Anyone running replica/reproduction wheels? Quality?
#1
Anyone running replica/reproduction wheels? Quality?
I'm looking into new wheels for my Z06. I want to go with gloss black wheels in Z06 OEM size. To buy OEM Speedline wheels and have them powdercoated gloss black will be approximately $1100-1300. To buy replica wheels that are already powdercoated gloss black is $800.
I've spoken to a couple vendors and, while they offer me the replica wheels, they say they're cheap Chinese stuff that's prone to either breaking or not driving straight. Is this true? I've seen hundreds of people on this forum running replica wheels and don't see many complaints about them. I know knockoff items are generally less reliable than the authentic items, but I'm not so sure that replica Z06 wheels are automatically going to break in half when I drive them.
It basically comes down to a price thing. It's going to be about $800 for replica black wheels and $1200 for authentic black wheels. If they are similar quality, the choice is clear. But if the replicas really are that unreliable, then it's worth the extra money.
Anyone have replica wheels that went bad on them? Anyone have replica wheels that have given them zero problems? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
I've spoken to a couple vendors and, while they offer me the replica wheels, they say they're cheap Chinese stuff that's prone to either breaking or not driving straight. Is this true? I've seen hundreds of people on this forum running replica wheels and don't see many complaints about them. I know knockoff items are generally less reliable than the authentic items, but I'm not so sure that replica Z06 wheels are automatically going to break in half when I drive them.
It basically comes down to a price thing. It's going to be about $800 for replica black wheels and $1200 for authentic black wheels. If they are similar quality, the choice is clear. But if the replicas really are that unreliable, then it's worth the extra money.
Anyone have replica wheels that went bad on them? Anyone have replica wheels that have given them zero problems? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Last edited by Property1; 02-06-2013 at 11:58 PM.
#3
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
I learned a long time ago that you get what you pay for. Get quality the first time and you won't have to worry about things breaking.
#4
#5
Instructor
I've had and have replica wheels on all my c4s, c5s and c6. All sizes. Lots of drag racing. Never had a single issue with any of them. They balance well, track well hold up well. They are a tad heavier usually. I've had high dollar maya wheels too. Bent them A few times on pot holes. Had them fixed for a pretty penny. If you bend a replica wheel, you can just buy one wheel and replace it. My 2 cents
#6
I have replica spiders on my coupe. Not Z06 size though. Having a balance problem but hopefully a road force balance next week will take care of it. It's just a little vibration which starts at about 75MPH. In truth the factory set up did the same thing at 80MPH. I love the look and even if the balance never gets better I am happy.
#7
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17,'19,'22
Most of the repro companies that were putting out garbage have killed themselves off. They no longer exist. Like any wheel, you can get a bad one once in a while.
#9
Drifting
#10
Le Mans Master
You will be fine with repro's. Just have them put on a balancer before you have the tires mounted. That way you can see if the are out of round. I have had good ones and bad ones. Factory reproductions will pay the shipping back if any are bad.
#11
I know that, in general, you get what you pay for, and a replica is not as good as OEM. But I'm asking in a specific context of C6 Corvette replica wheels. I haven't seen much evidence that there's anything wrong with these replica wheels.
If I'll never notice any difference, doesn't it make sense to go for the $800 wheels and not the $1200 wheels?
#13
Race Car Tech
I've been using repro wheels for 3 years, and lot's of road trips, and not one issue. In fact, the repro wheels balance easier than the OEM's used to.
I'd buy them again in a heartbeat
I'd buy them again in a heartbeat
#14
Melting Slicks
I know that many on this forum have used the replica wheels with good results. While I have lusted after the replica spyders for some time now, I just can't justify replacing my OEM FORGED wheels with them...just not happy with the quality of any goods I see coming from China these days.....
#15
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Plently of people run replicas all over. For the most part they are great. They usually weight more so that can hinder performance a little.
Last edited by Fiss; 02-07-2013 at 10:48 AM.
#16
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I'd say it really depends. I've had good luck w. one firm but read of many who have had bad luck w. other firms. Yet, there are some who report no issues with any repro wheel firm.
#17
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C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I know that many on this forum have used the replica wheels with good results. While I have lusted after the replica spyders for some time now, I just can't justify replacing my OEM FORGED wheels with them...just not happy with the quality of any goods I see coming from China these days.....
I have had 2 sets of Factory Reproductions on my 07. Have not had a problem with either set. Over 80,000 miles on the repros. Have black spiders now.
#19
I can't remember if we are allowed to post ebay links or not, but here's some of the wheels I'm looking at. They are made by Factory Reproductions in California which, I'm sure, just imports them from China.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/18X9-5-19X12...item1c2c355c8e
$600 plus shipping for replicas, or $1200 plus shipping for OEM..hmm...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/18X9-5-19X12...item1c2c355c8e
$600 plus shipping for replicas, or $1200 plus shipping for OEM..hmm...
#20
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Is this just a generic statement, or did you actually have replica wheels and have something wrong with them?
I know that, in general, you get what you pay for, and a replica is not as good as OEM. But I'm asking in a specific context of C6 Corvette replica wheels. I haven't seen much evidence that there's anything wrong with these replica wheels.
If I'll never notice any difference, doesn't it make sense to go for the $800 wheels and not the $1200 wheels?
I know that, in general, you get what you pay for, and a replica is not as good as OEM. But I'm asking in a specific context of C6 Corvette replica wheels. I haven't seen much evidence that there's anything wrong with these replica wheels.
If I'll never notice any difference, doesn't it make sense to go for the $800 wheels and not the $1200 wheels?
So like I said, you get what you pay for.