Which wheels?

[FCPremixx]

I'm in the market for some new wheels for my WRX. I'm not going to order them until the end of December but I think I narrowed it down to 2 wheels. I jsut want to see what everyones opinions are. It's a 04 PSM wingless WRX. My wheel choices are 18x8 Tarmac 3's in gun metallic or I can special order some 18X8.5 G-force's in gun metallic. I'm sticking with Rota because it's all i can really afford. I know they're really similar but theres something about the G-force that makes it stand out more. Let me know what you guys like.

G-Force


Tarmac 3

[SeattleJeremy]

I'd pick the lighter (weight) one.

[2:43AM]

+1 to that. 18's are going to be heavy. -5 to higher rotational masses.

[FCPremixx]

I emailed Rota and asked about weights. The Tarmac 3 weighs 20lbs and the G-Force weighs 21lbs. Would there really be any significant difference between the added 4lbs?

[2:43AM]

Surprisingly, YES. There's some goofy physics calculation out there somewhere that states that higher rotational masses are far greater (or worse) than static mass increases, aka "junk in the trunk". Think of a gyro toy...the bigger it is (or the heavier it is), the more force it will take to get up to speed. It will also spin longer because it has more inertia, but the important thing to consider is the amount of effort it takes to accelerate.

Bigger brake discs have the same negative effects, but their increased stopping power negates the acceleration losses in people's minds.

The key thing I try to remember when upgrading wheels and bettering performance and acceleration is to either stick with the stock and tire weight or reduce it. By maintaining, you'll still benefit in performance by increased handling, but not necessarily in acceleration.

WRX's actually have torque, which is very good. My old car did not. It was an RSX Type S. However, on that car, I could actually notice the difference in acceleration times when I switched between my stockies and my 17s. The 17 wheel was lighter, but the tire was not. The total combined weight was about 3 pounds over stock. Multiply that by 4 and that's 12 pounds of additional rotational mass the torqueless engine must contend with.

Whew.

But it's all about what you are going for...looks or performance? Those rims are beautiful and they would look great!

[mycologist]

Also, just moving the mass further from the axis has a negative effect.

If you can afford the wheels you specified, you can also afford Enkei RPF1 in 17x8 (15.5lbs.). Oh, and if anyone has a nice used set, I am looking for some.

[06hawkman]

G-forces are pimp
ALSO Advan c328n's are only like 14.5 lbs for an 18

[20WRX04]

Stick with your stockers. They are lightweight, free, & you can paint them whatever color you want.