The set of steel wheels I'm looking at are 30 lbs each while the aluminum wheels are about 20lbs each. Would any hp/lower et be gained/noticeable if I go with aluminum as opposed to steel? They cost about 2x as much per wheel, but I would be dropping a total of 20lbs rotational mass. Anyone have any experience with these factors?
Steel vs metal wheels
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the weight of rotating mass has 2 effects.
the overall weight and more beneficial is the mph (atleast in drag racing)
a lighter wheel will help in your MPH and you can tune the car to get a better ET. It all comes down to the $.
Aluminum wheels arent really supposed to be used on the streets as most manufactuers suggest.
the overall weight and more beneficial is the mph (atleast in drag racing)
a lighter wheel will help in your MPH and you can tune the car to get a better ET. It all comes down to the $.
Aluminum wheels arent really supposed to be used on the streets as most manufactuers suggest.
I'd just like to point out that steel is a type of metal. :lol:
Anyway if you went from a very heavy wheel and tire package, to something light weight like Weld's or something similar... You might feel that the car is more peppy. Or if your car is already souped up pretty good, every little bit makes a difference, and rotational mass and unsprung weight make a pretty big effect. Anyway, in all likely hood unless your car has already had the motor warmed up, and a stall converter, and other mods, just changing your wheels isn't probably going to make much difference especially not in seat of the pants feel.
Anyway if you went from a very heavy wheel and tire package, to something light weight like Weld's or something similar... You might feel that the car is more peppy. Or if your car is already souped up pretty good, every little bit makes a difference, and rotational mass and unsprung weight make a pretty big effect. Anyway, in all likely hood unless your car has already had the motor warmed up, and a stall converter, and other mods, just changing your wheels isn't probably going to make much difference especially not in seat of the pants feel.
Any time you can lessen sprung weight it makes a difference. Your suspension will feel much more reactive.
I think steel is much better. I wouldn't buy aluminum wheels unless they were going to cost me half of what it would cost me to use steel. When I bought 17 inch billet rims it wasnt just a vain fasion statement thing for me, it was a durability thing. That being said aluminum greatly resists rust... (thats a joke btw aluminum doesnt rust lol) 
At highway speeds, you have to use more throttle to maintain coasting in my experience. I should know, I've got billet wheels on my olds but my other rwd car has aluminum. Also, having personally picked up Cragar SS wheels vs similar sized aluminum wheels I'd say the Cragars felt much more durable and safe for a daily driver...
At highway speeds, you have to use more throttle to maintain coasting in my experience. I should know, I've got billet wheels on my olds but my other rwd car has aluminum. Also, having personally picked up Cragar SS wheels vs similar sized aluminum wheels I'd say the Cragars felt much more durable and safe for a daily driver...
if you go aluminum make sure you check the lugnuts regularly..because of the different metals involved they will loosen off with temperature changes
I definitely prefer aluminum wheels especially if you are doing any kind of drag racing but there a plenty of durable aluminum street wheels out there.
I'm sure there are some applications where a steel wheel would be better but considering the OEM uses aluminum wheels on a majority of their cars obviously they wouldn't do that if they are going to have reliability and driveability issues.
I torque my wheels to a specific torque number and I have never had an issue with lugs nuts coming loose or the car feeling loose or anything, this could be a quality of wheel or improper fitment issue instead of aluminum vs steel issue.
I'm sure there are some applications where a steel wheel would be better but considering the OEM uses aluminum wheels on a majority of their cars obviously they wouldn't do that if they are going to have reliability and driveability issues.
I torque my wheels to a specific torque number and I have never had an issue with lugs nuts coming loose or the car feeling loose or anything, this could be a quality of wheel or improper fitment issue instead of aluminum vs steel issue.
Aluminum wheels pros; looks, reduced weight improves ride quality IF you don't change tire size, marginal improvements to handling.
Cons; cost, need regular attention to keep them looking good, not as robust as steel, might attract thieves.
For steel wheels reverse the above.
Roger.
Cons; cost, need regular attention to keep them looking good, not as robust as steel, might attract thieves.
For steel wheels reverse the above.
Roger.
GhettoRacingKid said:
Since when? Almost EVERY aftermarket wheel is made from aluminum except for a few cheapy throw backs to the '70's and almost all that are labeled for street use would have be DOT approved.
Now I'm sure there are lightweight race-only wheels out there that would not be approved for DOT use but I don't think that is what the original poster is talking about. If it is then my mistake.
And as stated, most all car manufacturer's are using aluminum wheels on their vehicles nowadays. They have been for the past 15 years or more without issues other than GM not being able to keep the chrome sticking to them. 🙁
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