I am close to purchasing a set of a-specs I and am curious at the weight difference between the 8" and 8.5" wide versions. I am sure it's minimal if any at all, but I'm still curious.

It's a toss up for me right now between a new set of the sparkle silver or the '04 version refinished in hyper silver.

 

another question i have is...are there any benefits from a structual purpose having a full lip like with the 05+ a-specs versus the 04 version? I prefer the look without the lip, but I'm wondering if the lip serves a major purpose interms of strength.

 

Well, a couple things.....

1. The lip kit changed in 2007, the 2004-2006 are the same (assuming that you're talking about OEM).

2. The 18 x 8.5 rim, according to Acura, comes in at 30.38 lb. The Sparkle Silver 18 x 8 comes in at 25 lb.

Hope that helps

 

Thank you on the weight response...wow, I'm a little surprised at the difference...just over 5lbs per wheel. As far as the lip goes, I was referring to the lip of the rim. the 05+ version rim has a full lip where as the 04 version does not. Thanks.

 

WOW! I thought about getting the 8.5" and Im glad I didnt. Almost 5.5lbs difference is a lot.

 

no kidding...I think I'm going to go with the SS finish. The 8.5 version i am considering are actually refinished in the Hyper Silver finish, but given the additional weight and the fact they are not brand new have pushed me towards the SS.

 

How about these A-spec wheels compared to the stock wheels on a 07 TL? I hear a lot about performance increase with these type of upgrades. I just don't believe it if the A-spec wheels weigh > the stock ones. Any one care to comment?

 

I just had an 18x8.5 A-spec shipped and the weight with the box was 26 lbs.

Edit: I just weighed the wheel and it came out to 26 lbs 9 oz.

 

damn thats heavy

 

I think the stock 07 TL wheels weigh about 24 lbs if I remember correctly from reading posts on here. The whole thing about how wheels increase performance is a marketing gimmick. It's mostly for look. I'll keep my stock wheels!

 

The 1/2" tread-width gained would offset the small weight increase.

 

Right! You have more contact surface, translating into more friction => decrease gas mileage. Increase weight dings your performance also. Double dings.

 

Wow!
I went from stock 235/45-17s to the "evil" 18x8.5 A spec with 235/40-18...no drop in mpg. I am now running 265/35-18 Dunlop SP8000E...again, no drop in fuel mileage. I'll also take the 1.5-ish lb per wheel penalty for the fatter contact patch. MY worth!