Lighter wheels = Rougher ride?

[P6GTD]

I’ve replaced my (heavy) standard Parker’s with aftermarket alloys approx 2kg per wheel lighter. Same size 18” and width as the originals.

Much has been made of the virtues in reducing unsprung weight.

But the only discernible effect for me is a rougher ride on most surfaces.

My car has DCC and each of the settings seems to give a ride about 10% rougher than with the heavier wheels.

I’ve searched this and other forums before posting as there doesn’t seem to be any comment other than on AI which suggests a rougher ride may indeed be the result of a lighter wheel causing the suspension to react more eagerly (sensitively?).

Any opinions or experience?

[MinchCS]

If you ask AI this in different ways you get opposing answers: sometimes it says it makes ride harsher, other times more comfortable. That's AI for you

I have made the change twice. Both to OZ (leggera and ultraleggera). Once on a 997, with the same tyres switched over, and the ride was better.

And on my Clubsport S and the ride is leagues better BUT on this one I went from 19 prets to 18 OZs saving 2kg a corner, and had new tyres so those two probably explain much of the improvement.

Have you changed the tyres too? There is a lot of sidewall stiffness variation between makes - even with same load rating.

[P6GTD]

Thanks Minch. I put 4 new Goodyear AS6 on at the same time.

Had PS4 set before. Goodyears seemed to get a slightly better review for ride and noise. Certainly quieter but I’m perturbed by the jittery suspension.

I wonder if DCC doesn’t understand what’s going on (that’s a half-joke)?

Anyone else help?

[MinchCS]

I reckon the tyres are the issue, particularly during wet and cooler weather. Mich PS4S has a very comfortable ride for a sports tyre - unlike the Mich supersports - and I would be very surprised if the Goodyear are not stiffer. Is the load rating the same?

[SRGTD]

@MinchCS; My initial thought was tyres too when I read @P6GTD’s initial post.