I am not expert on wheels and mounting of wheels. But the alloys
do make wheels much lighter than OEM steel wheels. The difference
is quite significant. Even with spacers added the total weight of alloys
with spacers will be still much lighter. So I don't think the weight of
spacers will be an issue.

David

--- On Fri, 12/19/08, Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:

> From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@turbovans.com>
> Subject: Re:      Re: MERCEDES WHEELS 62MM?
> To: "David Kao" <dtkao0205@YAHOO.COM>, vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Date: Friday, December 19, 2008, 1:43 PM
> Safety of the fitment and mounting is a concern for sure.
> Another factor to consider is..........unsprung weight.
> Unsprung Weight is a bad thing.
> The more the brakes, wheels and tires weigh, the harder it
> is for the shocks
> to control and dampen that weight.
> Ride and handling suffer.
> I've seen spacers that added about 6 lbs per
> wheel...........not a good
> thing.
> I'd be careful there myself. I prefer 'very
> vanagon' wheels on vanagons.
> I'm not after any 'look' either - I'm after
> a well balanced and well tuned
> chassis and suspension system that works well, in all
> departments - ride,
> handling, corning ability, directional stability, traction,
> good turn-in,
> etc.
>   Just saying I'd be careful about radical wheel
> installations - you often
> gain in one area, and loose in others.
> Spacers or adapters .......generally to be avoided if
> possible, in terms of
> safety, handling, and practicality.
> Scott