03 HCH Wheel and Tire Upgrade
 

Finally got some pics to show of the new setup!

https://www.greenhybrid.com/share/fi...4/2003HCH3.jpg
https://www.greenhybrid.com/share/fi...4/2003HCH1.jpg
https://www.greenhybrid.com/share/fi...4/2003HCH2.jpg
https://www.greenhybrid.com/share/fi...4/2003HCH4.jpg

For those interested in the gory details:

Original setup was (31.8 lbs)
14" OEM Wheel (14.2 lbs, weighed on doctor scale)
185/70R14 Dunlop SP FE (17.6 lbs, from Dunlop)

New setup is (29.1 lbs)
15" Kosei K-1 TS (10.8 lbs, weighed on scale and from Kosei)
195/60R15 Continental ContiTouringContact CV95 (18.3 lbs, from Continental)

That's 2.7 lbs off each wheel - not bad. It should, at a minimum, not hurt the FE :)

First Drive: I won't comment on the ride home from the tire place because I had ~120 lbs of old tires in my car. :P I topped off Wed morning before driving to work - which is when I usually fill up, so I have a lot of experiences with a "first commute on a new tank". In general, the tires were very, very sticky. I doubt that's a criticism of the Continentals - I'd expect that any new tire would be. My Dunlops were when they were new, now that I think about it. However now, it was suprisingly noticeable. Parts of my commute where I could cruise on an 80 or 90 on the display was a fight to hold at 60. Normally, my FE on a new tank will be 65 or so to work, and about 56 when I get home. Today is was 53 to work, 51 when I returned. Tire pressure, route, weather - all constants, so the only variable was the tires. I'm going to chalk this up to new tires, with the hope that in 1000 miles or so it will have worn off.

Noise was slightly down, but not as much as I'd hope. At 32 psi they were much quieter (from the ride home after the install). I raised them to 42 that night, and it's noisy again (but not as bad).

The handling is what suddenly got fun. I normally don't push the car at all, but steering, the way it tracked around corners, all better. Maybe credit the "stickiness".

In all I'm pleased, and have confidence that after the tires wear in I'll get a better read on the FE. I'll have to wait a couple months, but I'll report back with the findings - especially if the weight reduction made a difference.

If anyone is curious, total bill was $1175 ($650 on the wheels, $525 on the tires). I could have done a little better on the tires, but only by $10 or so per. Keep in mind 8% of that is sales tax. :angry:

I'm looking forward to owning it all now!

Re: 03 HCH Wheel and Tire Upgrade
 

Not to rain on your parade; those are beautiful wheels.
But I wouldn't be surprised if what you gained by reduced weight you lost, and more, by the wind resistance of those beautiful propeller-like spokes.

Re: 03 HCH Wheel and Tire Upgrade
 

I agree, those are GREAT looking wheels! I'm glad you enjoy the tires too. Even if you give up a couple percent in fuel economy, they will likely provide a little added margin of safety in terms of improved lane change and braking ability. Anything that can increase accident avoidance ability is a good thing in my book.

Re: 03 HCH Wheel and Tire Upgrade
 

Those wheels look great!
Also, please follow up and report on any FE changes. It will be intersting to see how the mass balances against the drag. Ballpark, every pound of rotating mass corresponds to about 4 pounds non-rotating mass. This is because it takes a lot of energy to not only accelerate the mass forward, but also to gain the rotational momentum. 2.7 lbs per wheel should be the equivalent of saving 43.2 lbs elsewhere in the car.
Very cool!

Re: 03 HCH Wheel and Tire Upgrade
 

They look great. That'll be super if they don't effect mileage very much. Keep us posted. Of course you're going to be taking a hit for colder weather soon too, that'll make it look like your wheel/tire combo was the mileage killer. :(

Re: 03 HCH Wheel and Tire Upgrade
 

I'll definitely do follow-ups if there is any detectable impact on FE. I have 3 winters worth of FE data to compare against, so I know a bit about what to expect. I'm very anxious to profile the tire break-in period - may be very useful info for the new hybrid owners and others about to swap out tires. If the whole thing is a wash and my FE stays the same, I'll still be happy to get an upgraded look.

Re: 03 HCH Wheel and Tire Upgrade
 

$1175 is a lot...the improvements in gas mileage won't make up for that for a while, right?

In any case, the wheels look great, Tim.

Tim; I'm Really (Disappointed)
 

Tim; I have to level with you, even if it (Hurts) our Friendship. :omg: I can't tell you how sad I was when I looked and looked at those Pics. The more I looked at each one the (Tears) :cry: just ran down my cheeks and I could not stop them. I just can't believe that you did not, I just don't know how to come out and say this.:zip:

Tim, where is the (Tire-Dressing) on the "New-Tires" ? :confused:

Well as you can tell from this post it just tore my (Heart-Out) to see those Brand New Wheels with Brand New Rubber on them and then I realized :omg: (omg) Tim didn't Dress-Out the Tires.

Hey Tim; Everything is just looking (Great) and I am finished Screwing with you. ;) Your Pal from Franklin; Tn. :)

Enjoy;

Terry

Re: Tim; I'm Really (Disappointed)
 

Yeah, I agree. I doubt I'll ever see that money back, but didn't really expect to. The car did need new tires, so I was out that anyway. The wheels were just for fun. I've never bought cusom wheels for any car I've owned, and since I'm going to own this at least 5-6 more years, I might as well have a bit of fun with it. :)

You almost had me going. ;) Actually, the whole car is a mess. I almost waited to take the pics, but I don't know when I'll have a break to clean it up. It's cold and rainy out, and I haven't had a clear day to wash it. Rest assured, on the first clear day it gets washed, 2 coats of wax, and of course, tire dressing. :D

Re: 03 HCH Wheel and Tire Upgrade
 

don't get me wrong: sometimes we don't do things just cuz of money :D

the wheels look fantastic. even my honda friend who is hard to please likes them.