Wheels and Tires Discuss various wheels and tires and share images and pics of your current setup.

Steel versus Aluminum rims

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 29, 2024 | 11:19 PM
  #1  
CathedralCub's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member


True Car Nut
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 6,851
Likes: 1,015
From: Earth
CathedralCub is a splendid one to beholdCathedralCub is a splendid one to beholdCathedralCub is a splendid one to beholdCathedralCub is a splendid one to beholdCathedralCub is a splendid one to beholdCathedralCub is a splendid one to beholdCathedralCub is a splendid one to behold
Default Steel versus Aluminum rims

Hello All,

My first post in this section I think. Nothing has happened here for a while and I recently had an opportunity to measure this, so here goes:
|
|
|

2005 LeSabre 15" x 6.5" factory steel rim weighs 20lb 10oz:

|
|
|

2005 LeSabre 15" plastic wheel cover with hub cap weighs 1lb 5oz:

|
|
|

1997 LeSabre 15" x 6.0" factory aluminum rim 21-spoke weighs 17lb 5oz (with hub cap):

|
|
|
The math:

20lb 10oz + 1lb 5oz = 21lb 15oz (15" steel plus plastic wheel cover)

21lb 15oz - 17lb 5oz = 4lb 10oz (weight loss to go to 21-spoke aluminum rims)

So, 21% unsprung and rotating wheel weight loss by switching from steel to aluminum.

The 15" steel rims were used on most GM FWD 5-lug cars without aluminum rims from at least 1995-2005.

Opinions vary on how much performance, economy, and/or ride improvements would be experienced based on this change, but a 21% reduction in unsprung rotating wheel weight for a car is nothing to shake a stick at.

I just thought a bunch of folks would like to know.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Paynester
Wheels and Tires
2
Aug 7, 2012 03:27 PM
RGanas
General GM Chat
1
Aug 11, 2010 06:44 PM
crash93ssei
Detailing & Appearance
3
Jun 19, 2007 09:37 AM
laydbaak
Detailing & Appearance
1
Feb 18, 2006 09:53 PM
1993bonnie
General GM Chat
2
Jul 20, 2004 11:56 AM




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:10 PM.