radchad3

I am picking up my first Z06 next week and I am really getting excited! At some point in the near future I would like to put some black rims on the car. I really like the looks of the matte black Forgestar F14 or ZR-1 black reproductions. Are these a quality set of wheels? I see some that go for 5 times the price of these or more. What do the more expensive wheels get you? What are some of the good quality/value manufactures to stick with?

Thank you for the advice!

3LZZ06

If you're looking for value and quality I would go with GM Black ZR1 (Carbon Edition) wheels for about $2K or OZ Racing wheels @ Tire rack.

I'd stay away from cheap aftermarket crap. High end aftermarket wheels are great but $$$$!!!

Stock GM Carbon/ZR1 wheel...

Note: without the "Carbon Z06" sticker of course



OZ Racing ultraleggera...

Mookster

School you? See this thread and PM Gerry @ WheelsForless
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...hotoshoot.html

radchad3

Thanks! Are the Forgestars not worth the money? What makes the cheaper ones crap? Are they really heavy, bad finish, etc?

radchad3

Your car looks awesome Mookster!

LS9Drew

I'll take CCW 505A's over any wheels out there, but thats just me. Plus they are "reasonable" compared to aftermarket wheels for the Z06 at $2800 for a set

3LZZ06

As Mookster said, call Gerry at WFL and he can school you on qualities, weights and prices of many wheels.

My first post was just 2 wheels that I know of that you can trust the quality and have a lightweight wheel for 1/2 to 1/3 of some high end wheels.

The decision will be based on how much cash you have to spend...

BTW, NICE WHEELS MOOKSTER!!!...

20psirabbit

Forgestars aren't bad, they're less expensive evade they are cast as opposed to forged, and I believe they're manufactured in China. It really comes down to what you want out of a wheel at what price point. I've got a set of wheels on my Z from True Forged Wheels, they're 3 piece forged custom wheels at a price point quite a bit lower than HRE and the like. It all comes down to what you personally want.

Vette5.5

Think most of the above's got you covered. Problem with cheap repro's, is you sometimes don't know what you're really getting. Probably fine for street use, but even then, can be finish durability issues. Looked into repros for track use, but the vendor talked me out of it. Maybe tells you something there.

BEZ06

Just be aware that some of the more exotic aftermarket wheels mount the valve stem so you can't see it for cosmetic purposes. In that case the tire pressure sensors may have to be mounted deep inside the wheel with bands/straps.

That can sometimes cause problems when trying to program the tire pressure sensors into the TPMS computer in the car. That can be worked around, but just make sure you know how the sensors will be mounted in your wheels so you're ready to deal with it when you program them to your car.

Bob

HyperX

Remember, you get what you pay for. If you are getting 4 wheels for under 1k, you will have issues. I had repros and they sucked at 120 MPH +. I am sticking to OEM wheels or some high end (CCW) wheels.

michaelinmech

Another option - ForgeLine

0Anthony @ LGMotorsports

Agree.



Wheels are an odd thing. It is one of the more important style and safety items on the car, yet people don't want to spend money on a quality item...yet feel ok running 150-200 mph on a set of knock off wheels....

There are a limited number manufacturers out there that actually do their own wheels. Guys like ForgeLine, HRE, COR are some of the few that will do a true forged wheel. Many of the other ones that you see probably have one of those guys make it for them and they source hardware, and hoops outside and do the assembly their selves.

We here at LG Motorsports have our own high pressure cast line of wheels like the World Challenge and just released GT2 wheels.

World Challenge


GT2



When duty calls for the lightest, strongest wheel for very high speeds and wheel to wheel racing we only trust the guys at ForgeLine. Not only for the weight and strength but also the customization that comes with a true 'built to order' wheel.



For over 20 years, ForgeLine has applied our racing experience and passion for motorsports toward designing and building wheels that can withstand the extreme demands of sports car racing. With an unwavering commitment to strength and safety, they have earned a spot on some of the world's fastest race cars including those in Grand-Am, American LeMans, SCCA Pro Racing, and virtually every amateur racing series in America.

Every Forgeline wheel is engineered using computer-simulated finite element analysis and tested beyond SAE standards using real-world load variables to ensure strength, safety, and performance. Innovative features like I-beamed spokes, hidden titanium ARP fasteners, meticulously-engineered centers, and complex manufacturing techniques (like those found in our flagship three-piece competition wheel, the GA3R) ensure that Forgeline wheels are strong, fast, and stunning.

Forgeline wheels are machined from heat-treated 6061-T6 aluminum that is forged on a 6000-ton hydraulic press. This forging process aligns the grain structure, reduces porosity, and increases uniformity in the material, creating the highest strength-to-weight ratios and the most consistent quality. On average, our forgings are 40% stronger than cast aluminum.

We have been trusting our race cars to them since 1996.

Boba Fett

Over the years Ive purchased numerous sets of aftermarket wheels. One of the biggest things with wheel companies is their customer service. When things sometimes go wrong (as we all know), customer service comes highly into play. Im on my 2nd set of HRE's and have had nothing but a positive experience with both sets. Buying from a quality seller/vendor is just as important as they can help, should a problem develope after purchase. As stated, Gerri (Wheels for Less) has an excellent reputation and is def worth giving a shot. Also as stated, you get what you pay for. I dont believe in "skimping" especially when it comes to wheels, after all-everythings riding on them....

0spoiled996

Can't go wrong with ADV or HRE'S in my mind.

obzidian

Forgelines....

yzf-nt

Why mess around with aftermarket when GM has a good selection to pick from.



My 07 Z with P285/30ZR19 and P335/25ZR20 PS2's mounted on factory cup wheels.

tim414

If you want real quality and money no issue get HRE...their a beautiful wheel.

If you want forged wheels get Forgeline....I like their concave wheels.

The first set of Vette wheels I purchased aftermarket were 360 Forged. I have had issue w/finish. They do cover them w/finish warranty and have told me to ship it back to Forged Inc so it can be re-finished (re-finishing no cost but I have to pay again to ship it back and probably back to me). So while I love the look of 360 concave mesh, their finish quality does NOT equal HRE.

I paid good money for that lesson....

Forgeline concave...


Oh yeah, Gerry from WFL on forum is the go to guy....EXCELLENT service "after" the sale.....

radchad3

Thanks everyone for the advice! Keep it coming! I will look into the forgelines. Who is a good source for black OEM rims?

widgetsupply

Spend your money on gas. Just my 2 cents. New wheels are cool, but after a while they are just wheels.