Repro wheels
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 499
Likes: 19
From: Oviedo Fl
Repro wheels
Are any of the repro wheels made in america? Or are all of these places just selling the same wheels from china or korea or wherever they come from? I'd like to get chrome Z06 in 18/19 combo but I bought some repro's from on of the forum vendors for my last car and they were terrible. Heavy, bad chrome, and worst of all vibration . I had to put the stockers back on. They all look the same on the internet . Don't know who to buy from. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,608
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From: the GOCC are everywhere, even back from "band camp"
Even amongst copies there are good ones and bad ones. Best to buy from a reputable dealer. They will typically be a bit heavier, but should not induce any vibration.
Bruce
Bruce
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Most that I have seen are made in China. But the ones I had (chrome repo Z06) were very good. Got them from Xtreme Motorsports.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque NM
If you are looking for good repo or reman. parts, try http://www.partstrain.com
I have used them a few time, and have had very good luck with them. A buddy of mine got these remans for $208 each.
I have used them a few time, and have had very good luck with them. A buddy of mine got these remans for $208 each.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,308
Likes: 1
From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California
When it comes to "repro wheels", you will find that many of these low cost wheels are made in China, Korea, Malaysia, and the U.S.. And, yes, these inexpensive one piece cast aluminum wheels (chromed, or, not) may have various defects that may be attributed to the casting process behind the low cost construction of a one piece cast aluminum wheel: High material porosity (visible to the naked eye); Low metalurgic density (visible via X-Ray); Higher rotational mass; Limited sizing that causes the inability to fit Big Brake Kits, and, some suspension upgrade applications; and, finally, the inapplicability for virtually any track use by porous one piece repro wheels for commonly failing to accommodate the numerous and immense stresses experienced on the track during hard line linear acceleration.
However, do keep in mind that not all enthusiasts are dedicated racers. Thus, these one piece cast aluminum repro-wheels are an attractive, and, low cost alternative and value for any auto enthusiast. And, allow more mass consumer appeal, wheel variety, and, options for the common consumer to enjoy.
Over time, the development of more improved low pressure, high pressure gravity alloy mold techniques for one piece cast aluminum wheels, have evolved since the advent of the eighties. But, forging metalurgy will remain as a top tier quality product with virtually none of the porosity that is typically found common in most one piece cast aluminum wheels. However, product defects, non-hubcentricity, improper offsets, and, leaks, etc., may also occur in higher dollar two, and, three piece wheel construction, as well.
Now, despite the existence of such inherent manufacturing issues that may even appear in multi-piece wheels, there is quite a bit more technology, improved metalurgy, fitment, finishing, Q/A, and, testing that is involved in the making of a multi-piece wheel. Hence, multi-piece wheels will cost more. Moreover, technology is not only merely relegated to the United States. In fact, some of the best Formula 1 Racing wheels are made in Spain. Also, some of the most exotic wheel designs, cutting edge wheel application upgrades, and, the inclusion of multiple and higher level metalurgy, advanced materials, and, testing, occur in Italy, Germany, Taiwan, and, Japan. Best Wishes to all.
However, do keep in mind that not all enthusiasts are dedicated racers. Thus, these one piece cast aluminum repro-wheels are an attractive, and, low cost alternative and value for any auto enthusiast. And, allow more mass consumer appeal, wheel variety, and, options for the common consumer to enjoy.
Over time, the development of more improved low pressure, high pressure gravity alloy mold techniques for one piece cast aluminum wheels, have evolved since the advent of the eighties. But, forging metalurgy will remain as a top tier quality product with virtually none of the porosity that is typically found common in most one piece cast aluminum wheels. However, product defects, non-hubcentricity, improper offsets, and, leaks, etc., may also occur in higher dollar two, and, three piece wheel construction, as well.
Now, despite the existence of such inherent manufacturing issues that may even appear in multi-piece wheels, there is quite a bit more technology, improved metalurgy, fitment, finishing, Q/A, and, testing that is involved in the making of a multi-piece wheel. Hence, multi-piece wheels will cost more. Moreover, technology is not only merely relegated to the United States. In fact, some of the best Formula 1 Racing wheels are made in Spain. Also, some of the most exotic wheel designs, cutting edge wheel application upgrades, and, the inclusion of multiple and higher level metalurgy, advanced materials, and, testing, occur in Italy, Germany, Taiwan, and, Japan. Best Wishes to all.
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
I would not buy a wheel made in China, the quality is simply not there. I almost bought a set for the wifes Armada from Americas tire and stopped the install when I saw they were made in China. There are still brand name wheels made in the usa and other places other than China. It might take some looking, but its well worth it.
Terry
Terry
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 333
Likes: 1
From: Mendota Heights MN
I am very happy with my repro wheels. They were also manufactured in China, but who cares.
Bought from another forum member -- I think they were originally from House of Wheels.
They are flawless, and dead straight and smooth.
Bought from another forum member -- I think they were originally from House of Wheels.
They are flawless, and dead straight and smooth.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,073
Likes: 1
From: Sarver Pennsylvania
Originally Posted by edensknight
When it comes to "repro wheels", you will find that many of these low cost wheels are made in China, Korea, Malaysia, and the U.S.. And, yes, these inexpensive one piece cast aluminum wheels (chromed, or, not) may have various defects that may be attributed to the casting process behind the low cost construction of a one piece cast aluminum wheel: High material porosity (visible to the naked eye); Low metalurgic density (visible via X-Ray); Higher rotational mass; Limited sizing that causes the inability to fit Big Brake Kits, and, some suspension upgrade applications; and, finally, the inapplicability for virtually any track use by porous one piece repro wheels for commonly failing to accommodate the numerous and immense stresses experienced on the track during hard line linear acceleration.
