Wheel weight vs wheel diameter.

[jpy1980]

I have a set of 19 inch forged wheels that are super light. I keep hearing from track guys that I should downsize to 18s for better tire selection and meat. The thing is is that the 18 inch wheels I want are about 2-3pounds heavier and the profile of the tire is the same as my 19s. So I probably won’t get much more meat and wheels will weigh more. Will it still be an improvement?

Now I’m not a track rat as I only go about 4-5 times a year, so I probably won’t upgrade (downgrade) to 18s, but I want to know what your guys thoughts are in this situation. What would you do?

[NYG]

Originally Posted by jpy1980

I have a set of 19 inch forged wheels that are super light. I keep hearing from track guys that I should downsize to 18s for better tire selection and meat. The thing is is that the 18 inch wheels I want are about 2-3pounds heavier and the profile of the tire is the same as my 19s. So I probably won’t get much more meat and wheels will weigh more. Will it still be an improvement?

Now I’m not a track rat as I only go about 4-5 times a year, so I probably won’t upgrade (downgrade) to 18s, but I want to know what your guys thoughts are in this situation. What would you do?

2-3 lbs isn't much in the grand scheme of things especially at 4-5x a year. The sum of rotating masses should still be closer to the centroid.

If you're planning on keeping only one set of wheels then keep it at 19.

If you're gonna get a set of track wheels, go 18.