A-molds vs sawblades.

[McShagger]

Ive been hearing some stories and I dont know if they are true... I heard the only reason (other than look) to get the ZR1 style wheels is to accomodate the larger rotors and brakes. In fact the, the stock sawblades are lighter. (Is this true? They look like they would be heavier.) And the sawblade design can help vent the brakes for better cooling. (Is this true too? I would think that the open design of the five spoke would allow for cooler brakes.) Then Last weekend a guy told me that the A-molds were lighter. Does anyone know? It seems to me all the guys racing their cars have the A-molds, so Im inclined to believe them.

[MYCoupe]

Ive been hearing some stories and I dont know if they are true... I heard the only reason (other than look) to get the ZR1 style wheels is to accomodate the larger rotors and brakes. In fact the, the stock sawblades are lighter. (Is this true? They look like they would be heavier.) And the sawblade design can help vent the brakes for better cooling. (Is this true too? I would think that the open design of the five spoke would allow for cooler brakes.)

Then Last weekend a guy told me that the A-molds were lighter. Does anyone know? It seems to me all the guys racing their cars have the A-molds, so Im inclined to believe them.

Yes, a lot of guys get the A-Molds in order to do the C5 front brake upgrade.

As far as the weight, while I have no numbers, the aftermarket A-Molds are more than likely heavier than the stock sawblades. Factory A-Molds should be slightly lighter than the sawblades from what I remember reading on another post a while back.

I don't have an answer for you about the cooling, but I'm inclined to believe that the open spokes of the A-Mold are better for cooling. I seriously doubt that the sawblade design really helps in the cooling that much. If it did that much for cooling then you would see that design on all the race cars.

[9T3JIM]

A factory 9.5" sawblade with 285/40-17 gsc mounted weighs 45 lbs., an AFS 9.5 A-Mold with 275/40-17 GSD3 weighs 49 lbs.

[ZR1 MK]

1995s @ 21 front 22 rear are lighter than 1990s @ 23 front 27.5 rear. Not sure about 1992s (saw blade), but I think they are in between the other two designs. 1995s are best for brake cooling. 1990 will not clear Wilwood brake package and 1995 will clear.
Mike

[Perfusion]

I've heard that OE A-molds weigh 5lbs. each less than AFS A-molds. 20lbs total isn't gonna break the camel's back, but every little bit helps...plus, it is rotational mass, so that's something else to consider.

[McShagger]

1995s are best for brake cooling. 1990 will not clear Wilwood brake package and 1995 will clear.
Mike

Is that for real? I would be interested in knowing for sure, because I am thinking about a big brake job.

[ZR1 MK]

My statement is correct. 1990 front wheels will not accommodate my Wilwood set-up. I have 13" x 1 3/8" rotors with Grand National calipers. Most other manufacturers use 13 1/2" x 1 1/4" rotors, so I can only assume clearance problems will be worse. Check with the manufacturer you plan to use. They should know. Rears are not a problem.
Mike

[McShagger]

Would you happent to know whether the 92 sawblades are the same as the 95s?

[ZR1 MK]

Not sure about clearance issues, if thats what you mean.
Mike

[MIke350]

I've heard that OE A-molds weigh 5lbs. each less than AFS A-molds. 20lbs total isn't gonna break the camel's back, but every little bit helps...plus, it is rotational mass, so that's something else to consider.

ive heard that at 60mph rotational mass can be 3x's as much

[TA]

Would you happent to know whether the 92 sawblades are the same as the 95s?

I'm not sure if there is any clearance difference, but the 91-92 sawblades are different then the 93-96 sawblades