....... "the weight of componants not supported by the spring". This includes most of, or part of, the wheel/tires, the a-arms, the spindle and brakes, the rear axel assembly, etc.etc... The formula for how much of the "part of" on componants like a-arms is complicated, as it changes, and is not relevant here.
Unsprung weight can be a critical factor in how a RACE car handles, as it will be the determining factor of how closely the tire contact patch follows the road surface.
On a normal street driven car it is much less critical. I wouldn't worry about staying with aluminum wheels for less unsprung weight if what you want are Magnums. Unless you are pushing the car to it's limits in a handling situation regularly, you won't ever see a difference.
Also bear in mind that many of todays "alloy" wheels are just as heavy, if not more so, then a good steel wheel. They are not light racing wheels.
Hal
Love hard, drive fast, wear your seat belt.
PS, that's my 'bird...... My Mustang is too ugly to take pictures of yet........*G*.
http://www.teleport.com/~cosa/bird2.jpg
Unsprung weight can be a critical factor in how a RACE car handles, as it will be the determining factor of how closely the tire contact patch follows the road surface.
On a normal street driven car it is much less critical. I wouldn't worry about staying with aluminum wheels for less unsprung weight if what you want are Magnums. Unless you are pushing the car to it's limits in a handling situation regularly, you won't ever see a difference.
Also bear in mind that many of todays "alloy" wheels are just as heavy, if not more so, then a good steel wheel. They are not light racing wheels.
Hal
Love hard, drive fast, wear your seat belt.
PS, that's my 'bird...... My Mustang is too ugly to take pictures of yet........*G*.
http://www.teleport.com/~cosa/bird2.jpg
