93-02 V6 Tech V6 Camaro General Topics.

bigger wheels = Less HP ?

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  #1  
Old 10-07-2008, 10:20 PM
JaySan's Avatar
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Default bigger wheels = Less HP ?

I upgrade from my stock 16 in. wheels to 18 in Z06 wheels. How much rear wheel power am I losing ? I just want to get an idea
 
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Old 10-07-2008, 10:25 PM
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Default RE: bigger wheels = Less HP ?

Youwouldn't lose horsepower. If anything it may be a little slower due to increased rotating mass. I don't think it would be enough for you to notice, unless yourbutt is pretty sensitive.
 
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Old 10-07-2008, 11:05 PM
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Default RE: bigger wheels = Less HP ?

Mainly all you lose is more gas because, as Stan said... More rotating mass

EDIT: P.S. Stan I have a hypersensitive butt dyno tbh... My car makes exactly 212.29485903759837293 hp to the wheels =D
 
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Old 10-07-2008, 11:26 PM
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Default RE: bigger wheels = Less HP ?

You are not going to lose any power but you will lose some effective torque at the rear wheels because the larger wheel diameter, around 12% if you keep the same tire aspect ratio. However; if you mount some very low profile tires that will keep the same outside tire diameter, you will lose nothing power or torque wise, but gain a terrible ride due to the lack of sidewall cushioning.
 
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Old 10-07-2008, 11:26 PM
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Default RE: bigger wheels = Less HP ?

The determining factor is overall weight. Yes the 18" wheels are a larger diameter, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they weigh more than the 16's. It all depends on the design. And then consider that there is less sidewall on the 18" tires. So if the tires are relatively the same width as what you have now, they should actually weigh less than the 16" tires. It's very possible that your new combo could wind up weighing less than your present ones do. Weigh them and see.
 
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Old 10-08-2008, 06:19 AM
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Default RE: bigger wheels = Less HP ?

ORIGINAL: Camaro 69

The determining factor is overall weight. Yes the 18" wheels are a larger diameter, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they weigh more than the 16's. It all depends on the design. And then consider that there is less sidewall on the 18" tires. So if the tires are relatively the same width as what you have now, they should actually weigh less than the 16" tires. It's very possible that your new combo could wind up weighing less than your present ones do. Weigh them and see.
Very true! My 16" winter tire/wheel weighs much more than my 18" summer tire/wheel combo.

Not only is the weightless but the overall outer diameter is smaller with the 18" summer wheels. Bigger wheels with low profile tires is the way to go IMO
 
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Old 10-08-2008, 10:13 AM
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Default RE: bigger wheels = Less HP ?

If you guys want to lift a heavy wheel, grab the solid steel spare out of your hatch.
 
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Old 10-09-2008, 11:22 AM
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Default RE: bigger wheels = Less HP ?

musicman didnt you change the wheels on your car? i thought i remembered you said in some post that you were ditching the vette wheels
 
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Old 10-09-2008, 02:11 PM
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Default RE: bigger wheels = Less HP ?

lol, which ones? I still have the peeling 17" y2k's in the garage, and I've got 17" and 18" vette wagon wheels on right now. I'll be doing brand new rims during the summer.
 
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Old 10-09-2008, 02:44 PM
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Default RE: bigger wheels = Less HP ?

What kind of wheels you plan on getting, Music?
 


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