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GreenHornet · 07-19-2013, 02:53 AM

Today I wanted to do a quick update on my custom wheel modification progress. As noted in a previous post I am adapting a Smart car wheel to the Triumph GT6. The Smart car wheel is a 4.5 X 15" with a 3 bolt pattern that weighs in at 10lbs. The tire for the Smart car is a LRR Continental that weighs in at 12lbs for a combined weight of 22lbs. Compare this to the 4.5 X 13" 18lb stock wheel of the GT6 and you can quickly see why I am trying to make this happen!

At first I thought I was going to be able to purchase a blank hub from a Triumph performance company but I was informed the 2 bolt patterns conflicted and this would not be possible. So this left me with 2 other options. I could either pursue making custom hubs or making hubcentric wheel adapters.

I opted to go with the Wheel adapters mainly for cost reasons as a single custom hub would have cost close to $1,000.00. Compare this to a set of 4 light weight aluminum wheel adapters for $360.00 and its no contest

I have a lead time of two weeks on the adapters currently and once they are finished I will have completed one of the main modifications for the vehicle.

I also finished purchasing the Smart wheels at $100 a piece and priced the tires locally for $75.00 or $300 for a set of 4.

So for 10lb Light Alloy wheels, 12lb LRR tires, 1.76lb Alloy performance hubs & Stub axle kit, and 1lb Alloy adapters the total cost = $1,624.00

The unsprung weight savings I am estimating at around 20lbs per side and once I get the brakes factored in to the equation the weight savings will be closer to 30lbs per side which is dramatic and will have a tremendous effect on MPG as well as overall performance. Total unsprung weight savings for the car will be over 100lbs and was achieved with only a single custom modification.

With these kinds of weight savings figures I might just beat my goal of the 1,200lb initial curb weight however its likely I will go over my budget in the process LOL

I guess I can justify going over budget in the essence for extreme MPG. Also I will probably take this car to the grave if it was possible that is

I don't plan on selling it so why not do it right the first time!

GH..

07-19-2013, 02:53 AM	#83 (permalink)
GreenHornet Master EcoModder Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Oregon Posts: 429 Thanks: 41 Thanked 108 Times in 68 Posts	Today I wanted to do a quick update on my custom wheel modification progress. As noted in a previous post I am adapting a Smart car wheel to the Triumph GT6. The Smart car wheel is a 4.5 X 15" with a 3 bolt pattern that weighs in at 10lbs. The tire for the Smart car is a LRR Continental that weighs in at 12lbs for a combined weight of 22lbs. Compare this to the 4.5 X 13" 18lb stock wheel of the GT6 and you can quickly see why I am trying to make this happen! At first I thought I was going to be able to purchase a blank hub from a Triumph performance company but I was informed the 2 bolt patterns conflicted and this would not be possible. So this left me with 2 other options. I could either pursue making custom hubs or making hubcentric wheel adapters. I opted to go with the Wheel adapters mainly for cost reasons as a single custom hub would have cost close to $1,000.00. Compare this to a set of 4 light weight aluminum wheel adapters for $360.00 and its no contest I have a lead time of two weeks on the adapters currently and once they are finished I will have completed one of the main modifications for the vehicle. I also finished purchasing the Smart wheels at $100 a piece and priced the tires locally for $75.00 or $300 for a set of 4. So for 10lb Light Alloy wheels, 12lb LRR tires, 1.76lb Alloy performance hubs & Stub axle kit, and 1lb Alloy adapters the total cost = $1,624.00 The unsprung weight savings I am estimating at around 20lbs per side and once I get the brakes factored in to the equation the weight savings will be closer to 30lbs per side which is dramatic and will have a tremendous effect on MPG as well as overall performance. Total unsprung weight savings for the car will be over 100lbs and was achieved with only a single custom modification. With these kinds of weight savings figures I might just beat my goal of the 1,200lb initial curb weight however its likely I will go over my budget in the process LOL I guess I can justify going over budget in the essence for extreme MPG. Also I will probably take this car to the grave if it was possible that is I don't plan on selling it so why not do it right the first time! GH..