stick to 16-17".
 
So if you were to be doing specifically drag racing, you should go for super light wheels for the acceleration. Just don't brake too hard when you cross the 1/4 mile. If you're doing autox, stick with rigid wheels.
 
I think the point wasn't to showcase that you should go back to an OEM wheel or even stay at a 17" wheel max (the test was conducted on 18" wheels). The test was meant to prove that although most people understand the merit of seeking a lightweight performance wheel, most tend to think that as long as a wheel is rigid or strong enough not to crack or bend, it should be fine. What they point out in this article is that when producing a true, race worthy wheel, reputable manufacturers take into account the degree of rigidity depending on the specifications of the particular racecar. The weight factor is taken into consideration only after the rigidy factor.
I can recall many threads on this forum that held an emphasis on wheel weight. One article that I remember was someone concerned with the weight of Evo wheels. And this article shows there is more to it than just weight. But weight is not eliminated from the equation. It shows that a balanced wheel both rigid and light will be superior to just a light wheel that lacks rigidity or a very rigid wheel that is heavy. That's why the reputable manufacturers strive to find the balance.
A balanced wheel is superior to everything else.
 
The reason I mentioned 16-17" and others have since is you can get "real" super lightweight wheels (IMO) and not compromise the rigidity of it.

So you get to keep your cake and eat it too.
 
Wow their super lightweight wheels are only about a pound lighter for the 18x9's than my 17x9's are with nearly the exact same offset. Of course my wheels cost $165 a piece with free shipping though :D

Mustang rims FTW
 
Add Value - Be Respectful - No Trolling - No Misinformation - Participate Often!
Support Vendors who Support the DSM Community

Latest Classifieds

  • For sale 2g 2G Mishimoto Radiator & Fan Shroud
    2G Mishimoto Radiator & Fan Shroud $200 + shipping and paypal feesYou must be registered to...
    • jersygsx
    • Updated:
    • Expires
  • For sale 2g 2G Power Window Switches ( tested and hardware included )
    2G Power Window Switches $55 + shipping and paypal fees* Tested 6/2/26 * Hardware included *...
    • jersygsx
    • Updated:
    • Expires
  • For sale VIRGIN 4G63 6-BOLT TURBO HEAD
    Came off a virgin stock AWD Auto 1G DMS (91), also have matching block and crank which are also...
    • The_Partout_Spot
    • Updated:
    • Expires
  • For sale 1G DSM 4G63 6-BOLT TIMING COVER
    Used, see condition in photos. Buyer covers shipping / fees.
    • The_Partout_Spot
    • Updated:
    • Expires
  • For sale Garage clean out
    Changing setups on the car and getting rid of some stuff as well that's been laying around. Will...
    • 92GSXtacy
    • Updated:
    • Expires
Back
Top