Do aluminum wheels make that much of a difference? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Plunkett · 07-25-2010, 05:29 PM

I'm running 35" tires with the stock ralley wheels. I've got a buddy that claims I will see a slight increase in fuel mileage if I switch to a set of polished aluminum wheels. I realize it's all about rotating mass but will it make that much of a difference?

**Stocker** · 07-25-2010, 07:28 PM

I think there are so many other variables at work, you would never notice the difference. Maybe in a tightly controlled test you might be able to measure a slight advantage to lighter wheels, but I doubt most of them are enough lighter to matter.

You'd see a much greater improvement if you dumped those 35s...

Chevy1TonFun · 07-25-2010, 07:43 PM

I don't think for gas mileage that aluminum will make all that much of a difference. Big tires = bad gad mileage.

Plunkett · 07-26-2010, 12:58 AM

I didn't think it would make that much of a difference. I def. won't be ditching the 35's anytime soon. What I need to do is ditch the 305 engine for something a little bitter.

07-25-2010, 05:29 PM	#1
Plunkett Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 140	Do aluminum wheels make that much of a difference? I'm running 35" tires with the stock ralley wheels. I've got a buddy that claims I will see a slight increase in fuel mileage if I switch to a set of polished aluminum wheels. I realize it's all about rotating mass but will it make that much of a difference?

07-25-2010, 07:28 PM	#2
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,571	Re: Do aluminum wheels make that much of a difference? I think there are so many other variables at work, you would never notice the difference. Maybe in a tightly controlled test you might be able to measure a slight advantage to lighter wheels, but I doubt most of them are enough lighter to matter. You'd see a much greater improvement if you dumped those 35s... __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

07-25-2010, 07:43 PM	#3
Chevy1TonFun Grease Monkey Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fresno CA Posts: 750	Re: Do aluminum wheels make that much of a difference? I don't think for gas mileage that aluminum will make all that much of a difference. Big tires = bad gad mileage. __________________ Tow Rig: 2012 Chevy 2500HD CCSB LTZ Z71 4x4 Duramax Ultimate Offroad Build: 1978 Chevy Silverado K30 Crewcab Build Link http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=654053 Mud Truck: 1972 Chevy Cheyenne K30 4x4, 468/400/205, D60/D70HD, 18" Custom Lift, 17x39" IROKs FOR SALE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...ton-4x4&cat=12

07-26-2010, 12:58 AM	#4
Plunkett Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 140	Re: Do aluminum wheels make that much of a difference? I didn't think it would make that much of a difference. I def. won't be ditching the 35's anytime soon. What I need to do is ditch the 305 engine for something a little bitter.



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