[PennState08]

To all you wheel/tire experts out there,

I am considering a wheel and tire upgrade for my Escape. I have the FWD I4, and my concern is the weight of the wheel/rims I am looking at. I want to keep as much "stock" look as I can (I know, kind of contradictory) but I want something with a little more pizazz than the stock 16" wheel. I am a big fan of the new wheels on the '11 Explorer, however I just looked at them and noticed that the 20" weighs 34 pounds, compared to the 21 pounds of my 16". How much of an effect would this have (mpg, noise etc...) on my Escape? Can the 4 banger handle the added weight without too much of a difference? I know they are pricey but it's just something I am looking into.

Thanks in advance.
Cheers! :beer:

link to 20" wheel via fordparts.com http://www.fordparts.com/Commerce/P...earch=true&year=2011&make=Ford&model=Explorer

 

[theescaperoute]

Umm, my 18x9 Cobras are pretty heavy, and my 2.3 has no issues with them at all. In fact, the heavier wheels reduce some of the excessive wheelspin that my 15s had under hard acceleration.

 

[tang]

I sure hope you are considering an alternative means of getting those wheels aside from through a dealership/Ford Parts.

 

[theescaperoute]

Seconded. When I wrecked my '03, they wanted $400 a wheel for my stock 15s.
No thanks. That's why I got my Cobra reps. $500 for the set.
Definitely look elsewhere for them.

 

[PennState08]

Yeah I know better than to go through a dealer to get replacement parts. For the time being, it will be hard to come by any of these wheels, whether it be the 18" or 20" Explorer wheels, UNLESS anyone has some tips/suggestions/connections...

500 a rim is just absolutely ridiculous. I was just concerned about reduced MPG or performance from my inline 4. Thanks for the insight!

 

[tang]

They surface on eBay once in a while, albeit they are usually remachined/refurnished wheels. I think they would look terrific on an Escape though.

 

[oskerb]

Your gonna feel the difference. Of course a bigger heavier wheel, you'll feel the difference in thh acceleration. Also a variance in your actual speed on the speedometer. MPG can and will probably reduced as your probably gonna want to continue your driving habits of the old wheels and stomp on the gas to acheive the same acceleration and speed.

I was just concerned about reduced MPG or performance from my inline 4. Thanks for the insight!

 

[theescaperoute]

Your gonna feel the difference. Of course a bigger heavier wheel, you'll feel the difference in thh acceleration. Also a variance in your actual speed on the speedometer. MPG can and will probably reduced as your probably gonna want to continue your driving habits of the old wheels and stomp on the gas to acheive the same acceleration and speed.

I was just concerned about reduced MPG or performance from my inline 4. Thanks for the insight!

But I drive with it all the way to the floor anyway.
I mean that I always drive in accordance with local traffic laws.

 

[sinister mob]

As long as the outer diameter of the tires are the same, your speedometer and odometer should not be an issue. Now acceleration and mpg, that is what will be affected.

Plus factor in that a bigger wheel = less tire weight. So a difference in wheels that is ~ 13 lbs, some of that is negated by the fact that you will have less tire material - given that you don't go super wide. It won't make up the 13 lbs, but I imagine that it will take up some of that. But if you are not concerned with acceleration and mpg, the better handling wheels may make up for it. On my old VW I lost some acceleration but gained a far better handling vehicle when I upped to dubs. :rockon:

 

[PennState08]

Good point sinister. I was going to try to match the overall diameter as best I could to the stock wheels, which shouldn't be too tough, just a little number crunching. I'd rather not have to tinker with the speedo/odo. Thanks again for all the insight!

:beer: