Lightest 5x112 wheels for MkV Jetta TDI

[DieselHybrid]

I gave up trying to eco-mod my '06 Corolla XRS. The best I could squeeze out of my high-revving 2zz-ge engine was 36.7mpg.

So I went out and bought an '09 Jetta TDI! I've only driven it 1200 miles, but so far I am able to get 53mpg highway without breaking a sweat!

I'm exploring a couple options here:

1. Buying adapters for my set of 5x100 Motegi Traklites 50et- not desirable since thinnest adapters are 20mm- resulting in a 30mm offset.

2. Buying an entirely new set of wheels specifically for my '09 MkV Jetta TDI.

So, who makes the lightest 16" or 17" wheels for the '09 MkV Jetta TDI w/ a 5x112, 50mm offset?

Thanks in advance.

[DieselHybrid]

Why swap the stock wheels/tires? I was shocked to learn that my stock Jetta 16" wheels weigh a hefty 43lbs each!

btw- Does anybody know how much the internal tire press monitoring devices weigh per wheel?

So my Motegis could potentially reduce my VW unsprung mass by as much as 9lbs per wheel!

Here's a list of mods I have completed and a few I have in mind for my Diesel Jetta:

Completed:
1. Installed Vortekz vortex generators to reduce pressure drag. As per tuft testing, these have cleaned-up the flow a bit.

2. Inflated tires to 90% of 51 psi maximum.

With these two simple mods I have been able to achieve up to 53mpg during easy hwy driving (+40mpg city).

Other mods in mind:
Eibach sport springs to reduce vehicle reference area

On a side note, VW does an awesome job of covering most of the underbody of the Jetta. Surprisingly, many of the underbody panels are dimpled (think oversized golfball)- which encourages early transition to a turbulent boundary layer.

VW already uses full synthetic oil and tranny fluid. My VW is a 6spd manual.

Any tips/info to increase my Diesel's FE would be greatly appreciated.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by DieselHybrid

1. Installed Vortekz vortex generators to reduce pressure drag. As per tuft testing, these have cleaned-up the flow a bit.

Of course, tufts streaming aft as a result of VG's doesn't necessarily equate to reduced drag. The VGs induce drag themselves in order to affect the flow.

Surprisingly, many of the underbody panels are dimpled (think oversized golfball)- which encourages early transition to a turbulent boundary layer.

The boundary layer by that point is more than likely already turbulent. The dimples are probably there for structural rigidity in a flat panel that may otherwise have a tendency to oil can. (Besides, there's no need to encourage a turbulent boundary layer unless you're trying to delay separation on a curve.)

Sorry for jumping on these points! Pet peeves of mine.

And congrats on an efficient new ride!

[fusion210]

I find 43lbs for the wheel hard to swallow, did you mean wheel + tire?

A third option is a wobble lug bolt to reuse the motegis.

Lakeshore Wheel & Tire - Product » PCD Variation (Wobble) Lug Bolts,12x1.50...

[Deezler]

Yeah 43 lbs must be with the tire. And if so, that is not horrible (probably 20-22 lbs for the wheels). You could find some <15 lb 16" wheels, but they probably wont be cheap, and as you note are likely rare in your bolt pattern. Fusion, the motegi's hes talking about are a completely different bolt pattern so a different bolt style wouldn't help much.

I would search tire rack for wheels in your application and see what some of the weights are like.

[fusion210]

My mistake, I read it as being close enough to work. But you're right, not close enough.

[Deezler]

Wonder if this link will work:
Wheels for 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan TDI

Oz Ultraleggera and Chronos for 14.5 and 15 lbs apiece in a 16x7 size. That would save you 25-30 lbs of unsprung weight. Should be noticeable. The chronos look pretty nice.