OEM Z51 vs Repro Z51 wheels
#1
OEM Z51 vs Repro Z51 wheels
Hello forum friends,
Im not sure if this has been posted before, but figured I would share in case there are others out there who have not noticed.
I like the look of the Z51 wheels, especially in chrome, but noticed there is a significant difference between the OEM and reproduction versions. I have seen some pictures of the repro versions on C7's and think they look good; they also give many people the option of switching out their non Z51 wheels, should they like that look better. I must say though, that the OEM wheels look a tad better. The split spokes on the OEM's, especially looking at them from the center to the tire, have more of a "pronounced" look to them.
Take a look at the photos below. First one is OEM and second is a reproduction.
Im not sure if this has been posted before, but figured I would share in case there are others out there who have not noticed.
I like the look of the Z51 wheels, especially in chrome, but noticed there is a significant difference between the OEM and reproduction versions. I have seen some pictures of the repro versions on C7's and think they look good; they also give many people the option of switching out their non Z51 wheels, should they like that look better. I must say though, that the OEM wheels look a tad better. The split spokes on the OEM's, especially looking at them from the center to the tire, have more of a "pronounced" look to them.
Take a look at the photos below. First one is OEM and second is a reproduction.
#3
I just figured I would post this in case there are others out there that did not notice difference.
#4
#5
Le Mans Master
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The chrome on the factory wheels is much better. All the aftermarket wheels the chrome pits or peels after a while.
#6
I will be ordering my C7 within the next few weeks and the only decision I cant decide on, is to order the car with the base wheels and then upgrade to aftermarket (or repro Z51 wheels) or just get the ZF1 appearance package with the optional factory chrome. After learning this info, Im leaning towards ZF1 option with chrome wheels.
#7
Thanks for the info.
I will be ordering my C7 within the next few weeks and the only decision I cant decide on, is to order the car with the base wheels and then upgrade to aftermarket (or repro Z51 wheels) or just get the ZF1 appearance package with the optional factory chrome. After learning this info, Im leaning towards ZF1 option with chrome wheels.
I will be ordering my C7 within the next few weeks and the only decision I cant decide on, is to order the car with the base wheels and then upgrade to aftermarket (or repro Z51 wheels) or just get the ZF1 appearance package with the optional factory chrome. After learning this info, Im leaning towards ZF1 option with chrome wheels.
#9
You get more than just Z51 wheels, you get tires too! On the other hand, if you get the base with 18 & 19' wheels, you can order the aftermarket Z51 wheels (or, another design entirely) AND get wider tires as well.
#13
Pro
As a side note, if you have the OEM Z51 wheels, think twice before replacing them with an inferior cast wheel that "looks better."
#14
Thanks for the replies and helpful info. guys.
Z51 is kind of a waste for me simply because I will not be tracking the car. Im leaning towards going with the ZF1 package because not only do I get the Z51 wheels (which I now know are forged), but I also get the larger tires along with the rear spoiler, all of which I like.
I know one option instead of giving GM almost 2K for chrome wheels is to do a chrome wheel exchange like I did on my 05' C6. I did it through West Coast Corvettes. The way it works is, they send you four GM triple chrome plated wheels, which you get mounted and then you send them back your original, non chrome wheels. You can save around 800.00 bucks going that route. Whats nice is, they only do exchanges on factory GM wheels of the same style. The chrome plating they do is great and the car still looks great to this day...no pitting, etc.
Z51 is kind of a waste for me simply because I will not be tracking the car. Im leaning towards going with the ZF1 package because not only do I get the Z51 wheels (which I now know are forged), but I also get the larger tires along with the rear spoiler, all of which I like.
I know one option instead of giving GM almost 2K for chrome wheels is to do a chrome wheel exchange like I did on my 05' C6. I did it through West Coast Corvettes. The way it works is, they send you four GM triple chrome plated wheels, which you get mounted and then you send them back your original, non chrome wheels. You can save around 800.00 bucks going that route. Whats nice is, they only do exchanges on factory GM wheels of the same style. The chrome plating they do is great and the car still looks great to this day...no pitting, etc.
#15
Pro
Thanks for the replies and helpful info. guys.
Z51 is kind of a waste for me simply because I will not be tracking the car. Im leaning towards going with the ZF1 package because not only do I get the Z51 wheels (which I now know are forged), but I also get the larger tires along with the rear spoiler, all of which I like.
Z51 is kind of a waste for me simply because I will not be tracking the car. Im leaning towards going with the ZF1 package because not only do I get the Z51 wheels (which I now know are forged), but I also get the larger tires along with the rear spoiler, all of which I like.
#16
Melting Slicks
yes but not everyone wants the dry sump or the stiffer suspension. sometimes you just have to say enough is enough, there is always something $1600 away
#17
Drifting
That's not what he was referring to. I've noticed the difference he's mentioned. Take a look at the lug hole area and the base of each fork. The oem wheel has much more definition around those areas. The reproduction wheels appear especially off in those areas. Normally reproduction wheels seem pretty identical to me, but these would be unacceptable if I was in the market.
#18
Intermediate
In answer to original comment about appearance, I found the chrome wheels manufactured for Factory Reproductions to be nearly identical to my original chrome Z51 wheels. The barrels are not painted, which I like better. As mentioned, the Corvette logo is missing and they are cast. Too early to comment on durability of chrome finish, but there is a two year warranty on the finish. I mounted Michelin A/S 3's on the wheels for cold weather driving to maintain the look that I prefer all year. No plans for track use.
#19
In answer to original comment about appearance, I found the chrome wheels manufactured for Factory Reproductions to be nearly identical to my original chrome Z51 wheels. The barrels are not painted, which I like better. As mentioned, the Corvette logo is missing and they are cast. Too early to comment on durability of chrome finish, but there is a two year warranty on the finish. I mounted Michelin A/S 3's on the wheels for cold weather driving to maintain the look that I prefer all year. No plans for track use.
Where did you get your repro Z51's from? The ones I posted a picture of are quite different than the OEMs. Perhaps a different company got them spot on?
#20
Race Director
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Exactly, im not paying for stuff i dont use , and the added features of complexity of ediff and dry sump. Oh yeah the brakes are dirty within 100 feet of rolling.....no thanks