Im running 18" wheels on my 01 SS, 295's in the rear and 265's up front. The wheels arent the best so im sure they are at least 24-26lbs a piece whereas ive seen some "racing" wheels the same size that are around 18lbs a piece.
Will i feel a big difference between the two? I am trying to find a lightweight set for a camaro for when I also invest in slicks for autocross. Is there a such thing out there as a nice, light wheel that wont break the bank?
if youre lucky you can find something used. even then they will still be very expensive. unless youre competing at a high level and can run the exact same every time, you wont feel a differance. just get some 17in ZR1s. theyre about the lightest.
He's right. You won't find light/wide/cheap in the same wheel (unless you get REALLY lucky). I've seen some 18x12 BBS-types that are used. They are still selling for $1000+.
Are you buying used racing tires? If so, it's going to be MUCH easier to find them in 18" diameters. I ran 17s for about 5 years, and it was tough to find what I wanted. I had to take what they had in stock. Now that I moved to 18s, I have my pick of brands and compounds. And, they're usually cheaper. My last set of Michelin slicks were $30 apiece. (yes, that's three-zero).
But, the 18x10.5" wheels are 29lbs without tires. But, they were $100 apiece from Tire Rack, so I'm not complaining.
__________________ 2000 Red Trans Am WS-6
SCCA Delta Region - #14
He's right. You won't find light/wide/cheap in the same wheel (unless you get REALLY lucky). I've seen some 18x12 BBS-types that are used. They are still selling for $1000+.
Are you buying used racing tires? If so, it's going to be MUCH easier to find them in 18" diameters. I ran 17s for about 5 years, and it was tough to find what I wanted. I had to take what they had in stock. Now that I moved to 18s, I have my pick of brands and compounds. And, they're usually cheaper. My last set of Michelin slicks were $30 apiece. (yes, that's three-zero).
But, the 18x10.5" wheels are 29lbs without tires. But, they were $100 apiece from Tire Rack, so I'm not complaining.
What they both said...but I'll add
even if you run 17's, their are some really great "DOT"-R compound tires available and more on the way.
Hoosier A6 - technically made as an auto-x tire, works great for 30 min road races as well and will last 9-15 heat cycles if driven hard on track. When I say driven hard, I mean HARD. Full race, hard braking, accelerating, and lateral G's. If not pushed hard they can probably go up into the 20 range for cycles
Hoosier R6 - a "road race" tire. More consistent then the A6 for longer runs, not as sticky, not as fast, but for 30+ min of HARD RACING, these are (well, were) the ticket. These can also be driven on to and from the track of need be (wouldn't do it on the A6's with how few cycles go through them).
Goodyear RS - Haven't tried them yet, but have been told faster than the R6. Stickier, equivalent heat cycles, is supposed to be just as consistent for longer runs.
Hoosier next year is supposed to release an "AA6" DOT R compound that is supposed to be better than the "A6". No real info available yet on the tire...
If you are looking for a true Racing slick, I agree to go with/stay with 18s. If not, 17's won't hurt too bad
__________________
--1967 Camaro SS
--2002 Camaro SS #9510
--2002 Corvette Z06
-SCCA T-1-
-Cal Club #24-
Off Season means repair season
Middle of March. I looked up C5 wheels, and "Sport Edition" made a "V6" model wheel that looked like a painted C6 replica. They were selling 18x10.5s on closeout for $104 apiece. After I bought them, I think they had 2-3 left. These are them.
I guess I got lucky.
__________________ 2000 Red Trans Am WS-6
SCCA Delta Region - #14
I have a 5lb difference in a wider wheel combo (subaru, but still, gives a difference),
I get a gtech of 0.5 second difference in the 1/4 going from a stock 225/45/17 to a 255/40/17 (same diameter, but 5lbs difference per wheel). I tried to do just a 2k clutch slip on both, as the 255's have way more traction.
C5 wagon wheels are 18x9.5 if its a GM wheel. No telling what width the aftermarket has produced. The lightest wheel by far if you can find them would be Magnesium C5's also 18x9.5 rear. Very light and break, chip, crack etc. They weigh almost nothing and imo give a cool look as well.
Lightweight wheels?? 
