What are the benefits of lowering unsprung weight?

[Dean!]

So I got a really good deal on some 17x11 CCW's (polished lip, black centers) with Kumho V710's already mounted with a lot of tread (date code is 1.5 years old, but it passes my fingernail test)

On my repro 17x11 Grandsport/ZR1 REPLICAS, with the same tire (315/35 V710) - it weighs 55.5 lbs!

The 17x11 CCW with the same tire weighs = 48.0 lbs. So that's about 7.5lbs per wheel.

Okay..so what does that mean ?

[C3]

Re: What are the benefits of lowering unsprung weight?

Less work for the engine, brakes, and shocks will allow the car to react faster to inputs. Removing 30lbs from the wheels is quite a bit - I say go for it.

[Tommy R]

Re: What are the benefits of lowering unsprung weight?

It also means there is less weight for the springs and dampers to control meaning softing suspension control can be used.

[duck]

Re: What are the benefits of lowering unsprung weight?

Also...unsprung rotational weight of a wheel is even worse than just regular unsprung weight (the steering knuckle for example) for engine (increase in rotational speed) and braking performance (slowing of rotational speed) aside from handling action.

Doesn't more sprung weight mean MORE for the spring and dampers to control sicne it's sitting on them and not the ground? Fast-hit event control over bumps and potholes are more affected by unsprung weight though when the wheel leaves the previous travelling plane in an instant, no? but the rest of it...the car body is rolling and pitching on the springs and shocks.

[Fair!]

Re: What are the benefits of lowering unsprung weight?

Or is it answer....

D) All of the above!

Dropping 7 pounds per corner = good stuff