For car enthusiasts looking to enhance both the performance and aesthetics of their vehicles, Srt Wheels often come up as a desirable upgrade. The question of whether wider wheels, like SRT wheels, add unnecessary weight and impact performance is a common concern. Let’s delve into the reality of SRT wheels, particularly their weight and performance benefits, drawing on real-world experiences and technical insights.
One might assume that wider wheels inherently mean heavier wheels. However, this is not always the case, especially when comparing factory R/T wheels to SRT wheels. While it’s true that tire weight will likely increase with wider tires, the construction of SRT wheels themselves plays a crucial role in managing overall weight.
Alt text: A detailed view of a set of SRT wheels, highlighting their intricate spoke design and performance-oriented engineering. These wheels are designed to be both strong and lightweight, enhancing vehicle handling and responsiveness.
The key difference often lies in the manufacturing process. OEM R/T wheels are typically cast, a process that can result in heavier wheels. SRT wheels, on the other hand, are frequently forged. Forging is a manufacturing process that creates wheels that are significantly stronger and, surprisingly, often lighter than cast wheels of similar dimensions. This is because forging compresses the metal, resulting in a denser and more robust structure that requires less material overall to achieve the desired strength.
Consider the experience of a car enthusiast who upgraded their Dodge Durango. Initially equipped with OEM R/T wheels, they explored SRT wheel options, anticipating a potential weight increase. However, by choosing Jeep SRT Trackhawk wheels (specifically model 9173), they discovered a set of SRT wheels that are remarkably light. These Y-spoke SRT wheels weigh approximately 29 lbs each, which is notably lighter than the OEM R/T wheels that came on their Durango, weighing around 35 lbs each.
This weight difference is significant when considering “unsprung weight” – the weight of components not supported by the vehicle’s springs, such as wheels and tires. Reducing unsprung weight is highly beneficial for vehicle dynamics. Lighter wheels allow the suspension to react more quickly to road imperfections, improving handling, ride quality, and even braking performance.
Furthermore, tire choice plays a crucial role in the overall wheel and tire assembly weight. Wider tires, as typically paired with SRT wheels, will generally weigh more than narrower tires. In this case, the enthusiast chose Yokohama Parada Spec-X tires in size 295/45/20, which weigh around 39 lbs each. Comparing this to the OEM Bridgestone Ecopia tires (size 265/50/20) at 34 lbs, the tire weight did increase.
However, despite the wider tires, the net result of upgrading to SRT Trackhawk wheels and Yokohama tires was a total wheel and tire weight of approximately 68 lbs per corner, slightly less than the original R/T wheel and tire setup which weighed around 69 lbs. This demonstrates that upgrading to SRT wheels, especially forged options like the Jeep SRT Trackhawk 9173s, can not only enhance the stance and appearance of a vehicle but also maintain or even reduce unsprung weight, leading to tangible performance improvements.
When considering an SRT wheel upgrade, it’s important to research specific wheel weights and tire options. Websites like Tire Rack provide detailed specifications, including tire weights, allowing for informed decisions. While five-spoke SRT wheel designs might be aesthetically appealing, variations like the Y-spoke design (9173s) can offer weight advantages. Ultimately, choosing the right SRT wheels and tires can be a strategic move to improve both the look and performance of your vehicle without necessarily adding extra weight.
