new wheels?

[MNGT350]

So I've been thinking about swapping out the 31 pound OEM GT350 wheels for some lightweight aluminum replacements when my tires need replacing.

Trustworthy sources consistently rave about the R vs. the base 350, and the main difference seems to be unsprung weight.

For those of you who have driven the regular 350 with OEM wheels vs. lightweight replacements, is it that noticeable?
I don't really want to deal with the hassle and price of new wheels if it isn't that different.

Additionally, have you driven a regular 350 vs. a 350 with lightweight wheels vs. an R? What are your thoughts?

thanks for any input.

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[raiderjatt02]

I haven't driven an R but I tracked my regular GT350 with the boat anchor stock wheels and then with lightweight forged VIBE wheels and they DEFINITELY made a difference. Not as light as the CF R wheels but way lighter than the OEM Non-R wheels. I think they're about 23lbs while the stockers were something like 34lbs? I think the CF wheels are around 18lbs. Anyways, you can feel the difference in accelerations, braking, and cornering. I honestly didn't feel THAT great of a difference on the street though because I don't push it very hard unless I'm on track. Once I took it on track, the car felt so much more nimble. I've switched back and forth on the street a few times and still felt a noticeable difference. On the street it wasn't a large enough difference to justify the cost to me personally, but on track it was night and day.

 

[limited02]

I don't have a Mustang, but I replaced the wheels on my Lincoln MKS and it was noticeable to me. Stock 20's weighed almost 34lbs and the replacements (Niche Targa M129 20x8.5 et35) are just under 29lbs. Car seemed to accelerate easier and turn sharper as well as brake easier. I was planning on TSW Nurburgrings which are around 24lbs, but I got a crazy deal on the Niche wheels. You have plenty of reasonable options for much lighter wheels that will make quite a bit of difference IMO.

 

[nastang87xx]

On track, yes. I felt the most difference in braking. On the street, no.

 

[tracktardicus]

Second you won't feel the difference on the street. And also consider while unsprung weight makes a difference between the regular GT350 and the R, or between the stock alloys and upgraded alloys, the biggest difference is the the Sport Cup tires. Think about upgrading tires first as a potentially cheaper option.

 

[Mjc1241]

Really interested in the new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires that are coming on the 2019 GT350. Supposed to be a significant improvement over the stock Pilot Super Sports on the non R models from 2015-2018.

 

[galaxy]

I’m going with raiderjatt on this one...I have the Vibes also and it was a significantly noticeable difference even during normal street driving.

 

[JAJ]

I had the same "enlightening" experience when I installed my carbon ceramic front brake rotors. They weigh about 14# compared to the OEM rotors at 30#. Basically, the weight reduction is the same as switching to CF wheels, except it's gone regardless of which wheels I run.

The lighter weight was very obvious the first time I drove with the new brakes.

 

[MNGT350]

I had the same "enlightening" experience when I installed my carbon ceramic front brake rotors. They weigh about 14# compared to the OEM rotors at 30#. Basically, the weight reduction is the same as switching to CF wheels, except it's gone regardless of which wheels I run.

The lighter weight was very obvious the first time I drove with the new brakes.

When I fall into some money, I want to do the front ceramic breaks with lightweight wheels as well. Wonder what that would drive like......

 

[50 Deep]

So I've been thinking about swapping out the 31 pound OEM GT350 wheels for some lightweight aluminum replacements when my tires need replacing.

Trustworthy sources consistently rave about the R vs. the base 350, and the main difference seems to be unsprung weight.

For those of you who have driven the regular 350 with OEM wheels vs. lightweight replacements, is it that noticeable?
I don't really want to deal with the hassle and price of new wheels if it isn't that different.

Additionally, have you driven a regular 350 vs. a 350 with lightweight wheels vs. an R? What are your thoughts?

thanks for any input.

Having gone from a standard GT350 to the GT350R I will tell you the difference is definitely noticeable. Swapping from the OEM cast wheel on my first GT350 into a 21/22 lb Signature Wheel setup made a difference. The lighter wheels make for crisper turn in, shorter braking, quicker acceleration, less heat generated during braking, and a much more nimble feeling car overall. You are looking at a 48 lb difference in the wheels alone when you look at the cast GT350 wheel versus the fully forged aluminum options we build at Signature. If you look at many modern supercar manufacturers you will find that so much more engineering goes into reducing the overall weight of the car, as opposed to adding power. Weight matters.

Hopefully some of that helps with your decision. The OEM GT350 wheel weighs 31-33 lbs because the cast construction needs to have that much material to maintain strength. As you look for a lighter wheel, be critical of how it is built and the materials used. A weaker type of metal or construction method that is too light may lack enough material to be strong and stiff enough not to deflect, break, or bend when exposed to heavy loads and heat. Browse some of our Signature Wheel builds and send me a DM if you have any other questions.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qBHDLwf5bI6kFYRK2

 

[galaxy]

I had the same "enlightening" experience when I installed my carbon ceramic front brake rotors. They weigh about 14# compared to the OEM rotors at 30#. Basically, the weight reduction is the same as switching to CF wheels, except it's gone regardless of which wheels I run.

The lighter weight was very obvious the first time I drove with the new brakes.

Uuuugggg...I want those brakes sooo bad. The cost of admission for virtually no brake dust alone is almost worth it to me. I just can’t bear the thought of no matching rear, LOL. I contacted them about making a rear, but never heard back. Oh well.

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