Tall, light, cheap wheels?

Let's say that a fella had a Locost. He runs 13 inch x 10 slicks at the track, but wants to run big ol' wheels on the street, for looks, better ground clearance, and more visibility to the random SUV driver. Problem is, big wheels mean more unsprung weight and resistance to directional changes. I know somebody who got a deal on 20 inch alloys off of a BMW SUV, but those have to be tanks. With only 1500 lbs, the wheels don't have to be that heavily engineered. Any recommendations on lightweight large diameter wheels? What about those tall steelies that old rods sometimes run on?

The steels were what I was thinking. I have no idea on weight but I would do that with some old school narrow tires.

I was just thinking "tall steelies." If those are too hard to find, see what comes on production cars these days. Imprezas are available with some steelies with big meaty tires that will bring the ground clearance up, they're not light but they're not super heavy and they'll soak up the potholes nicely.

Edit: Probably a bad example due to the unusual bolt pattern...but check out what cheapo wheels production cars come with.

I'd go the other way. Figure your outer diameter, then figure out what the tire size should be. Once that's done, find some wheels to put in the hole in the middle.

Diamond Racing Wheels can create a custom wheel to your spec. They are pretty reasonable, and well built too. They also would look good on the Locost.

http://www.diamondracingwheels.com/

GM has 22" steelie "transport wheels" that the new Denalis and Escalades and such come for delivery that I've seen some of the older C10 owners run on their older Chevy trucks. Not sure where to source a set, but they're out there obviously.

Joe Gearin wrote: Diamond Racing Wheels can create a custom wheel to your spec. They are pretty reasonable, and well built too. They also would look good on the Locost. http://www.diamondracingwheels.com/

They top out at 16" wheels for automotive applications.

If these wheels are just for the street why not light truck tires? Mega huge side wall will equal better comfort.

The new BMW i3 comes with 19x5" wheels that weigh 15 lbs, supposedly. A 20x5 wheel will be optional. Tire sizes available are 155/70r19, 175/60r19, 155/60r20, and 175/55r20. Another data point for you.

Bryce

In reply to Nashco:

That was my first thought too. I saw one over the weekend... very tall, skinny wheels. Looked like it had wagon wheels on it!

Four spares from SN95 Mustang Cobra's? 17's, should be cheap (but maybe aren't...) etc etc.

dodge truck 20 inch steelies. with chrome center caps, would look awsome on the locost in your pic.

IMHO 20s are WAY too big for a small car like a locost. 17s is as big as I would consider. Look at cheapish aftermarket alloy wheels, that is what I am using for street wheels on my Midlana. They may be heavy compared to a race wheel, but they are more durable and nowhere near as heavy as a huge 20" wheel.

Thanks guys. Great ideas!

Didn't the gto come with a tall skinny lightweight spare? Not cheap, but not terrible either:

http://m.ebay.com/itm/141161729068?nav=SEARCH