MORE THAN A NUMBERS GAME

For some time now, the seeming criteria used by most automotive magazines to educate their readers as to wheel quality and general performance capabilities has been "weight". Although there is a general basis for a simple calculation of this manner, it¡¯s at best only one part of a bigger story.

THEN, WHY IS IT DONE THIS WAY?

First off it's just damn easy to weigh a wheel. All you have to do is grab your scale from home and bring it to the office. Line up the wheels, weigh them, take a few snaps, write some catchy copy and there you have it¡¦. article completed, deadline met, editor satisfied. Lame.

True motorsport professionals know to focus on additional points; wheel / rim deflection, stress / fatigue factors and basic design characteristics. They know from "real time" experience that some wheels, due to inherent tendency of specific design and manufacturing process, perform superior to that of a corresponding wheel of lighter weight. Said another way¡¦. some wheels that weigh a little more actually out perform others that weigh less.

HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?

For starters, certain wheel designs absorb load and stress and then correspondingly redirect those forces throughout the wheel better than other designs. This improved absorption and redistribution leads to minimal wheel distortion. The higher the speeds and related stress factors, the greater the potential for distortion. Minimized and reduced distortion equates to improved handling. Wheels that incorporate these characteristics routinely allow the qualified driver to "dive into a corner faster, brake later and accelerate sooner upon exiting the turn". In addition you can further expect improved overall traction and quicker and crisper steering response as to driver demand.

SO¡¦IF THIS ABSORPTION AND DISTORTION STUFF IS SO IMPORTANT, WHY HASN'T IT BEEN INCLUDED IN THE NUMEROUS WHEEL ARTICLES OVER THE YEARS?

Without pointing any fingers, the resources to accomplish the above tests are not readily available to any magazine. As mentioned in the beginning¡¦ weighing a wheel is a simple, quick and non-expensive proposition. It allows for simple and general conclusion and should be understood as such. To perform tests with simulation to the level that we are referring to is a lengthy and costly endeavor. In addition, further "real time" track testing is required and all of this adds up to huge expense. World class Formula 1 teams test numerous components simultaneously in attempt to control track time test costs. So asking or expecting as much from a single automotive monthly publication would be illogical ? but it's always nice to know.

WAIT A SECOND... AREN'T WHEELS ALREADY TESTED BY THE MANUFACTURERS?

Yes but those tests are basic dynamic rim roll and cornering fatigue and retention tests with criteria that are significantly less demanding. The "bogeys" and standards that are the typical test criteria are more along the lines of general automotive use.

OKAY... WHAT ELSE?

The wheel manufacturing process is unique as to what can be typically expected from the wheel itself. Is it a one piece cast or multi-piece or traditional forged or is it one of the recently introduced one piece forged derivatives?

Traditionally, one piece cast wheels are lower in price and more likely to have certain limitations as you push the envelope as to higher level performance requirements. They remain as the more popular choice of the basic consumer. Multi-piece and forged wheels cost significantly more and as such typically out perform the lower priced one piece cast entries.

However, as noted earlier, a new technology incorporating basic forging disciplines on the rim shell along with improved technology as to heat treatment of the wheel center section has come on the market. The advantage of this process combines strength and light weight at a significant savings when compared to a traditional forged product.

SO, WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE WHEN CONSIDERING A HIGH PERFORMANCE WHEEL FOR MY RIDE?

For starters, give considerable attention as to the particular manufacturer and ask questions. Are they a recognized name ? have they been around awhile? Who is assisting you with your purchase ? do they seem knowledgeable? Does the manufacturer have a website where more information is available? Bone up on the data that is available. What about racing experience? Does the manufacturer actively "get at it" or is racing a six letter word that they put on their corporate literature to hype the market?

Determine what price is in your range, do a weight to dollar formula.
Talk to a factory rep if you can and look and listen for evidence of "real corporate performance" involvement or in the end you just may be paying extra bucks for a "wanna be" performance wheel.