17" wheels are SLOW!

[brooklynkid1986]

So yeah. Put 17's on and thought that maybe it was just me trippin but i clocked it and im much slower than stock 14 stealies. I'm a Mech Engr student and well into physics but i didnt even think about it. Feels like i lost a good 10hp and on a stock engine with i/h/e mods, thats ALOT. So yeah thats about it. anyone else have similar experiences?

[ikayto]

you did buy heavier wheels.

[jhoff]

you did buy heavier wheels.

yea. takes more hp to turn more mass

[Grounded]

rotational mass and circumference play a huge part in it.

compare your stock size to your current size here also
http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCal...?action=submit

[mj213]

So yeah. Put 17's on and thought that maybe it was just me trippin but i clocked it and im much slower than stock 14 stealies. I'm a Mech Engr student and well into physics but i didnt even think about it. Feels like i lost a good 10hp and on a stock engine with i/h/e mods, thats ALOT. So yeah thats about it. anyone else have similar experiences?

You also realize that the larger the circumference of the tire, the more ground you cover per revolution, which translates into a higher actual speed than what your speedometer shows, right?

[The G-Man]

You also realize that the larger the circumference of the tire, the more ground you cover per revolution, which translates into a higher actual speed than what your speedometer shows, right?

And that also means slower acceleration.

[jhoff]

is this why nascar still uses 15" rims??

[deevergote]

You also realize that the larger the circumference of the tire, the more ground you cover per revolution, which translates into a higher actual speed than what your speedometer shows, right?

The overall diameter of the wheel/tire should be the same... there's just more wheel and less tire. Putting 17" wheels on your car doesn't donk it.


I put 17" wheels on my Fit. My MPG went from 38 to about 35.

[The G-Man]

is this why nascar still uses 15" rims??

I think it is a throwback to the old days, and the fact that wheels/tires are a spec item in NASCAR.

The overall diameter of the wheel/tire should be the same... there's just more wheel and less tire. Putting 17" wheels on your car doesn't donk it.


I put 17" wheels on my Fit. My MPG went from 38 to about 35.

He could have put tires on that are in fact bigger than the stock overall diameter.

[deevergote]

I think it is a throwback to the old days, and the fact that wheels/tires are a spec item in NASCAR.



He could have put tires on that are in fact bigger than the stock overall diameter.

He could have... but without actually saying so, this isn't a valid suggestion. Most people buy their wheels and tires from a place that just gives them the proper size for their car.

[rexload]

well what were you expecting? your new wheels are heavier than the stock steelies. if you wanted it to be faster, should have gotten some wheels that are lighter than stock and probably 15" or 16" would be best

[brooklynkid1986]

The overall circumferance has been kept the same to deal with an increase/decrease in speedo readings.

It goes to Moment of Inertia. Basically this means that a circular object with more of is mass concentrated further from the center (our hubs or driveshaft) requires more energy to accelerate to the same speed. While i know this back and forth on paper, to see it in real life situation is shocking i guess. Imma take some measurements and find out what the actual difference is. I can feel it for sure but dunno if im being overly sensitive.

the wheels should weigh less. i cant remember what they said but they should be lighter (atleast the tire/wheel together)

[The G-Man]

Also, lets not forget the additional friction from having a tire with a wider contact patch. The excellent tradeoff in that equation is increased grip.

[ludedude1992]

I dont understand why anyone puts over 16" wheels on hondas....

I roll 15"s on almost every honda ive owned

[David Lundin]

If the circumference is the same and the wheels are lighter you really should get better acceleration. Yes wider tires have more resistance but you should have more grip at take off as well which should more than make up for it.

Are you positive they really ARE lighter than your stock wheels though?