Just wondered what most of you guys are running for wheels. I have to replace 2 of the drivers side wheels on my '02 Z I just bought because of curb rash. I can't believe someone would be that careless! I have been researching and researching and everything is telling me that I definately don't want to get the repos because of added weight. My only other options are chrome exchange which I don't really trust what people have sent them, factory polished from an '04 which I can get for $2000 from the dealer new or just replace what I have for about $700. I just wondered what most of you run on your vehicles knowing about the heaviness of the chromies. Thanks.

 

I wondered how heavy powder coated wheels are.

 

Chrome wheels are not that much more heavy than OEMs. To be so concerned about it means you will miss out on all kinds of great mods.

 

I did a wheel exchange with Corvette Mike and had no problems. Very happy with what I got....OEM in chrome.

 

Even the chrome OEM Z 06 wheels are several pounds lighter than Z 06 reproduction wheels and most aftermarket wheels. Quality of the the original Z 06 wheel is excellent.

 

Chrome wheel exchange at West Coast Corvettes - $595.

 

OEM, repos, and after market Keep the OEMS for HPDE, and throw some MT ET Sts on the 17s for the draggs. Get some aftermarket wheels, close to EOM size and use your OEM rubber. I loved my chrome repos, but I had to have some CCWs. I would realy keep your OEMS. Good luck!
Dave

 

I was told, that per Bob at House of wheels chroming adds 2-3lbs per wheel. Not too bad. Still will be an overall light wheel since they are so light to begin with. I am also going with chromed OEM's. I strongly debated getting some Chrome 18" Z07's b/c I think they look great, and they are also a new & fresh look while Z06's are popular (on alot of Fbods too) and have been around for almost 6 years now. However, I like the quality of the originals and I also like the fact that it is the original wheel for the car. Having a "special" car like a Z06 makes we want to keep it more original if you know what I mean. Overall though its a tough call, b/c those Z07's just look damn sweet!

 

The chroming process adds ounces to each wheel-more like a half pound to each wheel.

 

Another option is to have the OEMs refinished - different paint, machined face, or some combination of the two.

 

Do we have any hard data of this? It isn't complicated, all someone has to do is weigh the wheel before and after the chroming process. I would assume there is more than 8 oz of chrome on each wheel, but who knows...

 

Don't u need a good clean set to exchange?

Do you autoX, track the car? If you don't then it probably doesnt matter, save the money and get some repros....sell the OEM and you will most likely come out even after dismounting the tires.

Repro Chrome - $600
Sell your your OEM with curb rash ($600-700)
Tire swap $45-80

 

Everyone knows the repro's are dirt cheap. There's a reason the OEM's cost a lot more and many people want to keep the OEM wheels. They are higher quality and MUCH lighter. (Wheel weight makes a big difference for acceleration, braking, feel, etc.) On top of that, there's also just something to be said about having the real factory original wheels instead of an imitation knock-off.