However, do keep in mind that not all enthusiasts are dedicated racers. Thus, these one piece cast aluminum repro-wheels are an attractive, and, low cost alternative and value for any auto enthusiast. And, allow more mass consumer appeal, wheel variety, and, options for the common consumer to enjoy.
Over time, the development of more improved low pressure, high pressure gravity alloy mold techniques for one piece cast aluminum wheels, have evolved since the advent of the eighties. But, forging metalurgy will remain as a top tier quality product with virtually none of the porosity that is typically found common in most one piece cast aluminum wheels. However, product defects, non-hubcentricity, improper offsets, and, leaks, etc., may also occur in higher dollar two, and, three piece wheel construction, as well.
Now, despite the existence of such inherent manufacturing issues that may even appear in multi-piece wheels, there is quite a bit more technology, improved metalurgy, fitment, finishing, Q/A, and, testing that is involved in the making of a multi-piece wheel. Hence, multi-piece wheels will cost more. Moreover, technology is not only merely relegated to the United States. In fact, some of the best Formula 1 Racing wheels are made in Spain. Also, some of the most exotic wheel designs, cutting edge wheel application upgrades, and, the inclusion of multiple and higher level metalurgy, advanced materials, and, testing, occur in Italy, Germany, Taiwan, and, Japan. Best Wishes to all.
However, do keep in mind that not all enthusiasts are dedicated racers. Thus, these one piece cast aluminum repro-wheels are an attractive, and, low cost alternative and value for any auto enthusiast. And, allow more mass consumer appeal, wheel variety, and, options for the common consumer to enjoy.
Over time, the development of more improved low pressure, high pressure gravity alloy mold techniques for one piece cast aluminum wheels, have evolved since the advent of the eighties. But, forging metalurgy will remain as a top tier quality product with virtually none of the porosity that is typically found common in most one piece cast aluminum wheels. However, product defects, non-hubcentricity, improper offsets, and, leaks, etc., may also occur in higher dollar two, and, three piece wheel construction, as well.
Now, despite the existence of such inherent manufacturing issues that may even appear in multi-piece wheels, there is quite a bit more technology, improved metalurgy, fitment, finishing, Q/A, and, testing that is involved in the making of a multi-piece wheel. Hence, multi-piece wheels will cost more. Moreover, technology is not only merely relegated to the United States. In fact, some of the best Formula 1 Racing wheels are made in Spain. Also, some of the most exotic wheel designs, cutting edge wheel application upgrades, and, the inclusion of multiple and higher level metalurgy, advanced materials, and, testing, occur in Italy, Germany, Taiwan, and, Japan. Best Wishes to all.
Seriously, great reply and worth the read.
Coolest Guy Evar!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 3
From: Fairfax VA
Save your money and buy some CCWs, HREs, IForged, Fiskes, BBSs etc. The repros look great and initially appear to be good value. However, the trade-offs include:
1. Increased unsprung weight/greater rotational mass. The difference between the weight of my stock Z06 wheels and my American made repros is about 6lbs per wheel! Your car will be noticeably more sluggish. If anyone says different they aren't driving hard.
2. Inferior quality. When it comes to wheels you get what you pay for. here's my personal experience. The clear coat is peeling off the polished lips of my Motorsport wheels in large sections. I contacted the vendor (who happily took my cash) who then referred me to the actual distributor (gee thanks). To their credit the distributor authorized a no cost return for warranty repair if they felt the peeling wasn't my fault. I thought about it but once I factored in the following it wasn't worth my time (approximate four week turn-around) or money. The cost of un-mounting the tires and remounting them to a set of stock wheels and then unmounting those tires from the stockers to re-mount to the fixed wheels would have set me back nearly $400.00. Hardly worth the trouble. I decided to live with them until all the clear coat peels away or I'll take them to a local wheel repair shop and have them re-finished myself. After, some research I found that this is a very common problem with these wheels.
In the end, I spent about $1500 for my repro wheels, money I should have applied to a set of iForged or CCWs. I would have had better quality and lighter than or equal to stock wheel weight.
-RR
1. Increased unsprung weight/greater rotational mass. The difference between the weight of my stock Z06 wheels and my American made repros is about 6lbs per wheel! Your car will be noticeably more sluggish. If anyone says different they aren't driving hard.
2. Inferior quality. When it comes to wheels you get what you pay for. here's my personal experience. The clear coat is peeling off the polished lips of my Motorsport wheels in large sections. I contacted the vendor (who happily took my cash) who then referred me to the actual distributor (gee thanks). To their credit the distributor authorized a no cost return for warranty repair if they felt the peeling wasn't my fault. I thought about it but once I factored in the following it wasn't worth my time (approximate four week turn-around) or money. The cost of un-mounting the tires and remounting them to a set of stock wheels and then unmounting those tires from the stockers to re-mount to the fixed wheels would have set me back nearly $400.00. Hardly worth the trouble. I decided to live with them until all the clear coat peels away or I'll take them to a local wheel repair shop and have them re-finished myself. After, some research I found that this is a very common problem with these wheels.
In the end, I spent about $1500 for my repro wheels, money I should have applied to a set of iForged or CCWs. I would have had better quality and lighter than or equal to stock wheel weight.
-RR