Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Wheel opnion: 16x7 TSW Venom/VX1

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Wheel opnion: 16x7 TSW Venom/VX1

    I have a very good local offer to buy a set of these wheels that includes decent 205/40 rubber. (We are talking $225 here)



    What do you guys think of these wheels for my Escort in terms of performance? My biggest drawback is their 22.5 lbs/wheel weight. How does that compare to the stock 15x5.5 wheel weight - anyone know - the internet does not have stock wheel weights?

    Basically, will I lose a noticeable amount of accel in relation to the cornering/grip ability gained?
    Last edited by Lex; 11-20-2005, 03:32 AM.

    #2
    Athough the price is right, considering only the performance aspect, I don't think that these wheels are a good choice. Certainly you'll get considerably better cornering ability due to the new wheels being 1.5" wider than stock and the fact that you'll be able to fit a wider tread, lower profile tire and still maintain proper speedo ratio.

    However, IMO the enhanced cornering ability will be more than offset by the loss of acceleration due to the weight of the new wheel. I don't know what your stock wheels weigh but 22.5 lbs is rather heavy for an alloy 16" wheel in terms both of acceleration and unsprung weight. For example, my 16 x 7" wheels only weigh 15 lbs each, considerably lighter than the wheels you've chosen. Why not choose a lighter wheel and get the benefits of both better handling and acceleration combined?

    Additionally, as I'm sure you know, not only wheel weight but also wheel diameter affects acceleration since the farther away the wheel weight is displaced from the axis of rotation, the greater the inertia effects that must be overcome to accelerate the wheel. This effect is so pronounced that, under certain circumstances, a heavier 15" wheel will provide better aceleration than a lighter 16" wheel. If acceleration is the primary concern, a 15" wheel would probably be optimal but if the object is both better handling and acceleration, go with the lightest 16 x 7" wheel you can afford.

    Of course, if money were no object (not too likely for we Protege owners), we'd all be driving around on 9 or 10 lb 16" forged alloy wheels.

    Happy Motoring!
    02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
    MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
    MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
    Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
    MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
    Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
    Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
    Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
    Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
    Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
    Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
    Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
    Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

    Comment


      #3
      Thanks for the reply goldstar; I am very aware of these considerations and personally I didn't get much of a chance to experience many different wheels on my Escort. I did try out some 17x7 wheels that were ~25lbs each (the ones in my signature) for a short period of time. I didn't feel a huge loss in acceleration (if at all). On the other hand my engine's output is in the 200whp range; so the loss is not as dramatic.

      I also never got the chance to try out a 15 lb wheel and 'feel' the difference there.

      The main reason I was considering these is their price and what I think are stylish looks.

      Comment

      Working...
      X