Installing Aftermarket Wheels on the c

I think we would all like a look at them, any chance on posting a couple of pictures?

 

So what do you guys do with the extra holes in your rims?? I have Drag DR31's and they come with extra holes that I would like to cover up. Any ideas?

 

Post a pic and I can give you suggestions

 

Has anyone gone to a 18" wheel?

 

It's possible but expect your fuel economy to tank.

 

Why is this the standard response? When you go to a larger wheel it does expand your tread width but a lighter wheel will compensate for that. It's a 45 mpg+ vehicle, so I may get 42+? Seems worth the appearance

 

Zx6, I have looked around but can only find inserts in red and they're not very eye pleasing. I did find some plastic inserts at home depot but I would only use them if I super glued them

 

You'll lose more than that. The problem isn't just tread width it is tire design, compounds used, sidewall construction and specs including load index and speed rating. Performance tires are simply not as efficient as our 15" LRR tires. Wheel weight is not going to help you. I've tried all of that and it didn't work.

That being said, the hit from an economic standpoint isn't that bad but for folks who like seeing 50+mpg the hit of 6+mpg hurts as compared to a good LRR 15" tire.

 

Thanks!

I found some chrome ones on ebay but they wouldn't look good on black wheels and I don't even know if they'll fit.

This is the description on eBay:

Summit Wheel Plugs Chrome Plastic Push In for Unused Lug Holes 11/16" HoleOf5 FAST Shipping - 90 Day Return Policy - HUGE Selection

 

What are you running on your's? The Prius hatchback has 16's and claims same MPG, so maybe we'll test the theory with various size wheel/tire combo's

 

That is because Toyota does not give the EPA test results with different tire and wheel combinations for Prii. The GenIII Prius Liftback comes equipped with 15" wheels on all models except the Five which comes with 17" wheels and does suffer a fuel economy hit. We've documented the mpg loss extensively.

My main point is to make people aware of the loss associated with larger diameter wheels and/or non-LRR tire replacements. Too many people have spent a lot of money then wind up disappointed with the loss. I try to let people know up front.

Testing MPG with 17s vs. 15s | Page 3 | PriusChat

 

F8L, thanks for the link. I'm gonna read the thread a lil closer when I get off work. I did see something I like, "17's didn't hit MPG too hard compared to OE 15's"

 

Indeed. It was only about a 3mpg hit but may be a tad more depending on which 17s you use. The big difference comes when you compare the most fuel efficient 17 to the most fuel efficient 15. That is where I see a 6mpg-8mpg difference depending on how I drive. The OE tires just don't co pare to a set of Energy Saver A/S tires. unfortunately they don't make them in Prius c sizes.

 

Isn't the benefit worth changing to a lil wider or taller/shorter tire?

 

They don't make anything even close. As daring as I am I couldn't think of a way to make it work. LOL

 

I was looking at these 10.6 lbs for $129.00 Has anyone been down this path? Any feedback?

 

Hi all great rim /tyre info. Thanks
I have an Australian imported Prius c,, They come with 185x60x15
Standard on 5"rims.
I have changed over to 6.5" alloys.from Bob Jane T-Mart (wheel & tyre )
One of the biggest tyre people in OZ.The wheel rim centre & Toyota decals
Fit great with the extended axial sticking out at front only.
I have used the 185x60 tyre on the new rims until they ware out.
Then I will change over to 195x55x15.
175 tyres on a 6.5" rim are not legal in OZ.
This will effect your insurance etc.

All the best to you & greeting from down/under per Manfred M2.






Then I will change to a wider 195x55x15,better handling at cost
Of small increase in mpg. or L/100km as we say in OZ.
It is not legal in OZ to put 175 wide tyres on a 6.5" rim.

 

Hey guys! KKim, I recognize you from the 250 ninja forum! Anyway, I'm no stranger to the wheel/tire debate as a former manager of a tire shop. Although more of my knowledge comes as an enthusiast looking for more performance whether it be grip or MPG.

So, in short, I've found a 24lb setup in a Enkei RPF1 14x7 +28 (8.6lbs) and a Kuhmo Sense tire 185/65/14 (14.7lbs). Total weight is 23.3lbs. BUT, that particular setup has an unfavorable offset at +28 that would stick out too far concerning aero but IS the lowest weight option out there.

Next option is more preferable to looks/performance/price but adds a bit more weight for the Advanti Racing Storm S1 (15x7 @ 10.7lbs) and the Kuhmo Sense 185/60/15 (15.7lbs) for a total of 26.4lbs. My worry here is that it would also stick out a bit much (approx flush up front) and start causing some aero turbulence.

So, next on the block is some 14x6 +38 Kosei K1TS that wiegh 9.3lbs and the Kuhmo Sense 185/65/14 (14.7lbs) for a total of 24lbs. This setup would be tucked under 15mm more than the S1's listed above and keep me happy in the aero game while being notably lighter.

Of all these options, I like the last one as the K1TS is priced right at $119 a wheel through tire rack and has a reasonable offset at +38 for a 14x6. Sure, it would not be a performance upgrade really in the looks or handling dept, but would be best for overall cost and MPG improvement, which is frankly what I'm looking for. Although I really feel drawn to get the Advanti Storm S1's for looks! Plus, they're a popular wheel with the Miata guys giving me resale options later!

Problem is none of the sites I frequent can give me the best case scenario of free ship/no tax and free mount/balance as nobody carries these both other than tire rack which wants $110 to ship them from Nevada to CA. =( I wonder if they'd use my shipper number for me? I could get it down to half that I'm sure!

Ok, I will assure you that 14" wheels do fit on the "C" but they just won't look very cool.

Alright, I've blabbed on enough for now. But, and I WILL say this, I REALLY don't feel that lightweight rims/tires are as big of a difference on a hybrid for MPG as on a non hybrid in the sense that the extra energy used to motivate the heavier wheels/tires to turn can be somewhat gained back through regen. BUT, it is still important, and the added benefit of increased acceleration when needed would be welcome. And regardless, the handling will improve with aftermarket tires.

The THING to look at is the weight of the tires, not an LRR designation. Weights can vary between 15-20lbs in the sizes we're looking at for the C. As MUCH as I'd LOVE to get some ultimate grip, that would put me into a wider (205mm) 20lb tire which I simply cannot do to my fuel economy. I have a 500hp Subaru for that game. The Prius C is ALL about the MPG. =)