North American Motoring - Swapped 17's to 16's, but very little weight savings

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- - Swapped 17's to 16's, but very little weight savings (https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/tires-wheels-and-brakes/16036-swapped-17s-to-16s-but-very-little-weight-savings.html)

My '03 Cooper S came with 17" S-Lites (25.5 lb)and Goodyear run-flats, (45.5 lb mounted).

Reading all the posts about the lighter 16" wheels, and knowing the value of reducing unsprung weight and rotating mass, I bought a set of R83's from a mini2.com/minicooperonline.com member.

The R83's weigh 20.5 lb each. But with their run-flat Dunlops mounted, the weight is 43.5 lb each!!! (All weights +- 1/2 lb).

I saved a whopping 2 lb per corner (but my wallet is MUCH lighter) !

The "quicker launch" I feel must be from the reduced contact patch, cause it sure isn't from the fantastic weight savings.

Can't wait to wear through the run-flats and put some lighter performance tires on. Then I'll be looking for a suitable spare, but that's another thread altogether. :cry:

Greetings 200mph,

As long as you like the appearance and performance of your wheels, thats what realy counts. There is not a lot of choice in lightweight wheels in the 16" size unless you want to spend serious cash for wheels like SSR Comps. You could have saved another 8lbs per corner :grin:
Enjoy !!
Ron