Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 15:13:41 GMT From: Bob <uctraingnospamanet.com> Subject: Re: Beware!-Re: Removing rear spoilers?
On Sat, 28 Jan 2006 20:23:23 -0500, ma_twain <ma_twainnospamo.com> wrote: >I have heard the same argument for alloy wheels. The advocates > >say the alloys wheels handle better, but forget to add only at higher >speeds - speeds over 100 MPH. They also love the compare a minivan with >steel wheels and all season tires to a sports car with a sport >suspension, alloy wheels and high performance tires - and give all of >the credit solely to the alloy rims. As some Saab owners know very well, >their alloy rim handle their wallets very well, especially after they >have driven through a few potholes. There is some legitimate argument to rotational acceleration of alloy wheels due to lighter weights even at lower speeds. I've seen the physics although I can't quote them. However, most "alloy" wheels today are rather heavy. They seem to easily weigh 30lbs each. Contrast that to my mini-lites of days gone by that used _real_ alloys and were about 10lbs each. (and it was not just a size difference, it was the alloy used). Common alloy wheels are likely still lighter than a comparable steel wheel in the sizes we use today and likely have an advantage. Also, reducing unsprung weight is an advantage in handling. They are also better vented in some cases - not all, and steel wheels could be if someone tried - but that has braking advantages. I admit that the cheap alloy we get today do bend easily and it is now a major problem.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
