nickfiddle

I have been seriously considering setting up a separate set of wheels/tires for recreational autocrossing with my 2010 GS.

Does anyone have any experience, opinions, or other technical info about the quality of some of the aftermarket reproduction wheels being sold by places like "House of Wheels"??

From a technical standpoint, how will they perform compared to an OEM wheel? Will they hold up the same, maintain the same performance characteristics on the track, etc?

I would appreciate any dialog that everyone has. It will help me make an informed decision.

Thanks

The Panther

Weight will be the biggest difference.

nickfiddle

Understood... different to which side of the scale? Are the aftermarket ones heavier or lighter?

The Panther

Heavier. If you do a search you can find specifics on weights between aftermarket and OEM. Here is some good info

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1571223836-post4.html

Sherminator

Also do a search for cracked ones.... Don't be cheap and run China wheels, a used set of stock Z06 wheels aren't very expensive and will give you peace of mind in both performance and perfect fitment.

avizandum

House of Wheels was advertising GS OEM wheels several weeks ago.

CorvetteZ51Racer

Aftermarket wheels are not always heavier. Aftermarket knock-offs of OEM wheels will be 1) less expensive than OEM 2) heavier and 3) *possibly* weaker. If you are looking in the sub $2000 range, buying OEM wheels is a great route, one that I use myself for auto-x. If you are willing to spend more for lighter and stronger wheels, you can go forged, but you'll be in the high $2k+ range. CCWs are common, and run from about $2800-3000 for GS sizes. However, the more expensive wheels like CCW are lighter weight wheels that are also stronger and more durable. That's less of an issue in Auto-x than it is in HPDE (the strength).

I run OEM Z06 wheels on my '07 Z that I got from House of Wheels. Great deal, fast shipment, everything as advertised. As I move to more HPDE, I'll be spending the $$$ on CCWs because a cracked wheel at 100 mph through a turn is a bad day, and the cast OEM wheels are much more susceptible to that than the Forged wheels.

nickfiddle

That is an awesome answer... Thanks for the time and the info. I guess the lesson learned is "you get what you pay for"

Zenak

Sticky in this section on wheels \ rims section:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/auto...e-learned.html

House of Wheels sells factory reproduction rims.

The chrome is tissue paper thin and doesnt like anything but a garage.

they are heavy as hell

they are steel rims so if you plan to hpde/race/etc with heavy braking the rim becomes a massive heat sink

the motorsport riviets are PLASTIC and fall out and or melt out often

Bill Dearborn

Look at repros from AFS as well. Not sure if they are carrying the new sizes yet but I had 4 of their C4 GS repros that I used on the track for 8+ seasons. They were heavier than OEM C4 GS wheels but performed well and gave me great service. The new owner is still pounding the hell out of them.

Bill

DASHZNT

I just ordered a set from bob at house of wheels... Reproduce gs wheels... Is there something I don't know here, does he sell crap? I don't wanna jeopardize my baby!

72Vega

Bob is a totally stand up guy, former racer back in the day, very knowledgeable and a forum sponsor. Call him with any questions and he will give you a straight answer. Good prices, great service. Good information above.