Quote:
Originally Posted by Superfly_M3
Right ... I get it, braking, acceleration, handling. But how much difference are we really talking about?
Tech, I don't know, thats the point of this thread. Can anyone compare or relate this to say "whp" gain or how much the car would feel lighter by?
Thanks.
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Sorry I can't answer your question directly, but perhaps you'll find some value in this data --
Going from stock brakes, wheels and tires to aftermarket (see sig) I shaved nearly 6 seconds off lap times at my regular track.
1-2 seconds of that was brakes, 3-4 seconds tires.
My Apex wheels and RS3's are actually about 3 lbs. heavier than stock wheels + tires.
My gut tells me that 18" BBS FI, for example, at ~5 lbs. less per corner than my Apex wheels may shave a couple of tenths.
With a 200 lb. passenger I lose maybe 1 second/lap. Is the disadvantage of adding that much weight in the cabin less than the advantage of a few pound decrease in unsprung weight in the wheels? I'm not certain, but I don't think so.
That said, I can understand lighter wheels from the standpoint of an overall weight reduction, and overall performance increase. (Or even if you have the $ and just like the look of a particular light weight wheel.)