Lighter wheels = any E.T reduction?

FED 387 · 08-15-2018, 12:08 PM

Gentlemen--- Car Craft Magazine had an article a while back whereby they tested different transmissions and the Horsepower required to turn a transmission. I do not know if these are totally stock trans or were modified in any way, I also do not know if theTorque Convertor was used in these tests. These are THEIR results:

Powerglide---18 HP
Turbo 350-----36 HP
Turbo 400-----44 HP
C-6--------------55-60 HP
C-4--------------28 HP
A904------------25 HP
727--------------45 HP

Myron Piatek · 08-15-2018, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FED 387

Gentlemen--- Car Craft Magazine had an article a while back whereby they tested different transmissions and the Horsepower required to turn a transmission. I do not know if these are totally stock trans or were modified in any way, I also do not know if theTorque Convertor was used in these tests. These are THEIR results:

Powerglide---18 HP
Turbo 350-----36 HP
Turbo 400-----44 HP
C-6--------------55-60 HP
C-4--------------28 HP
A904------------25 HP
727--------------45 HP

Somebody also had an interesting comparison of differential efficiency. I don't recall who, but do remember that a Dana 60 and GM 12 bolt were at the top while the Ford 9" was at the bottom. Mopar 8 3/4 was in between, but I don't remember what else was included.

Dan Fahey · 08-15-2018, 05:55 PM

The Rotational benefit from lighter wheels is minimal.

Losing weight going to a aluminum vs steel wheel is a benefit.

Less Friction from meshing or rolling parts would offer bigger gains.
Or going to a Radial Tire vs Bias.

Rick Kolber · 08-15-2018, 07:18 PM

Many years ago one of the popular magazines did a drag test using a stock vehicle and comparing the difference in et between stock steel wheels and aluminum racing wheels..weight difference approx. 60lbs and approx. .010 difference in et. More recently on the Hot Rod Network there was a redo of that test but there findings were 80lbs difference which meant .011 and 1mph gain. The whole scenario is if you keep taking rotational weight off here and there it all adds up..the more the better. Again not for someone on a budget. Just my opinion

Ed Wright · 08-15-2018, 09:57 PM

If the magazine tested wheels on a stock vehicle, they would see more benefit than a race car, due to HP difference.

As for transmissions, my T350 Pro Trans with lower dia & lighter internals (and other things I likely don't know about) is a solid min 5 hun quicker than another well known/professionally built T350 I had.

08-15-2018, 12:08 PM	#1
FED 387 VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,429 Likes: 564 Liked 336 Times in 183 Posts	Re: Lighter wheels = any E.T reduction? Gentlemen--- Car Craft Magazine had an article a while back whereby they tested different transmissions and the Horsepower required to turn a transmission. I do not know if these are totally stock trans or were modified in any way, I also do not know if theTorque Convertor was used in these tests. These are THEIR results: Powerglide---18 HP Turbo 350-----36 HP Turbo 400-----44 HP C-6--------------55-60 HP C-4--------------28 HP A904------------25 HP 727--------------45 HP

08-15-2018, 05:55 PM	#3
Dan Fahey VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,128 Likes: 1,084 Liked 184 Times in 113 Posts	Re: Lighter wheels = any E.T reduction? The Rotational benefit from lighter wheels is minimal. Losing weight going to a aluminum vs steel wheel is a benefit. Less Friction from meshing or rolling parts would offer bigger gains. Or going to a Radial Tire vs Bias.

08-15-2018, 07:18 PM	#4
Rick Kolber Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 98 Likes: 20 Liked 32 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Lighter wheels = any E.T reduction? Many years ago one of the popular magazines did a drag test using a stock vehicle and comparing the difference in et between stock steel wheels and aluminum racing wheels..weight difference approx. 60lbs and approx. .010 difference in et. More recently on the Hot Rod Network there was a redo of that test but there findings were 80lbs difference which meant .011 and 1mph gain. The whole scenario is if you keep taking rotational weight off here and there it all adds up..the more the better. Again not for someone on a budget. Just my opinion

08-15-2018, 09:57 PM	#5
Ed Wright Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sand Springs, OK Posts: 8,132 Likes: 896 Liked 390 Times in 170 Posts	Re: Lighter wheels = any E.T reduction? If the magazine tested wheels on a stock vehicle, they would see more benefit than a race car, due to HP difference. As for transmissions, my T350 Pro Trans with lower dia & lighter internals (and other things I likely don't know about) is a solid min 5 hun quicker than another well known/professionally built T350 I had. __________________ Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA