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I know this is an old thread but I was hoping someone could give me some advice on picking out a new set of wheels for an 08 Prius. I assume that it could potentially reduce the fuel economy slightly. Is that true? Would it be noticable? Thanks for your help.
Yes, the mpg loss will be very noticeable if you go with a 17" or larger wheel. Handling and looks are greatly improve if you choose the right wheel. To minimize the mpg as much as possible try to use the lightest wheel you can afford and a set of LRR tires which again are as light as possible. You could lose between 4-6mpg so go into this expecting that.
just as F8 says, fuel economy and acceleration/braking. Take a look at this post in a WRX forum. Only a 1" increase in wheel (not tyre) diameter, but a 47% increase in wheel weight. NASIOC - View Single Post - Wheel weight vs. acceleration test question what seems odd to me though, is that there is no evidence of this working the other way, that is to say performance gains from ultralight 15" wheels.
While this is true, it is not always the case. My 17" BBS STI forged wheels are lighter than the stock 16" wheels that came with the car. With the prius, you have a limited number of wheels and tires to work with and stay within +/- 1lb of the stock wheel and tire setup nasioc - another forum I visit once in awhile
Is there a list somewhere of the lightest wheels available for the Prius? Id really like to upgrade the wheels but I want dont want to lose too much fuel economy. Oh and I also want world peace and a supermodel for a wife....
you pretty much have to work it out for yourself, but heres a link http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-fuel-economy/93222-wheel-weight-resources.html How to have world peace | eHow.com Supermodels.com Russian Brides Club : Free to send a message
wow thats a lot, what wheels and tyres do you run ? oh I see you just posted 2012 BBS CH-R 225/40/18 ZR Continental Extreme Contact B&G lowering kit
Yeah, i was gonna put OZ with only 16.5 lbs, but I like BBS better even weight 20 lbs. But its still way better compare my previous car that take only 16MPG...