Steelies VS Rims - handling advantage?

**Weq** · 11-01-2006 03:14 PM

OK,

Lets say i want to keep my car as a sleeper. I currently run a set of lightweight 15" rims. If i source a set of 15" steelies and use the same profile tyres on each setup, same total weight, which will perform better? Or will the both perform the same? ANd why?

**wynode** · 11-01-2006 03:23 PM

Steelies will bend/flex so I wouldn't rely on em for going around corners (and u do cause you have a sway bar lol)

**EuroAccord13** · 11-01-2006 03:24 PM

For a start

Alloy wheels are more rigid in terms of strength so what the alloy can take in force, the steel version might not... Alloy wheels are also better at dissipating heat and can take higher temp than steels wheels too....

**|N|** · 11-01-2006 03:25 PM

if u serious abt handling .. ie havin sway and coils and all that.... it ll put alot more stress on the wheels... and steelies r not exactly stong enf.,... might enf up with a oval steelies ...

**ctn** · 11-01-2006 06:13 PM

Get better rubber before better wheels.

**tank** · 11-01-2006 06:15 PM

Steelies are just fine for the street.

Cop V8 pursuit cars have been using steelies for years.

Light weight alloy or forged alloy rims are better for handling because they are lighter than steelies.

A lighter rim will result in lower unsprung mass which is good for handling. Your suspension will have a easier time keeping the tyres/wheels in contact with the road.

A car will also accelerate better with a lighter wheel.

**BlitZ** · 11-01-2006 06:34 PM

i always thought steelies were stronger than alloy...

the disadvantages are the width. I reckon if u can get the same weight alloy and steelie (with the same width (perfer 7")) running 205 than i dont see a difference, unless someone can proves steelies is softer than alloys that is...

**EuroAccord13** · 11-01-2006 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by tank

A lighter rim will result in lower unsprung mass which is good for handling. Your suspension will have a easier time keeping the tyres/wheels in contact with the road.

Good point and true, but Weq stated that both the steelies and alloys are of the same weight, so the unsprung mass can't be taken into account as it is not lighter than the steel wheel, then again, where to find a "just as light" steel wheel the same weight as the alloy unless the width is narrower...

**bennjamin** · 11-01-2006 08:45 PM

steelies are far weaker than any "mags" - both at the rim point and at around the hub - i rode on steelies for some time and after a few decent potholes + some spirited driving there was a noticeable warp to the steelie. Great for the straight line tho

**Weq** · 11-01-2006 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by bennjamin

steelies are far weaker than any "mags" - both at the rim point and at around the hub - i rode on steelies for some time and after a few decent potholes + some spirited driving there was a noticeable warp to the steelie. Great for the straight line tho

Yes i also noticed this.

This isnt my car btw, its for a mate, so basically its hypothetical. I was also unde the impression that steelies wouldnt hold there form as well as ridgid alloys... Intersting...

WHen asking this quesiton, i assume both wheels weigh the same and both wheels take the same profile tyres. Basically, which material is better. I know steelies dont allow cooling as much as allows do (Both brakes and tyres)