Light rims okay for daily use?

[SciFiMan]

I'd like to get some sub 13 pound rims (10 lbs if I can something to fit my LX) for some autox but also for chicago area (potholes) daily driving. Are forged wheels lighter and/or stronger? Is there a practical limit on how light a wheel can be before it can no longer handle daily street abuse? Does it just depend on the brand (i.e. more expensive)? I'll probably stay with 15 inch. Thanks!

Update: Sorry, the size would be 205/50-15 most likely.

 

[Rogue]

it may also depend on the sidewall height of the tire. If you're running low profile tires, bumps may make it all the way to the rim, but if you're runngin 50 or 55 you should be fine.

that's just what makes sense to me.

 

[Random]

No issues on my Miata with 10.5lb 14" *stock* wheels (60-series tire) or 11.2lb 15" wheels (55-series tire).

 

[Action Jackson]

I personally wouldn't take the chance on light expensive rims in a potholed environment.

I've been to Chicago and the roads are usually not.... um.... "smooth"

 

[Prodigy]

I personally wouldn't take the chance on light expensive rims in a potholed environment.

I've been to Chicago and the roads are usually not.... um.... "smooth"

It won't matter if you have HUGE pillows of rubber to protect those light rims.




I say go with 14"x6" 1994+ hollow-spoke Miata wheels. They weigh NOTHING.
I'm going to get a set soon.

edited: 14x6

 

[moxnix]

I say go with 14"x5.5" 1994+ open-spoke Miata wheels. They weigh NOTHING.
I'm going to get a set soon.

There is no such rim.

The 90-93 miata had the 14X5.5" 12.3 pound rims

The 94-97 had a 14X6" that weighs only 10.3 pounds (there is some debate if there are more than one type of miata rim for those years of varying weight) Hollow spoke.

also the 95M had 9.6 pound 15X6" rims. but they are expensive BBS rims.

 

[Prodigy]

There is no such rim.

The 90-93 miata had the 14X5.5" 12.3 pound rims

The 94-97 had a 14X6" that weighs only 10.3 pounds (there is some debate if there are more than one type of miata rim for those years of varying weight) Hollow spoke.

also the 95M had 9.6 pound 15X6" rims. but they are expensive BBS rims.

1994 14x6 hollow.. my bad.

 

[moxnix]

Ahh yes nice rims I wish I could run them for AutoX

 

[SciFiMan]

Okay, thanks everyone. I had read something about "light wheels will fold up on bumps....only for smooth tarmac" and I need something that can do double duty. I'll shoot for about 12 pounds on the low side just to be safe.

Anyone happen to know what the 15" stock sedan rim weights?

 

[Rogue]

look for 9-spoke Millenia rims. 15x6, 11.5 lbs

 

[dmitrik4]

probably in the 15-16lb range for the stock 15" alloy wheel.

light and inexpensive (i.e., cast) rims (e.g., 15x7 10.6lb Kosei K1-TS @~$139) will be at a higher risk of damage than light, expensive (i.e., forged) wheels (e.g, 15x7 9.xlb SSR @~$299). but if your tires are tall enough (as prodigy said), it will help. running higher pressures in the tires can also help.

in the end though, unless you're at the very top of the competitive heap, 10lb wheels aren't going to be noticeably different from 12lb wheels. either is a big step up from 16 lb wheels.

forging results in a stronger wheel than casting, given the same amount of material (i.e., same weight). heavier cast wheels are stronger than light cast wheels simply b/c they have more metal in 'em.

 

[Random]

Anyone happen to know what the 15" stock sedan rim weights?

Ours are freakin' boat anchors. :x The stock wheels/Yoko Avid H4 combo was a good 8lbs heavier per corner than my Miata wheels + Azenises.

Unfortunately, my wife likes how they look so I can't just slap on a set of Koseis.

 

[Prodigy]

Anyone happen to know what the 15" stock sedan rim weights?

The steelies weigh 35lbs with the stock Bridgestone Potenza RE92s..

 

[MSP Pro]

Don't forget Team Dynamics Pro Race 1 wheels. They are cast and heat treated but light. Designed for a Peugot race series in Europe, they are very strong and reasonably light and don't cost an arm and a leg.

 

[Solo2Protege]

i think anything smaller than a 15x7 w/205/50/15 is a waste of money for autox. Unless you really don't care and just do it for fun. (ya ok we all do it for fun, but some are more competitive than others ) Pretty sure the 3rd gen can handle a 225 tire, that would be your best bet. Assuming you're running in STS, 225 is max tire width.

I've always run a 15x7 with 205/50's and when i tried some other wheels for fun, they did not impress me. 14x6 Miata wheels and some 15x6 wheels, don't recall what brand...anyway, my 15x7 had the best traction and performance. All tests where done with Azenis, same day, same course, same driver.

I run Kosei K1's (12lbs) ~$125ea

 

[SciFiMan]

Yes, thanks, I'm sticking with the 205/50 size. Does Tire Rack, Discount, etc. know what a rim weights if I call to ask?

 

[Solo2Protege]

Yes, thanks, I'm sticking with the 205/50 size. Does Tire Rack, Discount, etc. know what a rim weights if I call to ask?

Tire Rack will know, dunno about the others, i would guess so, but...