C32 New 18" rims & SL55 intake - Car Feels Slower?
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 125
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From: Marlton
'02 325 xi; '02 C32; '90 ZX; '08 CBR 6RR, '86 V45 Magna
If wheels and tires weight a few lbs more than before. - Im no physicist but you could theoretically gain considerably more rotational mass. Any engineers please weigh in.
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: New Zealand
I also am no physicist but heavier wheels and tires create a lot more rotational enertia which reduces acceleration, makes braking worse and doesn't improve traction or handling. Generally the stock wheels are the best for most cars. Any aesthetic wheel changes should weigh the same or less to not go backwards performance wise. The spread of weight from the centre outwards also has an effect. The best upgrade is better tyres.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 2
From: Marlton
'02 325 xi; '02 C32; '90 ZX; '08 CBR 6RR, '86 V45 Magna
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 288
From: New Zealand
You will have a higher max speed only if it is limited by redline in top gear. Your speedo will read lower than the speed really is. None of this is a concern if the rolling diameter of the wheel is the same. If the tyres are lower profile on the larger wheel with approximately the same diameter then it will not make a difference to these two things.
