Performance loss to larger wheels?

[Cody D]

I was thinking about putting some 18's on my Talon and was wondering how much performance loss you guys would think I would experience? I was under the impression that due to the larger diameter I would lose power to the ground or am I totally wrong about this.

Thanks
Cody D

 

[1998gstspyder]

same here...i have 18s on my fwd gst now, wonderin if im loosing out on performance from my stock 16s

 

[Staytuned]

I have seen a big brake upgrade cause a loss in whp. It was on a TV show called Sports Car REvolution. So it would make sense that a plus size in rim diameter would also cause this because of extra rotational mass. To limit this I would try not to buy a rim and tire package that does not weigh a whole lot more than stock.

 

[Cody D]

It was on a TV show called Sports Car REvolution.

Ya I think they lost 7hp on the dyno.

 

[MaNGiNa24]

I hope there were larger diameter rotors in that brake kit, larger calipers wouldn't have any effect on the power you put to the wheels.

My transition from 16's to 18's was somewhat noticable, even tho my 18's weight only a couple pounds more than the 16's, there is more rotational mass due to the wheel's extending out the extra inch from the center of the wheel.

 

[Cody D]

My transition from 16's to 18's was somewhat noticable, even tho my 18's weight only a couple pounds more than the 16's, there is more rotational mass due to the wheel's extending out the extra inch from the center of the wheel.

That sucks, maybe I'll have to stay with my 16's.

 

[MaNGiNa24]

All depends what you are willing to sacrifice. I'm willing to bet that the loss in rotational mass is only a major factor at lower speeds anyway, once you have a good amount of momentum, it's obviously easier to spin the wheel opposed to just get it moving.

If I had to do it again, I'd do it the same. I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of performance for the looks, but then again I'm not trying to be the fastest car around either.

 

[DSM MAN]

About how much do the stock wheels weight?

 

[Cody D]

I don't think I'm willing to lose any power for looks. So I guess that answers that.

 

[Staytuned]

I hope there were larger diameter rotors in that brake kit, larger calipers wouldn't have any effect on the power you put to the wheels.

My transition from 16's to 18's was somewhat noticable, even tho my 18's weight only a couple pounds more than the 16's, there is more rotational mass due to the wheel's extending out the extra inch from the center of the wheel.

Yes it was because the rotors were bigger.

 

[fr33b1rth]

from what i understood the lost power throught the enitre curve because break pads are always in contact very slightly with the rotors and there was more surface area therefor my friction. Bigger wheels will slightly affect performance, but not too much. Bigger wheels drasticly affect braking distances though because they are heavier. That's why when i see trucks with 22" on them with stock breaks, i won't let them drive behing me.

 

[ClevSilverEclip]

Bigger wheels drasticly affect braking distances though because they are heavier. That's why when i see trucks with 22" on them with stock breaks, i won't let them drive behing me.

I thought that bigger wheels, provided that they're also wider overall and shod with more rubber, meant - better - stopping distances as you're increasing the contact patch?

Or are you speaking of bigger diameter wheels with no increase in tire width?

-A

 

[MrPikolo]

It all depends on the weight and your setup.

If you are going from you 22 pound stock beast wheels to a 14 pound 17" wheel, you are taking down the weight of your rotating mass. There for, not only will your car go faster, but it should stop easier and get better traction. Are stock wheels are heavy. I belive with tires and everything they weigh around 50 pounds a peice! Unless most of you are buying 30 pound 18" wheels, you shouldn't see to much loss.

 

[fr33b1rth]

I thought that bigger wheels, provided that they're also wider overall and shod with more rubber, meant - better - stopping distances as you're increasing the contact patch?

Or are you speaking of bigger diameter wheels with no increase in tire width?

-A

the heavier they are, the more rotational mass, therefor the harder it is for a brake to stop theh rotational mass. it also works in reverse, light = shorter stops.

 

[Itzallstock]

When you guys upgraded wheels, How did it effect your speedomenter. I have never changed wheels or tires on my dsm but I have a truck and the summer tires throw the speedometer over 10mph OVER.
Thanks
Ben

 

[BacknBlack92ESi]

My car is rolling on 18's. From what I have been told when the last time I was at the track was that I could have dropped my 60foot's a little if I ditched my 18's. But ehh. I am happy with a 1.756 60's consistantly

 

[fr33b1rth]

When you guys upgraded wheels, How did it effect your speedomenter. I have never changed wheels or tires on my dsm but I have a truck and the summer tires throw the speedometer over 10mph OVER.
Thanks
Ben

The size of the wheel doesn't matter on our car as long as it's not over an 18. It's the total outer diamiater of the wheel+tire. As long as you buy the correct tires, the speedo won't change.

 

[ClevSilverEclip]

Ah!

I see!

Many things to consider! Thanks!

-A

 

[tylerk]

Remember too that when you're upgrading your wheels from stock, you are probably going to a wider wheel, which is going to let you get more rubber on the road and therefore better traction. Additionally, the shorter tire sidewalls when you upgrade to a larger rim are going to provide you with better handling around corners. It all depends on what you want out of your car...there's a reason that Real Drag Cars (tm) have big tires and itty bitty non-bling wheels.

 

[97GS-TSpyder]

plus normally when you go wiht a larger wheel its wider, therefore better area hitting the ground, better handling and launching......weight pending of course