Wheel selection question - need a road racer point of view

[Ludachris]

Hey guys, I'm looking at a couple different wheels right now. The one I was leaning towards was from Team Dynamics - the Pro Race 1.2. However, it turns out that for the offset I need, the wheel is quite a bit heavier than most on the market. Most wheels in the 17x9 range weigh in at 15-18 lbs each. The Team Dynamics wheel comes in at around 23 lbs. However, those wheels are widely used in the BTCC, ETCC, WRC and other racing series, which tells me they're pretty durable and good for racing (good brake cooling capabilities). They're also made to the exact specs I need and the spoke clearance will fit any big brake kit I can throw at it, and they're as cheap as any other wheel on the market. I'm just not sure if I need that type of durability at the expense of them weighing more.

So I'm kind of stuck here - I can get these wheels for a great price, or I can go with something like the Kosei K1-TS in 17x9 and have the wheels weigh in at 16 lbs. I don't know how durable they would be compared to the others, but they're light, inexpensive, and I'm pretty sure they'd clear my brakes.

I don't plan on doing much more than Time Trials with this car. What are your thoughts? What would you go with - light weight or durability/solid road race record?

[svochuck]

I'm a big fan of durability. that said my last set of custom wheels were the lightest ones I could get. (16"x13") ....:eek: :D

[Snymo]

Chris, I've been through this many times. Do you get the cheaper wheels so you can buy spares when you break/bend one or the super light wheels and have no money left for tires?!?! ;) For me, I went with the cheaper wheels, Kosei K1s, which in the 17x7.5" size weigh in at about 16.5 lbs and cost about $180/each. I could have forked out the $360 for the 13lb SSR Comps, but when you want to buy a couple of sets, that gets expensive fast.

Personally, I'd get something that will work with your setup and allow you to get spares just in case. The last thing you want to do is have three wheels and not be able to get a 4th!

I've been really happy with the Koseis and they have been very durable. We've been 3 out of the original 20 in two years. And, you can always run a small wheel spacer to get brake clearance. I run a 7mm spacer up front to clear my StopTechs.

Rick

[Ludachris]

Well here's the issue guys, I'll actually be getting the heavier race wheel for a better price than the same size Kosei. So it's not a matter of them being more expensive, it's all about weight vs. strength in this case. However, you guys bring up a good point - availability. I'll have to check on that. With all things being equal, including price, would you go with lightweight or strength?

Thanks for the feedback Chuck and Rick.

[bpanther]

Strength and durability over lightness any day. For me this applies to wheels, fire systems, roll cages, etc..:D


As a seperate data point, I've bent (20lb) Team Dynamics but haven't hurt the Koseis (13lbs). Heavy does not always = strong.

[95sprtcpedrvr]

Heavy does not always = strong.
Sooooo true!

[Ludachris]

True Dave. Turns out the weight specs I was given were a little off - they're actually about 19 lbs, not 23 lbs. I guess it's not that tough of a decision after all.