Re: Wheels (AGAIN)

["Billy T." <btylaska@onramp.net>]

The thing about wheels is, that if you get a good wheel, say, a BBS of any type,
you are gonna save weight, and improve acceleration and handling.  My 17" BBS
RXs with 215/40's(God!  I wish I still had them) weighed less than my 96 GTI
wheels with 205/50 T1 plus, by 4 pounds each.  And when you are dealing with
rotational mass, for every pound you shave, it is like 5 pounds of stationary
weight.  For the record, my RXs weighed in at 34 pounds, with tires, and my
stock wheels weighed in at 39 pounds.

BT

"Ng, Kevin (NationsCredit)" wrote:

> The general rule is that you will suffer a hit in straight line acceleration
> when going with a plus one or two wheel, due to a higher unsprung weight and
> rotational mass. Cornering and handling however usually improve due to the
> lower profile (and thus stiffer sidewall) of the tires. The stock tires are
> horrible anyway and just swapping tires will drastically improve
> performance. The stock rims (not BBS) are actually very light, so if weight
> is an issue, go with something like the BBS RC or RK. Go with 16's; 17 inch
> rims look incredible but yield no real performance gain.
>
> Kevin
> 97 GLX Windsor Blue "don't know what I'm talking about because I have heavy
> 17" TSW Imolas" edition
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: djbergesen@dotstar.net [SMTP:djbergesen@dotstar.net]
> > Sent: Friday, June 04, 1999 5:17 PM
> > To:   Jetta GLX mailing list
> > Subject:      Wheels (AGAIN)
> >
> >     Ok. It's serious dilemma time. I am really torn right now between
> > wanting to get 16" or 17" aftermarket wheels with decent (or very good in
> > the case of 17s) tires, or spending about half as much on keeping my stock
> > 15" seven spokes and wrapping them with excellent rubber. Are the wheels
> > made by BBS? What's the width? 6.5? 7?
> >     I have my eyes on Michelin XGT V4s right now, 205/50VR15, 300AA, and
> > rated in the 8s and 9s in all categories in Tirerack's surveys excepting
> > treadwear. I am also entertaining Pilot SX GTs, same size. I am especially
> > concerned about wet-weather driving, as here in NW FL we do get a decent
> > spot of rain. Also in consideration are BFG Comp T/A ZRs, Nitto NT555,
> > NT450, and possibly Pirelli Assimetricos (maybe that was for the 16, I
> > forget)
> >     What would be the advantages of aftermarket wheels besides a slight
> > increase in track, and a POSSIBLE reduction in unsprung weight? Any input
> > would be helpful.
> >     PS - I KNOW for wheels it's all a matter of taste. BUT if I will not
> > be gaining anything in performance by upgrading my wheels, I probably
> > won't do it.
> >
> > -ENS D.J. Bergesen
> > Student Naval Aviator
> > djbergesen@dotstar.net <mailto:djbergesen@dotstar.net>
> > 96 Vento GLX VR6 "Volks Waffe"