bigger wheels = Less HP ?
Overdrive Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,053
From: Granbury, TX
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.
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
EDIT: P.S. Stan I have a hypersensitive butt dyno tbh... My car makes exactly 212.29485903759837293 hp to the wheels =D
Tech Droid
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 9,215
From: North East PA
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.
Senior Moderator
January 2010 ROTM Winner
January 2010 ROTM Winner
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 18,306
From: The 'Burbs of Chicago
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.
In the Staging Lanes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 43
From: Akron, Ohio
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.
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.
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
The Jazz Man
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,237
From: St. Helens, Oregon
ROTM Winner's Club
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.