Aftermarket wheels or stock?

[tazmangler]

Where did you get your wheels?
TIA

[16d @ 4]

I just don't think it make sense to put heavier wheels on...this being said, the only wheels that I would consider are those that are ligher than our OEM 9-spokes.

Does anyone know how heavy our OEM 9-spoke wheels weigh?

[geosynch]

Originally Posted by 16d @ 4

I just don't think it make sense to put heavier wheels on...this being said, the only wheels that I would consider are those that are lighter than our OEM 9-spokes.

Does anyone know how heavy our OEM 9-spoke wheels weigh?

Neither heavier nor overall diameter with tire. That'll be hard to achieve since the front wheels are so skinny (adding width will add mass). Since inertia is a function of mass times radius squared a little bit larger diameter has a big impact on the final numbers.

Unfortunately, getting a wider tire upfront seems to be the only way to correct the understeer.

I'l be sitting on the fence of tires and wheels for a looong time before I'm convinced

[16d @ 4]

Originally Posted by geosynch

Neither heavier nor overall diameter with tire. That'll be hard to achieve since the front wheels are so skinny (adding width will add mass). Since inertia is a function of mass times radius squared a little bit larger diameter has a big impact on the final numbers.

Unfortunately, getting a wider tire upfront seems to be the only way to correct the understeer.

I'l be sitting on the fence of tires and wheels for a looong time before I'm convinced

I absolutely agree that if you increase the radius by a factory of 2, the Moment of Inertia would increase by a factory of 4.

But I have one question: (if I may)
Can the lighter weight wheels offset the increase in inertial and frictional resistance? Is this possible?

[Fowvay]

I haven't had stock wheels on any of my last 30 cars and I don't plan on starting now. I prefer a lighter, stronger and better looking alternative to stock thank you very much!

[WilyB]

I have 16" front and 17" rear stock wheels.

[tishpit]

Originally Posted by Throwdown

I plan on painting my wheels to match the set on my 8. Black spokes with a blue lip. I'm gonna turn my smart into a show car so go alongside the 8.

Pics of the 8 are in my myspace profile, myspace.com/rx8driver

Can you tell me the process of re-painting the stock wheels on a Passion? I'm trying to find white wheels that'll fit and so far, no luck. Would be easier and cheaper (?) to just paint the ones already there, right?

[Cruising n Coasting]

I am interested in keeping the stock wheels though I would like to get a set of wider rear wheels and put them up front.

[Feral_Collie]

I've done a search, but to no avail. Anyone know the weight of the stock fortwo's wheels?

[RussBarnes]

Originally Posted by tishpit

Can you tell me the process of re-painting the stock wheels on a Passion? I'm trying to find white wheels that'll fit and so far, no luck. Would be easier and cheaper (?) to just paint the ones already there, right?

I bought two new rears, had all four powder painted white. Kept one front tire/wheel for spare sold one. The powder painting had to strip the silver and then powder paint. Rough costs $300 ea for two new rears, <$250> credit for front tire/wheel. $500 for new tires, <$150> credit for the original ones. $575 to have the four powder painted. Two new TPS $150, mount and balance four $100. Much quieter, much better ride, corners many times harder and I have a spare that should be worth $300 to me if I need it. Visa $1,525, positive comments, priceless!

But they are hard to keep clean with the darn soft front brake pads they use.

Check my profile for the way I do my spare and photos of my "White-Out".

Russ