Custom Rims/Wheels/nonOEM 15/Y/N/P/C/BTD

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by NortTexSalv04Prius, Sep 10, 2013.

  1. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2009
    915
    115
    0
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I have not posted in PC for a while. The majority of the opinion by PC poster is helpful but may not always based on first hand knowledge/research/ and or enlighten thinking and then there is always an exception

    Anyhow

    Most Gen2 owners have realize that the stock OEM 15 inch rims are part and parcel of the mpg overal package so why change........
    I am not a custom rim/custom exhaust/etc kinda guy. (I can change )
    I am considering purchasing custom rims like some of these from Tirerack
    Wheels for 2007 Toyota Prius
    The basis to purchase is more of improvement in the mpg performance if that can be done or had
    I am not going to change rim size or tire size. (thats more for the custom people) I have already found threads where someone went from a 15inch to 17inch rims only to decrease their mpg. So really do not want to relearn that experience.
    Custom Rims/Wheels/non OEM 15 inch
    Yes/No
    Pros/Cons
    Basis To Do So
     
    #1 NortTexSalv04Prius, Sep 10, 2013
  2. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2006
    1,049
    192
    0
    Location:
    NH
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    If you buy rims that weigh less and tires that have a larger diameter, chances are you gas mileage will improve.
     
    #2 ursle, Sep 10, 2013
  3. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

    Joined:
    May 13, 2012
    2,170
    751
    0
    Location:
    Delaware
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    the way to improve the mpg via wheels/tires is to over inflate the tires just a bit - i run 42psi, also very light wheels should help, and there was a list someone put up from tire rack which said michelin energy savers were best for mpg, followed closely by bridgestone ecopias. if you buy heavier than stock wheels its gonna hurt mpg. the motegi sp10 is the only one listed that isn't heavier.
     
    #3 69shovlhed, Sep 10, 2013
    NortTexSalv04Prius likes this.
  4. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2009
    915
    115
    0
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    IMHO okay
    "LESS" and "LARGER" are relative terminology. I agree with less than current rim spec weight of OEM (whatever that is)
    I am less sure of the larger dia statement
     
    #4 NortTexSalv04Prius, Sep 10, 2013
  5. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2009
    915
    115
    0
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I agree
    I own a set of the mich energy x and they are okay but same results have been had with other tire mfg..... and ..... michelin do not come cheap
     
    #5 NortTexSalv04Prius, Sep 10, 2013
  6. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2009
    915
    115
    0
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Most of the custom rims are mass produce from China. The TIRERACK search list seven under 16lb ......I would think 14 to 15lbs would be preferable......trouble is unless someone has actually run these would be hard to know
     
    #6 NortTexSalv04Prius, Sep 10, 2013
  7. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

    Joined:
    May 13, 2012
    2,170
    751
    0
    Location:
    Delaware
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    i think i read here somewhere the oe wheels are 14.5lbs; motegi tracklites and several other forged racing wheels are lighter.
    if you run taller tires and your mpg displayed doesn't drop, since the taller tires will roll a few inches farther with each revolution, your mpg will improve, but it won't show it on the display.
    any wheel worth owning isn't cast in china. forged wheels are gonna be the way to go.
     
    #7 69shovlhed, Sep 10, 2013
  8. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2012
    1,880
    710
    75
    Location:
    Carrollton, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    How much bigger do you want? 16, 17...larger?

    SSR Type C
    Enkei RPF1
    BuddyClub P1 Racing
    Kosei K1 TS
    OZ Alleggerita
    Technicraft T6
    Konig Daylite

    All these have 17" wheels the same or less weight than the OEM Touring 16"

    I'm looking at these as well... my 19" ADR are heaaaaaavy. But look good! (y)
     
    #8 Justdidit, Sep 11, 2013
    sidecar likes this.
  9. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2009
    915
    115
    0
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Please reread my orig post. I DO NOT WANT 17 INCH.................
    I like some of the KONIG but do not meet my application......
     
    #9 NortTexSalv04Prius, Sep 21, 2013
  10. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2009
    915
    115
    0
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    After reading Bill Wilson posts on steel and alloy rims. I have reached the conclusion most aftermarket 15 inch rims will be heavier than OEM or close to that specific weight. Alum alloy and carbon fiber rims have some promising low weight
    developments out there however carbon fiber rim is very very expensive.......................and not really sold aftermarket
     
    #10 NortTexSalv04Prius, Sep 21, 2013
  11. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2012
    1,880
    710
    75
    Location:
    Carrollton, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Just to clarify, just because someone changes Rim size doesn't necessarily mean it will have negative effects. It will if the right wheel and tire combo aren't chosen that make the car work harder than OEM. A lighter larger wheel and the correct tire sizing could actually increase MPG.

    Did you check the wheel weights of any of these wheels in 15"... waaaay lighter than OEM..

    SSR Type C
    Enkei RPF1
    BuddyClub P1 Racing
    Kosei K1 TS
    OZ Alleggerita
    Technicraft T6
    Konig Daylite
     
    #11 Justdidit, Sep 21, 2013
  12. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2009
    915
    115
    0
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I am not doubting your statement however, without more detailed information and reference links there is no veracity or value there
     
    #12 NortTexSalv04Prius, Sep 25, 2013
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)