DeTomaso Mailing List: April 1997, Message #122
     



From: pantera@shiseis.com (Shane F. Ingate)

Subject: Benefits of Campagnolo wheels

Date: Wed, 16 Apr 97 10:08:33 PDT



All,



At the San Diego Pantera membership meeting last night,

our Master Mechanic Alan Foster recounted an article that he recently

read in a well-known trade mag (Circle Track).  Basically, every

1 pound saved on the rotational mass of a wheel is "equivalent"

to saving 10 lbs on the total mass of the car.  Further, it requires

approximatly 1 hp to drive 6 lbs, so by saving 1 lb on the rotational

mass of the wheel, you "free up" 1.67 hp!



Similar arguments apply to vehicle braking.



This is not new or rocket science; shoe manufacturers

know it, as does any hiker who has tried a pair of heavy boots.



Lets talk Campys.  Campys are magnesium, which is

considerably lighter than aluminum.  Lets say a Campy wheel weighs

5 lbs less that an equivalent aluminum wheel.  This is equivalent

to a saving of 200 lb is weight for the car, which means you

free up 30 hp by sticking with the Campys.  30 hp is noticable!



A good argument for staying with the Campys.



Now by polishing my wheels, I gain an extra..... ;)



Shane Ingate in San Diego