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It's all about "rotating mass" and "unsprung weight" Posted by IrieTom [Email] (#1032) [Profile/Gallery] (more from IrieTom) on Wed, 19 Jun 2002 10:42:16 In Reply to: Zappo!, Justin VanAbrahams [Profile/Gallery] , Wed, 19 Jun 2002 04:02:18 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Simply, a lighter wheel is easier to turn. Less of the torque of the car is needed to spin the wheels, so there is more torque available to accelerate the car. A plus-sized wheel will get fitted with a tire which has a smaller sidewall. Less rubber = lighter weight.
Unsprung weight consists of the wheels, brakes, hubs, and suspension pieces which support the frame/body of the car. All of these parts have movement (travel) relative to the "sprung weight." The less unsprung mass there is, the easier it is to control. A lightweight wheel will make it easier for the spring and shock absorber to dampen a sudden jolt, because a lower mass has less momentum.
In the larger picture, any weight savings will help a car's acceleration, both linear and lateral. How much? That's something which can be debated endlessly around here.
Any questions?
posted by 24.97.206...
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