Lightweight wheels
Discussion
I’ve been pondering a set of lightweight wheels for the trackday MX5 but I’m not sure if I will feel the benefits. I already have a cheap set of 2nd wheels, but they are heavy compared to the stock wheels and much heavier than the ones I’m looked at. The set I’m considering are about 2.5kg lighter.
What do lighter wheels feel like, is there a tangible difference for somebody who’s not into ultimate lap times but more about the enjoyment of the day?
What do lighter wheels feel like, is there a tangible difference for somebody who’s not into ultimate lap times but more about the enjoyment of the day?
What wheels have you got and what model MX-5 is it you're putting them on ?
2.5kgs is quite a bit of extra weight per corner.
The car will feel more agile with a lighter wheel and steering inputs/feedback/reaction will be improved particularly in the tighter stuff.
If you're not chasing lap times, it'll be neither here nor there because you'll simply adapt your driving to what's on the car.
OEM wheels on the NC are very light to start with. You'll have to open your pocket quite wide to do a little better only.
2.5kgs is quite a bit of extra weight per corner.
The car will feel more agile with a lighter wheel and steering inputs/feedback/reaction will be improved particularly in the tighter stuff.
If you're not chasing lap times, it'll be neither here nor there because you'll simply adapt your driving to what's on the car.
OEM wheels on the NC are very light to start with. You'll have to open your pocket quite wide to do a little better only.
Edited by reggie747 on Thursday 23 March 14:40
It's an NC1 that I'm using. I don't use the stock wheels for track, I bought a cheap 2nd set of wheels to allow me to have two sets of tyres. These are the wheels (I'm running 16 inch)
MSW 77 - 9.60kg
https://www.felgenoutlet.com/en/alloy-wheels-tyres...
The ones I'm looking at (which are used by a Mini race team in Germany) are these:
Autec Wizard - 7.2kg
https://www.felgenoutlet.com/en/alloy-wheels-tyres...
So the difference between them is big, but the standard NC wheels sit in between the two in terms of weight. I could put the track tyres on the standard wheels, but, that doesn't allow for new toys, right?
It's an interesting point you make though about adapting driving style based on what you have.
MSW 77 - 9.60kg
https://www.felgenoutlet.com/en/alloy-wheels-tyres...
The ones I'm looking at (which are used by a Mini race team in Germany) are these:
Autec Wizard - 7.2kg
https://www.felgenoutlet.com/en/alloy-wheels-tyres...
So the difference between them is big, but the standard NC wheels sit in between the two in terms of weight. I could put the track tyres on the standard wheels, but, that doesn't allow for new toys, right?
It's an interesting point you make though about adapting driving style based on what you have.
Go and weigh each of the two sets you have now, with tyres on. Whats the difference? If 2kg+ you can do an experiment.
Namely, decide on a shortish driving route near home. Do the route on one set of your wheels, then the same route immediately again on the other set.
Maybe you have to do it more than once to counter any placebo effect.
Namely, decide on a shortish driving route near home. Do the route on one set of your wheels, then the same route immediately again on the other set.
Maybe you have to do it more than once to counter any placebo effect.
Any reason your using 16 and 17s?
The OE wheels on the 2.0 Sport are, as said above, actually pretty light for the size at 7.something kilos.
I ran these TrakLite Gears in 17x7.5. I weighed them at 6.9kg before fitment.
When compared to other sets of cheap, heavy wheels, the difference in feel was outstanding - it was one of the very best things I did to the car.
XSP_1427 by Javelin Trackdays, on Flickr
The OE wheels on the 2.0 Sport are, as said above, actually pretty light for the size at 7.something kilos.
I ran these TrakLite Gears in 17x7.5. I weighed them at 6.9kg before fitment.
When compared to other sets of cheap, heavy wheels, the difference in feel was outstanding - it was one of the very best things I did to the car.
XSP_1427 by Javelin Trackdays, on Flickr
In my Clio my track wheels are about 2kg heavier than the road wheels (But I do a lot more road miles) and the difference is really perceptible. There is less gyroscopic force and inertia with the light wheels so it does everything a little bit better. Suspension reacts a bit better, turn in, braking etc. Unsprung mass is always the best place to lose weight.
ThisInJapanese said:
The issue with that is that the tyres are very different and have different profiles. One set is Michelin PS4s and the Nankang N2SRs, instantly creating a different feeling in the car.
Ps4 are still a high quality grippy tyre. You are not feeling for ultimate grip - it’s steering feel (especially left right transitions) and coping with bumps etc that you are on the lookout for.Basically if the car doesnt feel appreciably better to drive on your road wheels i’d be doubtful of you noticing the benefits of the new track wheels. Im not saying to not go shopping
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