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06-21-2007, 11:40 AM

#16

ckt_santiago

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Quote:

Originally Posted by steelblitzkrieg

Aren't most 20's aluminum vs most 17's being a chromed steel? And wouldn't less tire mass also help to offset that?

You're going to make me remove a wheel from each of my trucks and weigh them, aren't you?

LOL It's not just the weight, but how far from the center it is. The heaviest part of the rim and tire is the bead and outer part of the rim

If you are comparing 1500 17" to 20" then be my guest, but the 2500 17" is obviously going to weigh more in that they are designed heavier in the first place.

OK, look at it this way, have you ever seen a drag car with big rims? Those guys know what it's all about

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06-21-2007, 11:51 AM

#17

steelblitzkrieg

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ckt_santiago

LOL It's not just the weight, but how far from the center it is. The heaviest part of the rim and tire is the bead and outer part of the rim

That makes sense...I always thought Drag cars used the smaller rims with larger tires to get the wrinkles on the tires for the sole purpose of having cool looking launch snapshots.

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06-21-2007, 12:10 PM

#18

ckt_santiago

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Quote:

Originally Posted by steelblitzkrieg

That makes sense...I always thought Drag cars used the smaller rims with larger tires to get the wrinkles on the tires for the sole purpose of having cool looking launch snapshots.

Actually with the smaller rims you not only get the benefits that we just discussed about the 20's vs 17's, but those wrinkles aren't just for looks... Well they sort of are, but the sidewall flex on radials running such low pressures actually helps drag cars/trucks launch. The tires absorb some of the instant acceleration, spread out and grab the pavement, then unleash that stored energy... And *flash* they're gone

Oh and sorry for the thread Hijacking.... To get on topic a little my fiancé gets 18 with her 96 RC-SB 5.2 5spd, so yeah I would still say there is something wrong even though hers is lighter since his has a newer engine. Heck I got better than that when I was driving a ford; '87 F150 302 w/granny gear 4sp got 14 and I was definitely the son of two race car drivers in high school

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06-21-2007, 12:45 PM

#19

Joe T

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ckt_santiago

20's have more mass so the laws of inertia will affect them more in that it takes more energy to get them rolling. With lower gears it takes less to get rolling and you will accelerate faster with less throttle/engine load. So for city driving it's a great idea really. Though highway mileage really takes a hit

That's exactly right.

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06-22-2007, 03:24 PM

#20

steelblitzkrieg

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Any findings yet, Rad?

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06-22-2007, 03:34 PM

#21

Totallyrad

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Quote:

Originally Posted by steelblitzkrieg

Any findings yet, Rad?

I went by today and ran the key, no codes. Truck has 17" wheels but I didn't check the rear end ratio. Maintenance on this truck is impeccable. The owner operates a trucking company and is an oil change and filter fanatic.