I already searched on this topic, didn't find anything on it, so i thought i would share since i posted the tanabe R&D thread. SSR Wheels SSR Wheels - Technology SSR Wheels - About (no, i don't work for either of these companies, or sell their stuff)
Hi FS.., Interesting, but they do not list a 15 by 6 wheel for the Prius. The 8 pound 15 by 6 Type C wheel for the Insight, might not have the load rating needed by the Prius. If a 8 pound wheel was possible for the Prius, that would have a good benefit in pulse and glide operation and on bumpy surfaces at high speed.
I think the problem for the prius vs the insight is that the Prius has a very unique 5 x 100 bolt pattern vs the Insight which is a 4 lug. A lot of the smaller wheels only come in a 4 lug as a majority of those cars run only a 4 x 100 or 4 x 114.3 bolt pattern. So us prius guys are forced to go larger, but that also means more tire for us.
While low mass wheels do offer advantages, after having a set of 5Zigen wheels on my VW Turbo S I have a different opinion of ultralight wheels for street use. I hit a pothole at about 35 MPH (not that bad of a pothole) and bent one of the rims. In general, lighter = less strength. There's a limit on what is tolerable for street use, IMHO.
Wow, I jsut checked the prices on the SSR Type-Fs (17x7.5, 15.3lbs vs 15lbs stock) and they're even more expensive than the Volk Eco Drives (16x6). The lowest price I could find on Google was $540 each without center caps. While I'd like to go up in size, I'd still rather run Volks.
yes Mr Gray... VOLKS are always hot.... and the multi-spoked studded deep dish examples might suit the Prius better than the others.... ....
Why would you compare a 16 x 6 Volk to a 17 inch SSR? Reason i bring it up is because it seems like an apples to oranges comparison with complete different sizing. A 16 x 6 Volk would be an equal competitor with the 16 x 7 SSR Type F ( 5 x 100 bolt pattern ) which weighs only 11 lbs and retail is like $470 a pop. I am sure it can be had cheaper. http://www.ssr-wheels.com/wheels/typef_1516171819.asp It's better to just check by bolt pattern i guess.
yes, better to check by 5 x 100 pattern... no point looking at wheels at face value... not all wheels have the 5 x 100 pattern. better check by size e.g. 19 inch.. then 5 x 100 bolt pattern... then width and offset.... that will help narrow down the possible wheels without having to be led on....
