Question on aftermarket rims - not in the FAQ! :)

[burbel]

I have been thinking of getting aftermarket rims for some time now, but it seems that no one has done what I was considering - going with an aftermarket rim like the Volk TE-37s in the stock 15/16 sizes (same widths, as well).

I would think that this would a) lower the weight per wheel by a small amount, and b) improve the looks of the car (if I got the right color rims, probably a gunmetal grey on my Sebring silver).

What do you all think? Everyone always seems to want to go with bigger rims, but I haven't seen anyone switch tires but stay with the stock sizes.

I am concerned with a)looks, b)price, and c)performance, but not necessarily (sp) in that order. Specifically, I don't want to lose performance just to look better...

Oh, for the record, the only mods on my car are the Tein suspension and Dali sway bars (but I might be switching the sways back to stock).

TIA!

[This message has been edited by burbel (edited 21 April 2002).]

 

[burbel]

Just double-checked on the wheel weights (For the TE-37s, I got the weights from "http://www.djac.co.jp/wheel/wh_index.html").

NSXPrime states that the stock wheels weigh
1991-1993 Front: 15" x 6.5", 15.2 lbs
1991-1993 Rear: 16" x 8", 18.86 lbs

From the site with TE-37 wheel weights, I have
Front : 15" x 6.5", 4.0kg = 8.82 pounds
Rear : 16" x 8", 6.02kg = 13.27 pounds

Now, the numbers seem too low to me for the TE-37s, but I won't know for sure until I actually try and pick one up, or someone else steers me straight!

 

[wildrice]

I just did what you are describing but with the 16/17 configuration.

I purchased Volk TE37's in 16x7 and 17x8.5 and had them repowdercoated silver. The only problem that I am having is matching the center caps since the 16 center cap is different than the 17 center cap.

The weight difference between my new set-up and the OEM set-up is as follows: 16" Volk 11.2 lbs vs. 16" OEM 16.75 lbs and 17" Volk 15.4 lbs vs. OEM 20.85 lbs. Therefore, I have reduced my weight per corner by approximately 6 lbs.

There are many articles that state that the real weight reduction is greater than the actual weight reduction due to rotational mass and other physics terms that I am not familiar with.

I cannot quantify any actual performance gains but the car feels lighter and more responsive. I also prefer the look of the Volk vs. OEM, which of course is entirely subjective.

So, if you want to plus one your car I would recommend the VOLK's. I would guess that if you stay with OEM sizes the 15" VOLK weights about 9 lbs and 16" VOLK weights about 12 lbs.

I decided to stay with factory size entirely for weight reduction reasons. Thus far I have reduced the weight of my car by approximately 170 lbs.

I would encourage you to stay with the factory size or plus one with the VOLKS and probably still be less than your current OEM wheel weight.

By the way, I did not change tires and I was able to sell my OEM wheels with one phone call for $1800.00 (the buyer just left).

Many of the aftermarket wheels are boat anchors and effect performance more than many people realize. I entirely agree with course of action and feel that you will not regret it. But there again, cosmetics outweight performance for many people.