will a lighter wheel increase FE?

[mattbatson]

assuming it is the same size as stock and with the same tire...in other words, not skinnier.

I would think there may be a small help during acceleration, but was wondering if it would be measureable?

I am looking at wheels that are about 3lbs lighter in weight per wheel.

thoughts?

[California98Civic]

Maybe. Search this site for Sentra SE-R's test on wheel sizes and weights. He was quite thorough. [EDIT: what the heck, I did the search for you... you really should study these results: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post246084. The bottom line is lighter beats heavier, sometimes even if heavier is also taller, but lighter and taller is best. Still, a lot will depend on the weight of the tires you put on and how much rolling resistance they add or subtract. That's why I answered "maybe."]

[Krayzie]

wheels are one of the best places to drop some weight. less rotational mass = faster acceleration. but you also have to look into if this will be cost effective? how much do the wheels you have now weigh? how much will the new ones cost? and how long it will take to get a return on this mod.

here is a good write up on rotational mass

Rotating Mass, Available Horsepower, and Acceleration

[ConnClark]

In short the answer to your question is yes. Lighter Wheels will save you fuel. Will you notice it at the pump? probably not. Maybe it will save you a cent or two per gallon. I say go for it if you want new rims. Your car will handle better and stop quicker thus making it safer.

[johnunit]

Something I've noticed with Sentra SE-R's rims, and my own (my Prius came with custom 5 spoke wheels with about a half inch dish and square spokes), is aerodynamics MAY be more significant than weight when switching wheels. I would be surprised if my Prius's current wheels didn't weigh less than stock, but they're certainly Not as aerodynamic. Changing offset and width would also have aerodynamic effects.

[mattbatson]

Ok, so it sounds like the returns will be negligable...and hardly worth the expenditure.

thanks for all the responses

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by mattbatson

Ok, so it sounds like the returns will be negligable...and hardly worth the expenditure.

thanks for all the responses

Did you read Sentra_SE-R's results in the link above? You could pick up two or 3 mpg, if his results are reliable. If the wheels come cheaply, then you win. In my case I got nearly new tires on my second hand-lightweight wheels when I already needed to replace the tires. The total cost of the wheels and nearly new tires was quite a bit less than buying new tires, having them mounted and balanced. I got lucky in that deal, but if you keep looking you could get the wheels for very cheap.

[Ryland]

Every bump and pot hole that you hit you more or less have to climb out of, so lighter wheels show their biggest pay back in that area, that is why we look at both unsprung weight and rotating weight.