Wheel Weight - Experiences?? - Honda CRZ Forum: Honda CR-Z Hybrid Car Forums

CR-Z Canadian · 07-30-2012, 01:11 PM

I know it has been discussed in a few other threads, but some of that was a long time ago, and buried. Since then, some people may have experiences with going to lighter or heavier wheels. Hoping you might share some of your thoughts, for the common good.

Of course, I have a selfish reason for asking. Looking at some wheels, which appear to be solid blocks of aluminum - 23 freaking pounds. The other set of wheels is a full 5 lbs lighter (each wheel). I've read the comments about sprung and unsprung weight, but in the real, practical world, will I notice any difference (not tracking my car or anything)?

I assume that the most noticeable difference might be in fuel economy. Yes, it will take more to overcome inertia and get them rolling, but I would guess that once those flywheels are spinning, I'll get that back in IMA recharge while coasting / decelerating. The articles I've read on the subject do not address hybrids. Old Man Driver had a good point in another thread, though, about where the weight is located in the wheel (hub or rim) - but that's a statistic that isn't going to be readily available for comparison

So, real world analysis / experiences, guys?

OneFitZ · 07-30-2012, 01:30 PM

Generally a lighter wheel will let the car accelerate faster. On the Fit that was the most noticeable upgrade by far. Of course that was going to an RPF1 from the factory steelies.

The difference may not be as noticeable on the CRZ since the weight difference isn't nearly as much.

07-30-2012, 01:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
CR-Z Canadian CR-Z Forum Librarian Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 3,108	Wheel Weight - Experiences?? I know it has been discussed in a few other threads, but some of that was a long time ago, and buried. Since then, some people may have experiences with going to lighter or heavier wheels. Hoping you might share some of your thoughts, for the common good. Of course, I have a selfish reason for asking. Looking at some wheels, which appear to be solid blocks of aluminum - 23 freaking pounds. The other set of wheels is a full 5 lbs lighter (each wheel). I've read the comments about sprung and unsprung weight, but in the real, practical world, will I notice any difference (not tracking my car or anything)? I assume that the most noticeable difference might be in fuel economy. Yes, it will take more to overcome inertia and get them rolling, but I would guess that once those flywheels are spinning, I'll get that back in IMA recharge while coasting / decelerating. The articles I've read on the subject do not address hybrids. Old Man Driver had a good point in another thread, though, about where the weight is located in the wheel (hub or rim) - but that's a statistic that isn't going to be readily available for comparison So, real world analysis / experiences, guys? __________________ Eco Stig SOME SAY, that when he gets into his car, he plugs the IMA cable into his left ear … but no one can tell who is charging whom!

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07-30-2012, 01:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
OneFitZ BANNED Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 3,040	Generally a lighter wheel will let the car accelerate faster. On the Fit that was the most noticeable upgrade by far. Of course that was going to an RPF1 from the factory steelies. The difference may not be as noticeable on the CRZ since the weight difference isn't nearly as much.