I came across this treatise years ago and stumbled upon it again today while cleaning up my browser bookmarks.

This is aimed squarely at you racers, both straight line and circuit guys.

Rotational Inertia

 

"It's also often worth it to take the hit in rotational inertia for bigger wheels and tires, if it means a larger contact patch."

For any of those folks that actually read this it does not mean your big, heavy niche wheels are better. The mere increase of wheel width (which adds weight) and thus potential for wider tire (contact patch) is what this statement means. Also, this only applies to the handling aspect...by the increased inertia you are losing power in the process. Hence, if you can find ways to both reduce inertia AND increase contact patch...you're doing the right thing. You can't do both when purchasing cheap, cast wheels...despite how "affordable and awesome" they are.
If handling and acceleration (overall power too) are important to you...choose your parts wisely before purchasing...

Great article find though, I always enjoy learning about this.

 

Take a look at tires too...I discovered I could save a good chunk of weight just going from the stock Bridgestones to Michelin Pilot Supersports. Lighter wheels, lighter two piece rotors, lighter tires, lighter wallet.

I had Volk SE37A's on my RX7, 18x9.5 all the way around. They were 16.5 pounds each. The first time I lifted one out of the box I almost shat myself they were so light. But def. not cheap. I think the set was $3K and that was more than a few years ago.

 

Lighter wallet...lol
The 37A and K models are great looking and performing wheels...too bad for discontinuation of them.

 

Yep. I like to say, I'm a recovering modaholic. I actually hadn't looked at Volks in some time and noticed they discontinued a few models including the SE's. I had a bronze finish on mine which unfortunately didn't hold up well to regular washings (and admittedly I didn't wash them correctly). Ultimately had them powder coated in satin black which looked even better.

 

This is an interesting tidbit. I'm not too sure which tires are made with this compound though.

 

The new compound behaves exactly like Silly Putty. I wonder if it will grab news print, too?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silly_Putty