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Adding unsprung weight...

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Old Jan 19, 2016 | 05:35 PM
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Default Adding unsprung weight...

I'm considering running replica ZO6 wheels on my car. They are 1/3 the cost of originals. However, they add 7 lbs each. Would this extra weight have a noticeable affect on the ride? Handling? Component wear? I use the car almost exclusively for track events.
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Old Jan 19, 2016 | 06:41 PM
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I don't think they are that cheap. You can easily get a used set for 6-800 bux and replicas are what like 500?
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Old Jan 19, 2016 | 06:54 PM
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Originally Posted by camcam
I don't think they are that cheap. You can easily get a used set for 6-800 bux and replicas are what like 500?
A replica set of 4 wheels is $450. One new Speedline wheel is $300. I don't really want to mess with used.

Last edited by kdm123; Jan 19, 2016 at 06:55 PM.
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Old Jan 19, 2016 | 07:16 PM
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A replica set of 4 wheels is $450. One new Speedline wheel is $300. I don't really want to mess with used.
You have to pay to play then. If you want proper wheels for the track then pay up, otherwise run heavy replicas. Nothing wrong with those, just weigh alot more and are not anywhere near as strong.
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Old Jan 20, 2016 | 02:48 AM
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I have 7 sets of wheels and tires that I rotate between 4 cars. I am never less than amazed when I switch from my heaviest(56lbs) to my lightest(42lbs) on my C5. It is night and day in terms of braking and accelerating.

The latest issue of car and driver tests a GT350 vs GT350r with the carbon wheels in acceleration.
Only difference was the 14lb lighter carbon wheels.

30-50, 10.8 vs 9.9 (top gear)
50-70, 10.5 vs 9.7 (top gear)
30-130, 17.7 vs 16.5 (4th gear)
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Old Jan 20, 2016 | 07:45 AM
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Personally I wouldn't touch replicas for track use. Too much risk of a wheel failure. Had a friend with replicas who cracked the spokes. Fortunately he caught the failure before it became catastrophic. Keep in mind it isn't only your life you're responsible for, but also those on the track with you.
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Old Jan 23, 2016 | 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Phoenix64
I have 7 sets of wheels and tires that I rotate between 4 cars. I am never less than amazed when I switch from my heaviest(56lbs) to my lightest(42lbs) on my C5. It is night and day in terms of braking and accelerating.

The latest issue of car and driver tests a GT350 vs GT350r with the carbon wheels in acceleration.
Only difference was the 14lb lighter carbon wheels.

30-50, 10.8 vs 9.9 (top gear)
50-70, 10.5 vs 9.7 (top gear)
30-130, 17.7 vs 16.5 (4th gear)
14 lbs lighter each wheel?
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Old Jan 23, 2016 | 01:28 PM
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Originally Posted by NemesisC5
14 lbs lighter each wheel?
15 actually. 60 total probably $14K a set though
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Old Jan 23, 2016 | 02:00 PM
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1. You will definitely notice 7lbs difference per corner.

2. I would not recommend running replica's.

3. Try to buy new. Seems everytime I buy used wheels I find something that makes me regret it. House of Wheels is a great vendor. A set should run about $1200 new.

You will regret not spending the extra for new speedline/alcoa's and I guarantee you will pay for it at some point.
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Old Jan 23, 2016 | 02:37 PM
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Originally Posted by jesup16
1. You will definitely notice 7lbs difference per corner.

2. I would not recommend running replica's.

3. Try to buy new. Seems everytime I buy used wheels I find something that makes me regret it. House of Wheels is a great vendor. A set should run about $1200 new.

You will regret not spending the extra for new speedline/alcoa's and I guarantee you will pay for it at some point.
If you check on the Roadrace and Autocross forum, the members there tend to run four (4) 10.5X18" REAR wheels. One reason is that more suitable track tires are available in the 18" size than any other. I would recommend that you just go on line and look for 4 used rear 10X18 Corvette whels. They are usually available at reasonable price point.
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Old Jan 23, 2016 | 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by 63Corvette
If you check on the Roadrace and Autocross forum, the members there tend to run four (4) 10.5X18" REAR wheels. One reason is that more suitable track tires are available in the 18" size than any other. I would recommend that you just go on line and look for 4 used rear 10X18 Corvette whels. They are usually available at reasonable price point.
House Of Wheels is a sponsor on here, they usually have new ones for around $300/each. Check in C5 Parts for Sale/Wanted or possibly C5 Vendor for Sale sections.

C5 z06 18x10.5 speedline wheels f/s

Last edited by NemesisC5; Jan 23, 2016 at 05:00 PM. Reason: Corrected price and added link.
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Old Jan 23, 2016 | 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by 63Corvette
If you check on the Roadrace and Autocross forum, the members there tend to run four (4) 10.5X18" REAR wheels. One reason is that more suitable track tires are available in the 18" size than any other. I would recommend that you just go on line and look for 4 used rear 10X18 Corvette whels. They are usually available at reasonable price point.
LOL. That's exactly what I run for STU class.
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Old Jan 23, 2016 | 11:33 PM
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Been tracking for a LONG time... every time I try to pinch pennies, it's cost me more in the long run.
Buy the right wheels, buy them once.
Buy the wrong thing, throw it away, then buy the right one.
Only followed the second plan about a zillion times...
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Old Jan 24, 2016 | 08:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Nowanker
Been tracking for a LONG time... every time I try to pinch pennies, it's cost me more in the long run.
Buy the right wheels, buy them once.
Buy the wrong thing, throw it away, then buy the right one.
Only followed the second plan about a zillion times...
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Old Jan 24, 2016 | 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by jesup16
1. You will definitely notice 7lbs difference per corner. Most folks won't.

2. I would not recommend running replica's. I agree 100%.

3. Try to buy new. Doesn't really matter as long as they're straight.

House of Wheels is a great vendor. Not true at all. Customer service is a joke. Folks think they're great simply because they offer OEM C5Z wheels that are high in demand and they keep them in stock. The owner is really an unreasonable A-hole.
It would actually benefit everyone if other vendors had access to whatever supplier he's getting them from. House of Wheels essentially has a monopoly on OEM C5Z wheels which is not good for consumers.

...

Last edited by sperkins; Jan 24, 2016 at 01:39 PM.
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Old Jan 24, 2016 | 02:33 PM
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Originally Posted by sperkins
...
Well, we both agree that not running replica's is in the best interest of the OP.
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