[Shotimes] Questions about wheel diameter effect on fuel economy and acceleration

[James F. Ryan III]

When the UPS guy brings my tires from TireRack, they usually shrink-wrap 2
tires together.  I can throw those "bogeys" up the stairs, down the stairs,
into the the garage, and toss them into the trunk (so I can get them
mounted) with no problems.  Once the tire is mounted on the slicer I
wouldn't exactly say that I can "throw" them around anymore (I'm 6'1",
195lbs AND I play ice hockey).

If your stock wheels were steel and the new, larger wheels were aluminum,
the increase in the amount of metal is most likely offset by the fact that
it's a lighter metal and it probably wouldn't affect mileage/performance.
But if your stock wheels are alum (which I suspect they are on your TDI) and
your new, larger wheels are also aluminum - you're adding more metal.  And,
metal will always weigh more than rubber - except on the moon.



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul L Fisher" <sho@paul-fisher.com>
To: <v8sho@v8sho.com>; <shotimes@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 5:15 PM
Subject: [Shotimes] Questions about wheel diameter effect on fuel economy
and acceleration


> I did not mark this OT since this discussion is applicable to SHO's as
well.
>
> Let's say my came stock with 195/65-15 wheels. Let's also say that a
> different trim level comes from the factory with 225/45-17, which have the
> same circumference (revs per mile).
>
> What would be your expectation as to affect on MPG and 0-60 times?
Numerous
> people on the TDI list are saying that my dog slow TDI will become doggier
> and my MPG will drop 10%. I understand the whole rotating mass thing but
> wouldn't the increase in rim diameter (and mass) be offset by the decrease
> of mass of the tire?
>
> Paul L Fisher
>
> 1999 Ford Taurus SHO TR 65K - Stock. Kirk'ed.
>
> Visit my website: http://www.paul-fisher.com
> SHOClub Member: http://www.shoclub.com
> Amsoil dealer: http://www.paul-fisher.com/oil
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