Rob wrote:
> Hey.... I got a 2002 Civic LX 5sp with stock 14" steel wheels and
> hubcaps. Right now I do a lot of commuting and get about 39 to 42 miles per
> gallon. However don't like the looks of the cheap looking hubcaps on my
> Civic and was thinking of going to the nicer looking 15" or 16" Honda wheels
> or nice after market wheels.
>
> But, I really don't want to lose my good gas mileage that I'm getting
> with my Civic.
>
> I did some checking and my stock steel wheels, plus tires and hubcap
> weight around 31 pounds. going to a new larger wheel and tire will add
> around 10 to 15 pounds per wheel and tire.
> I do a lot of atv riding and no first hand at the power you will lose
> by getting a heavier bigger wheel and tire, so was wondering about the mpg
> that all Honda owners here have experienced when they install new sets of
> rims. Thanks for any advice, Rob.
>
>

I would find some good used Honda OE aluminum wheels from higher trim
versions of the Civic. If you go up to 15" rims you will need to use
lower aspect ratio tires in order to keep your speedometer reasonably
accurate.

Reasonable sized aluminum rims of quality manufacture should weight less
than steel rims, so something seems odd about your situation.

John