[SC CT]

Saw a post in which the stock 17" rims were on a scale and weighed over 24 lbs.! Was shocked considering all the steps Toyota/Lexus have taken with the Prius and other hybrid cars in maxing out the MPGs (but have since found out that the Prius 17s are just as heavy).

So, I was wondering whether anybody has switched out to lighweight rims (17 lbs. or less) using stock tires, on at CT or even a Prius, and if so, was there any difference in MPG, quickness, handling?

 

[LxTxNx]

Interesting post... I would also like to know.

 

[lexceetee]

I will be switching to a much lighter wheel (holding out on revealing the specs) once I receive my car, but I will not be running a stock tire since my wheels are 18". This will throw off the mileage slightly, but I'll gladly report my findings. I was thinking about running with the stock set up for a month to get some data first to compare... but I'm too anxious to get the modding under way. The car will need a break in period anyhow... so my comparison probably won't be truly relevant until next year.

 

[jimmyc13]

I will be switching to a much lighter wheel (holding out on revealing the specs) once I receive my car, but I will not be running a stock tire since my wheels are 18". This will throw off the mileage slightly, but I'll gladly report my findings. I was thinking about running with the stock set up for a month to get some data first to compare... but I'm too anxious to get the modding under way. The car will need a break in period anyhow... so my comparison probably won't be truly relevant until next year.

I agree w/ you. If you're not able to establish a baseline before you put on the 18" wheels, you really can't tell, as so many of us on here have obtained MPG's that vary quite a bit from one another.

 

[Team Lexus]

I was the one who posted that pic.

And I am on a 15 lbs Volk Racing TE37 now.

Much better everything. Steering quickness, steering response, EV initial start, Fuel efficiency went from 5.2L/100km to 4.7L/100km immediately.

The dampers definitely have sped up too.

 

[SC CT]

I was the one who posted that pic.

And I am on a 15 lbs Volk Racing TE37 now.

Much better everything. Steering quickness, steering response, EV initial start, Fuel efficiency went from 5.2L/100km to 4.7L/100km immediately.

The dampers definitely have sped up too.

Damn, I was afraid someone would say something like this. Now I won't be satisfied with the stockers (even though I think they look nice).

BTW, can you convert your L/km into mpg for us non-metric dolts?

 

[lexceetee]

5.2 L/100km = 45.2335737 miles per gallon

4.7 L/100km = 50.045656 miles per gallon

 

[jimmyc13]

Thanks for the info. Team Lexus. With 15 lb. wheels, you're paying a big premium up front if people go that route just to get better MPG's and to save on gas. I know you got a good deal on yours, but Volk's aren't cheap!!!

 

[lexceetee]

Thanks for the info. Team Lexus. With 15 lb. wheels, you're paying a big premium up front if people go that route just to get better MPG's and to save on gas. I know you got a good deal on yours, but Volk's aren't cheap!!!

They're not cheap, but they sure are sexy . Besides, with the amount you'll save on gas... they'll pay themself off eventually lol.

 

[Team Lexus]

LOL! I don't think the fuel savings w/ the lighter Volks will surmount to paying them off....... LOL!

But I have to a gree with the fact that they're pure sexy!

I'm into the tuner-car crowd and have a race car as my hobby car.....and I've always run Volks on my daily drivers..... I just had to do the same w/ my CT.

I know a lot of my friends say "hey now. TE37's belong on super grippy tires on race cars..... not on eco cars!"

But then they get the whole light-weight thing and........ my Volks are blue..to match the Hybrid emblems!

 

[SC CT]

They're not cheap, but they sure are sexy . Besides, with the amount you'll save on gas... they'll pay themself off eventually lol.

Assuming a constant price of $3.80/gal., those rims will pay for themselves at around 118,421 miles!