Factory magnesium wheels
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 537
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From: Elkton MD
Factory magnesium wheels
I'm about to spring for a new set of wheels. Don't have the big bucks, (after the supercharger that is
) so I am somewhat limited in choice. I've narrowed it down to either the GM magnesium wheels or the C6 aftermarket chrome wheels in C5 sizes. From what I've read lately, I am becomming concerned about the strength of the C6 reproduction wheels (spun cast etc.). In addition, I also seem to recall that magnesium is strong and light, but, a somewhat brittle metal which bothers me a little. I would greatly appreciate any and all knowledgeable opinions on the above. I would also love to see your pictures of either of the above on a C5 coupe.
Always Shiftin'
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From: Central Florida
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Here is a picture of the Magnesium rims on my '99:
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2004
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I like mine simply because you don't see many vettes with them and they were a fairly rare option. It's a subtle difference but also saves weight (8lb. per wheel). I will tell you that the weights that came from the factory have come off and I had to have them replaced at the dealer. So far so good with the replacements. No problems with being brittle so far. Then again, I only have about 8000 miles on it!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: VA
St. Jude Donor '03-'11
That was my first choice especially since I think it matches pewter pretty well, but I opted for the factory Z06 wheels, which are 1" wider. I imagine with a supercharger you can use all the rubber you can get.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Germantown, TN
Originally Posted by 99C5Vert
That was my first choice especially since I think it matches pewter pretty well, but I opted for the factory Z06 wheels, which are 1" wider. I imagine with a supercharger you can use all the rubber you can get.
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Elkton MD
Thanks to everyone so far, for the pictures. Please, keep them comming.
I have a red coupe and I have learned over the years that a cars color (and shape {coupe,convertible,hardtop}) has a lot to do with what looks good or not so good in the way of styling accessories. After looking at the pictures so far, I find myself leaning more towards the magnesium wheels for appearance. They seem, with the wider appearing and softly curving spokes, to be more complementary to the curved and flowing lines of the C5 body style. IMHO in contrast, the narrower sharper lines of the C6 wheel seem to be a better match with the more sharply styled, larger wheeled, C6. I must admit, however, I do like the bling bling factor of the C6 wheels. Any more pictures of C5 sized C6 wheels, or the magnesium wheels, on a (red) coupe? Also, anyone have comments or facts regarding the safety issue reservations I mentioned in my first post.
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Cleveland Oh
I love the way the mag wheels look, but the only thing that makes me hesitate is that they sit deeper in the wheel well than the regular wheels (since they were designed for the european market were this is a regulatory requirement). Does anybody have a comment on how this looks in person?
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Elkton MD
Originally Posted by tjw
I love the way the mag wheels look, but the only thing that makes me hesitate is that they sit deeper in the wheel well than the regular wheels (since they were designed for the european market were this is a regulatory requirement). Does anybody have a comment on how this looks in person?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: DFW Texas
Having just put the chromies on w/ heavier tires as well, I can tell ya, there is no way I'd get rid of my Mag Wheels. 
They are EASILY half the weight of the chromes. Didn't get a scale to weigh them, but the difference was dramatic. 
Could feel a definate difference driving, up to speed with both and the mags have such a great feel to them. My white car just needed some
bling/bling to add some contrast to it! Will keep the Mags for the track. 
Ideal world? Chrome the Mags
They are EASILY half the weight of the chromes. Didn't get a scale to weigh them, but the difference was dramatic. Could feel a definate difference driving, up to speed with both and the mags have such a great feel to them. My white car just needed some
bling/bling to add some contrast to it! Will keep the Mags for the track. Ideal world? Chrome the Mags
Race Director
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From: Manhattan, KS Missing SoCal since 2005
Originally Posted by diyguy
Ideal world? Chrome the Mags
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 537
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From: Elkton MD
Thanks thevettenet CA I'll check it out tomorrow. Thanks dyiguy ,I knew they were lighter but, I didn't know they were that much lighter. Everyone else, pic's and comments on repo wheel safety vrs factory magnesium appreciated still.
Instructor
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From: Cleveland Oh
Originally Posted by Old Timer
Are you sure about that? If you look at the close up pictures (tire vrs wheel well opening) the offset appears to be identical.
Thats what my Corvette Quarterly from 1998 says. They say it sits 0.5" inboard compared to the regular wheels. It might not be noticeable at all.
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Elkton MD
Originally Posted by tjw
Thats what my Corvette Quarterly from 1998 says. They say it sits 0.5" inboard compared to the regular wheels. It might not be noticeable at all.
Interesting. Can anyone else confirm this? (magazines have been known to be wrong
) Barry
Last edited by Old Timer; Jan 31, 2005 at 02:53 AM.