Larger Wheels/MPG - Is it affected? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72BlckButy · 04-08-2009, 08:38 AM

Now I know this is the suspension forum but a lot of questions about wheels come through here so I thought I would post my question here. I was sitting around the house last night and had a question pop up:

If you upgrade your wheels to a larger diameter rim/tire, will your MPG be affected?

I know that on trucks with super large wheels/tires, since it takes less revolutions to go farther, I wondered if this was the same case for the lowered crowd. I also understand that it will require more energy to turn a larger dia. wheel. Most aren't concerned with their mpg but mainly the "cool" factor, but it was just something that I was curious about. I know that sometimes you have to change gear ratios (mainly for the lifted 35's+) and what not, but for a simple wheel/tire change has anyone noticed a change in their mpg?

Just curious what your experiences were; it's one of those questions you wake up and say, "Hmm..."

70k52wd · 04-08-2009, 09:17 AM

I don't have an answer to your question. But my guess would be that larger wheel & tire = more trips to the gas pump...And to the brakes shop...Although, aren't taller tires supposed to give less rolling resistance?

72BlckButy · 04-08-2009, 02:30 PM

What do you guys think... less rolling resistance, decreased mpg?

fixit-p · 04-08-2009, 04:21 PM

My w.a.g. is that you'll get a mixed bag better mpg at highway speed (less rpms) but worst mpg city and getting to highway speed (more horsepower used) again just a w.a.g.

SCOTI · 04-08-2009, 04:32 PM

If the overall diameter doesn't change, the difference will be negligible. Large diameter wheels w/taller tires will require more resistance to stop & go.

au03z71 · 04-08-2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

If the overall diameter doesn't change, the difference will be negligible. Large diameter wheels w/taller tires will require more resistance to stop & go.

True. As long as the tire diameter doesn't change and the weight of the wheels and new tires doesn't far exceed the weight of the old wheels and tires, the fuel economy will be affected little, if at all.

72BlckButy · 04-09-2009, 08:01 AM

Thanks for the info guys! I'm not truly worried about fuel economy but it was something I had always questioned.

04-08-2009, 08:38 AM	#1
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Larger Wheels/MPG - Is it affected? Now I know this is the suspension forum but a lot of questions about wheels come through here so I thought I would post my question here. I was sitting around the house last night and had a question pop up: If you upgrade your wheels to a larger diameter rim/tire, will your MPG be affected? I know that on trucks with super large wheels/tires, since it takes less revolutions to go farther, I wondered if this was the same case for the lowered crowd. I also understand that it will require more energy to turn a larger dia. wheel. Most aren't concerned with their mpg but mainly the "cool" factor, but it was just something that I was curious about. I know that sometimes you have to change gear ratios (mainly for the lifted 35's+) and what not, but for a simple wheel/tire change has anyone noticed a change in their mpg? Just curious what your experiences were; it's one of those questions you wake up and say, "Hmm..." __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) Last edited by 72BlckButy; 04-08-2009 at 08:39 AM.

04-08-2009, 09:17 AM	#2
70k52wd Blaze-Air Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,117	Re: Larger Wheels/MPG - Is it affected? I don't have an answer to your question. But my guess would be that larger wheel & tire = more trips to the gas pump...And to the brakes shop...Although, aren't taller tires supposed to give less rolling resistance?

04-08-2009, 02:30 PM	#3
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Larger Wheels/MPG - Is it affected? What do you guys think... less rolling resistance, decreased mpg? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

04-08-2009, 04:21 PM	#4
fixit-p Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Yay Area CA Posts: 2,329	Re: Larger Wheels/MPG - Is it affected? My w.a.g. is that you'll get a mixed bag better mpg at highway speed (less rpms) but worst mpg city and getting to highway speed (more horsepower used) again just a w.a.g. Last edited by fixit-p; 04-08-2009 at 04:22 PM.

04-08-2009, 04:32 PM	#5
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,068	Re: Larger Wheels/MPG - Is it affected? If the overall diameter doesn't change, the difference will be negligible. Large diameter wheels w/taller tires will require more resistance to stop & go. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

04-09-2009, 08:01 AM	#7
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Larger Wheels/MPG - Is it affected? Thanks for the info guys! I'm not truly worried about fuel economy but it was something I had always questioned. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

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