I'm interested to see if dropping 4-5 lbs off the wheels makes a noticeable difference in the regenerative braking. I'm expecting that it will, and regeneration will slow the car down more than it does now. I think the impact on recharging will be small. I get more recharge out of going downhill and coasting than actual braking.
I think the claims of wheel weight by manufacturers are interesting. Someone else previously posted a 30 pound Acura wheel (I think). Given most 185/70 or 196/60 (that I've looked at) are at least 18 lbs, that's a 12 lb wheel.
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I'm not in a position to dispute any claims for sure. I find it curious that a stock OEM wheel on any (non-exotic) car would be a $250-$300 ultra-light weight racing wheel. I suppose it could be. I could have a VERY bad weight for the OEM wheel on the hybrid too. That 15 lb figure I found was on a very obscure site.
If you'd like, I can take a photograph of my Acura GS-R wheel with Yokohama tire mounted on it sitting on a scale showing it's 30 pound weight. The wheel is around 15 pounds and tire also about 15 pounds. As the owner of a 1997 Civic HX, I actually had TWO sets of wheels. One for street tires, and one for Victoracer V700 race tires. I weighed the wheels on a UPS scale and they are in fact 11.75 pounds. They are 14x5.5" however, they are NOT 15". Most aftermarket wheels are also wider - typically 6 to 7 inches wide. It's easy to make an 11.75 pound 14x5.5" alloy. It's not so easy to make a 15x7 of that same weight, which is why 15x7's under 12 pounds all tend to cost a lot of money.
I'll second that. I think there was some (hopefully) helpful discussion so you can make a more informed decision. Anyone ought to mod the car however they want - when a lot of money is on the table, more information is better. If you want to strap 20lb chrome wheels on your hybrid because that floats your boat, go for it. There are many good reasons for owning a hybrid besides mileage. Good Luck!
Thanks all.
Some great information! I love my hybrid. I'm perpetually tinkering with things trying to eek out something even better (if it is possible). I'm looking for ways to better FE, enhance ride (it's a little noisy and harsh), while maybe adding a little uniqueness (read looks!)
All the responses are greatly appreciated. It's cool stuff!
If you'd like, I can take a photograph of my Acura GS-R wheel with Yokohama tire mounted on it sitting on a scale showing it's 30 pound weight.
I hope you didn't take my comment as argumentative. I didn't mean "curious" as in whether you were telling the truth, I meant "curious" that a car maker would go the more expensive route to put a truly lightweight wheel on a car. However a 14x5.5 as you stated has a distinct advantage over a 15x7 simply because it requres less metal. Not surprised at all it weighs < 12 lbs. Actually, if I found an after-market lightweight 14" wheel that I also liked, I would have purchased that instead of the 15". Seems that most of what I was looking for was 15" or higher.
When I get my new wheels in a couple weeks I'm going to weigh the OEM wheel and find out once and for all.
I hope you didn't take my comment as argumentative. I didn't mean "curious" as in whether you were telling the truth, I meant "curious" that a car maker would go the more expensive route to put a truly lightweight wheel on a car. However a 14x5.5 as you stated has a distinct advantage over a 15x7 simply because it requres less metal. Not surprised at all it weighs < 12 lbs. Actually, if I found an after-market lightweight 14" wheel that I also liked, I would have purchased that instead of the 15". Seems that most of what I was looking for was 15" or higher.
When I get my new wheels in a couple weeks I'm going to weigh the OEM wheel and find out once and for all.
Hi Paul; I hope when you get your Wheels and Tires that you will take some pics. of the new ones and now that I said that, how about posting some pics of (Before And After) wheel and tire swap so we all can see the difference. I for one would enjoy seeing the change if it's not to much of a hassle.
Looking forward to seeing the upgrade.
Regards
Terry
Last edited by tigerhonaker; 10-31-2005 at 04:41 PM.
Reason: Spelling the word: Rehards/ Should be Regards
Hi Paul; I hope when you get your Wheels and Tires that you will take some pics. of the new ones and now that I said that, how about posting some pics of (Before And After) wheel and tire swap so we all can see the difference. I for one would enjoy seeing the change if it's not to much of a hassle.
Looking forward to seeing the upgrade.
Rehards
Terry
I will. Wheels will be here this week - should have them on the car by Saturday (11/5). VERY excited! You wouldn't believe the drama in finding a wheel that both met looks and weight requirements (not to mention a few of my choices were not even being manufactured). In the end I selected Kosei K-1 TS 15" (10.6 lbs) in the painted silver. Turns out Continental is not making another lot of the CV95 that I wanted until December. So my quest for a LRR tire may be for not. My current selection will be the Toyo Proxsis TPT (195/60). Seemed like a decent tire, 17.8 lbs.
I'm also going to put the OEM wheel on a scale and find out once and for all what it weighs...
I will. Wheels will be here this week - should have them on the car by Saturday (11/5). VERY excited! You wouldn't believe the drama in finding a wheel that both met looks and weight requirements (not to mention a few of my choices were not even being manufactured). In the end I selected Kosei K-1 TS 15" (10.6 lbs) in the painted silver. Turns out Continental is not making another lot of the CV95 that I wanted until December. So my quest for a LRR tire may be for not. My current selection will be the Toyo Proxsis TPT (195/60). Seemed like a decent tire, 17.8 lbs.
I'm also going to put the OEM wheel on a scale and find out once and for all what it weighs...
Okey big guy, For a minute there you sounded like me when I first started looking into the 06 HCH Purchase.
Glad to see that you are excited about your (Tires & Wheels). I like to read more about members doing fun things with their vehicles, it makes for a more uplifting Day if you will.
Another thought crosses my mind... I am not 100% satisfied with the ride and road noise (tire noise?) associated with my car. Granted it's awesome in terms of technology, MPG, and getting me places economically, but I find it hard to hear people on cell phone calls, and overall road noise seems a little bit excessive. Has anyone else experienced or addressed this?
Here in California, there are a lot of freeways that have grooves or different textures. At speed, I find there to be a lot of tire noise. With a previous car, I switched tires and found a HUGE difference in ride, noise, etc.
I've commented before I thought my 03 HCH was very noisy (tire/road noise). So yes, I'd definitely agree with you. The tires I mentioned above had numerous comments about being quiet. I'm hoping by Sunday this week I'll be able offer some kind of report.
Re: Tires & Wheels on my '05 HCH
I didn't mean "curious" as in whether you were telling the truth, I meant "curious" that a car maker would go the more expensive route to put a truly lightweight wheel on a car. However a 14x5.5 as you stated has a distinct advantage over a 15x7 simply because it requres less metal. Not surprised at all it weighs < 12 lbs. Actually, if I found an after-market lightweight 14" wheel that I also liked, I would have purchased that instead of the 15". Seems that most of what I was looking for was 15" or higher.
Re: Tires & Wheels on my '05 HCH
Re: Tires & Wheels on my '05 HCH
