GR86 Are lightweight wheels more important on the road or on track?

[BanjoGazooey]

I've intending to get a second set of wheels for some sticky track rubber on and initially was thinking about getting some lightweight 17s for the task.
The more I look though the more I think I'd rather have the interesting wheels for the 95% of my driving that will be on the road.

I would assume that lower unsprung weight is most important on the road as it means a better ride and more control over the bumpy surfaces that you wouldn't necessary get on track - is that a fair assumption? Would durability be a factor too?

 

[Grblue86]

I've intending to get a second set of wheels for some sticky track rubber on and initially was thinking about getting some lightweight 17s for the task.
The more I look though the more I think I'd rather have the interesting wheels for the 95% of my driving that will be on the road.

I would assume that lower unsprung weight is most important on the road as it means a better ride and more control over the bumpy surfaces that you wouldn't necessary get on track - is that a fair assumption? Would durability be a factor too?

Normally the lighter the wheels is, the more unsuited it is for road tasks as they aren't as strong as their heavy counterparts, our potholes filled roads would put them to the test. Yes, Forged lightweight wheels are stronger than the 2 or 3 piece wheels, so if you must I think forged is the way to go.

 

[BanjoGazooey]

Normally the lighter the wheels is, the more unsuited it is for road tasks as they aren't as strong as their heavy counterparts, our potholes filled roads would put them to the test. Yes, Forged lightweight wheels are stronger than the 2 or 3 piece wheels, so if you must I think forged is the way to go.

Good point, generally smaller = stronger though right because of the extra sidewall?

Those lovely bronze TRDs are forged aren't they

 

[AndyRC]

Good point, generally smaller = stronger though right because of the extra sidewall?

Those lovely bronze TRDs are forged aren't they

The Bronze 17s are indeed forged

 

[Michael Knight]

Normally the lighter the wheels is, the more unsuited it is for road tasks as they aren't as strong as their heavy counterparts, our potholes filled roads would put them to the test. Yes, Forged lightweight wheels are stronger than the 2 or 3 piece wheels, so if you must I think forged is the way to go.

I have never heard a wheel getting destroyed on road driving (excluding competition use), however on track as hitting curbs it will be tougher for wheels. I have always gone for the lightest set of wheels though don't like to trash the car into potholes etc, well maybe with GR Yaris I take sometimes shortcuts. Typically if wheels have TUV or similar approval they're strong enough, even light weight.

 

[BanjoGazooey]

I have never heard a wheel getting destroyed on road driving (excluding competition use), however on track as hitting curbs it will be tougher for wheels. I have always gone for the lightest set of wheels though don't like to trash the car into potholes etc, well maybe with GR Yaris I take sometimes shortcuts. Typically if wheels have TUV or similar approval they're strong enough, even light weight.

I've had to replace 3 OEM wheels in the past because of cracking / buckling so it can happen (albeit with much heavier cars) .

More than strength I'm focussed on where the biggest benefit to handling is going to be and I'm thinking that's probably on the road especially coupled with a higher profile tyre. It's just a pain there's not much selection for track tyres on the oem 18s

 

[Beans]

Lighter wheels also make a difference on the cars turn in, and acceleration. I had some 10kg 18s for road and some 7.5kg 17s for track on the GT86 and it feels noticeably more sluggish on the heavy 18s, and I'm pretty sure it's not all down to the diameter [emoji106]