drivesolo

iTrader: (6)

I've been looking for this info on this forum for about a week now and I've had no luck. I'm hoping someone has this info. I've got some data; here's what I have so far.

OEM Wheel Stats

17x7.5 - ? lbs
17x8 - ? lbs
18x7.5 - ? lbs
18x8 - ? lbs
Rays 18x8 - 17.9 lbs
Rays 18x8.5 - 18.3 lbs
Nismo 18x8.5 - 18.1 lbs
Nismo 18x9.5 - 19 lbs

Any one know the weight of the stock wheels, particularly the 18" wheels that come with a Performance model? I'm trying to compare the price for value to me for Autocross wheels.

The Volk TE37's are real nice and light (~18 lbs) but for $570+ a wheel it's out of my budget for a set of dedicated racing wheels.

Another option that I'm considering that alot of guys seem to be doing is going with 17" wheels which seem to be significantly cheaper the 18's and rubber to cover 17's is also priced better
than 18" tires.

I've been compiling a listing of all manufacturer with wheels that will fit the Z (17" & 18" wheels, started from SCC July issue and added other makers that weren't on their list) with the data that I could get on them and I'd like to get the weight savings by comparing them to the OEM wheels.

I'd like to hear the opinions and recommendations from you guys that already have a dedicated set of autocross wheels if you have any that might help me out. Thanks.

2003z

iTrader: (7)

the main page of 350zmotoring.com has a section with wheel weights.

ares

iTrader: (2)

thought they were around 27lbs, but Ive heard lots of conflicting info. also the tread used is far from light... which doesnt help. also you can get the TE37s for 500 a rim or less if you look in the right places. lots of people are selling them brand new for various reasons... can save a hundred or 2 with those.

drivesolo

iTrader: (6)

2003Z:
Thanks for the info, looks like the numbers a a little different than the ones that I got for the other OEM parts, but everything was pretty much in the same range.


ares:
Isn't there a catch with some of those places that are selling the TE37's for $100 or $200 below the going rate than the larger wheel distributors? I read somewhere on this forum that they don't come with any manufacturer's warranty on them? I don't know if that's much of a concern when factoring in the savings, I mean $800 could buy tires for one autocross season, it might be worth the risk.

I haven't seen anyone selling the TE37's for less than $540. Do you have a URL for a distributor that sells them for less than $500?

Monkey Man

Call Audra at StreetSports, and tell her you are a my350z.com member. 1-866-350tune. Their good people.

-Jeremy

ares

iTrader: (2)

I paid 2070 for mine, so I guess it was a bit more than 500 a rim, it was from gruppe-s. I hear good things about streetsports too.

Im not familiar with the discount places, these place are reputable, just happen to offer a better deal than some others, not a huge discount, but every little bit.

as for the "used" ones, well I donno what kinda warrenty I got from buying them new...I guess if they were to fall to peices I could have a claim, thatd be worthwhile, tho I would hope that doesnt happen. otherwise if I damage them somehow, I dont think volk will do anything for me. I wonder if whatever warrenty there is doesnt go with the rims and not the buyer...

MATIX

Check your PM's, i've got a good deal for you

scubadj

my rear 18" performance wheel and tire (245/45/18) weigh 55 pounds.

ares

iTrader: (2)

I just remembered I got 3 rims in my basement unmounted no tires, I could just toss em on a scale and settle it once and for all, Ill do it tomarrow.

drivesolo

iTrader: (6)

ares,

You da man! That'd be great. Waiting to hear the results.

ares

iTrader: (2)

the results are

rim- 25-26lbs

tire-28lbs

I had both, seperate from each other. I weighed them on a bathroom scale, not sure how accurate it is either way, but thats what it showed for performance model.

damnit, I donno if that was front or rear tread, I would guess rear, but not sure, could be front.

drivesolo

iTrader: (6)

Thanks for the info ares.

Man, the tires are pretty heavy, I'm guesing that they had pretty much all the rubber still on them. I guess saving a pound or 2 or wheels is probably not as benifical as running shaved tires which should be a pound or 2 lighter (maybe more) than regular performance tires. I mean the benefit that you get from a shaved tire counts a whole lot more since the weight savings you get is where it counts the most on the unsprung weight; at the furthest point of rotation. I might be just splitting hairs with this so if anyone sees a fault in my analysis, please point it out.

I'm wondering if anyone out there has enough experience with the testing of unsprung weights (different wheel and tire configs) to shed some light on this issue. If so, it'd be great to get your input on this.

I've heard that differences between weights of performance tires are negligable. Is this true?

Thanks again ares for taking the time to measure the stock stuff.

ares

iTrader: (2)

Ive actually heard that the toyos can save like 5lbs per tire over the S03s. cant back that up personally tho.

shaved tires do have less weight, and many other benifits, but not good for a daily driving tire... no wet traction and short life. for track use, they are good tho.