I'm curious how much the 18x8 wheels on the 2003 touring models weigh so that I can get a good baseline for new wheels. I'm trying not to gain too much in the switch.

 

Uhm, like 28lbs each without tires.

 

yeah... its around 28-29 lbs...

but remember, most of the aftermarket wheels even if they are 28lbs, you are most likely going to be adding more width...

Volk 2piece 19's are around the same weight as OE touring wheels...

NISMO LMGT4 / Volk TE / CE wheels are aourrnd 18-19 depending on size...

 

I'm looking at the Motegi Togues ... 18x9 fronts and 18x10 rears. Those weigh in at 25.5 and 28 lbs. respectively. So already I'm not adding any weight.

I'm curious about your comment that if even the wheels weigh the same I would likely be adding width. While that is true, I'm sure what you were getting at. Just that wider tires which weigh the same perform better?

 

its a good thing, getting more out of your weight...

one, you have a 8" wide wheel with 28lbs... the other you have a 10" wide wheel with 28lbs... get the extra rubber on there with about the same weight...

cant loose!

 

But remember, even though you may be putting down more rubber with the wider wheels that weight the same, you also have to take into account the tires' weights. The tires weigh a lot more than you'd think.

I went from 03 stock 18s to nismo replicas. Supposedly these are supposed to be lighter, according to what you guys said about the OE wheel weight, but I felt a very noticeable decrease in acceleration. If the OE wheels are in fact heavier than my current wheels, then I can only assume the tires were the culprits.

 

that depends on the tires you go with too...

some tires are taller then factory even though they are the same sizes or recommended sizes... it depends on the brands... a S0-3 tire will be taller then a T1R even though the same size... taller tire = less acceleration...

My 18x10.5 w/ 295/35/18 weighed just below 50lbs... while a stock rear wheel & tire was around 56

 

Even at equal weight, bigger rims have more rotational inertia, hence they are harder to rotate, and make your car feel slower.

If you go 19" I would suggest forged monoblock like volk le28n for example.

I like the way my challenges look, but they're too heavy

 

I am not sure going to a 19" wheel like yours would have added and inertia your tire are almost as heavy as your rims.