[Z06] OEM Z06 Wheels.. differences?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
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From: Dripping Springs Texas
OEM Z06 Wheels.. differences?
This is actually two questions. I've heard of two different types of C5 Z06 wheels, Speedline and Alcon or something like that.
First question: If I were in the market to buy some of these wheels, which of these would I want? I have a 2002 Z06 and would like the lightest of the two that would be strong enough for racing (I assume both are plenty strong).
Second question: Where would be the best place to purchase a chromed set of these wheels? I'd like OEM as the aftermarket repro's are heavier.
The wheels currently on my car are in excellent shape however the chrome is starting to bubble. Maybe my best option would be just to rechrome instead? Whatcha think?
First question: If I were in the market to buy some of these wheels, which of these would I want? I have a 2002 Z06 and would like the lightest of the two that would be strong enough for racing (I assume both are plenty strong).
Second question: Where would be the best place to purchase a chromed set of these wheels? I'd like OEM as the aftermarket repro's are heavier.
The wheels currently on my car are in excellent shape however the chrome is starting to bubble. Maybe my best option would be just to rechrome instead? Whatcha think?
Dogface
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 25,974
Likes: 120
From: At the Beach, FL
St. Jude Donor '15, '17
Originally Posted by Hatdude
This is actually two questions. I've heard of two different types of C5 Z06 wheels, Speedline and Alcon or something like that.
First question: If I were in the market to buy some of these wheels, which of these would I want? I have a 2002 Z06 and would like the lightest of the two that would be strong enough for racing (I assume both are plenty strong).
Second question: Where would be the best place to purchase a chromed set of these wheels? I'd like OEM as the aftermarket repro's are heavier.
The wheels currently on my car are in excellent shape however the chrome is starting to bubble. Maybe my best option would be just to rechrome instead? Whatcha think?
First question: If I were in the market to buy some of these wheels, which of these would I want? I have a 2002 Z06 and would like the lightest of the two that would be strong enough for racing (I assume both are plenty strong).
Second question: Where would be the best place to purchase a chromed set of these wheels? I'd like OEM as the aftermarket repro's are heavier.
The wheels currently on my car are in excellent shape however the chrome is starting to bubble. Maybe my best option would be just to rechrome instead? Whatcha think?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,306
Likes: 773
From: Long Island NY
01 wheels (Alcoa) are forged and a bit stronger and a tad heavier
02 wheels (speedlines) are a tad lighter yet not quite as strong.
As you indicated, both are plenty strong for most purposes. Seriously how many times have you heard of anyone breaking a Z06 wheel? You'd be plenty safe with Speedline wheels...either is a good choice.
Best place to purchase chromed OEM is Bob's house of wheels. He has the best prices I have seen on chromed OEM's with a 3 yr warranty on the chrome.
As far as your wheels...it all depends on the shape they are in. Without detailed pics it's hard to say. But rechroming them could be an option. If they are still nice but you are just real finicky than I'd sell them...advertise them accurately....and buy a new set from Bobs House of wheels. First buy the new set though so you have boxes to ship the used set in.
PS-As far as the chrom adding weight....its minimal..I just bought a set of chromed OEM's and weighed them many times and they came out as 19.5 fronts and 20.5 rears, so if you want chrome, go for it.
02 wheels (speedlines) are a tad lighter yet not quite as strong.
As you indicated, both are plenty strong for most purposes. Seriously how many times have you heard of anyone breaking a Z06 wheel? You'd be plenty safe with Speedline wheels...either is a good choice.
Best place to purchase chromed OEM is Bob's house of wheels. He has the best prices I have seen on chromed OEM's with a 3 yr warranty on the chrome.
As far as your wheels...it all depends on the shape they are in. Without detailed pics it's hard to say. But rechroming them could be an option. If they are still nice but you are just real finicky than I'd sell them...advertise them accurately....and buy a new set from Bobs House of wheels. First buy the new set though so you have boxes to ship the used set in.
PS-As far as the chrom adding weight....its minimal..I just bought a set of chromed OEM's and weighed them many times and they came out as 19.5 fronts and 20.5 rears, so if you want chrome, go for it.
Last edited by kbreese; Jun 20, 2006 at 11:31 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Purcellville, VA
Sorry to bring this thread back up but I was wondering how you tell the difference between the Alcoa wheels and the speedline. I realize that the speedline actually has their name stamped (which I don't have) but the Alcoa has some cryptic lettering on them? I just had my back wheels off yesterday and noticed that I had some lettering (A M, 1400LBS maxweight, other stuff that I can't remember) on the inside area that gets covered up when you bolt the wheels on. Does anyone know if I have the forged wheels. I have been shown that my 02 was a very early model which went into service in September of 01. TIA
Mike
Mike
Dogface
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 25,974
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From: At the Beach, FL
St. Jude Donor '15, '17
Originally Posted by forsvette
Sorry to bring this thread back up but I was wondering how you tell the difference between the Alcoa wheels and the speedline. I realize that the speedline actually has their name stamped (which I don't have) but the Alcoa has some cryptic lettering on them? I just had my back wheels off yesterday and noticed that I had some lettering (A M, 1400LBS maxweight, other stuff that I can't remember) on the inside area that gets covered up when you bolt the wheels on. Does anyone know if I have the forged wheels. I have been shown that my 02 was a very early model which went into service in September of 01. TIA
Mike
Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,101
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From: ABQ NM
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Originally Posted by forsvette
Sorry to bring this thread back up but I was wondering how you tell the difference between the Alcoa wheels and the speedline. I realize that the speedline actually has their name stamped (which I don't have) but the Alcoa has some cryptic lettering on them?
Mike
Mike
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
...do an internet search under "CALIFORNIA CHROME WHEEL, INC" (calchrome). They do chrome on your wheels or on an exchange basis.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Aug 4, 2006 at 01:57 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 243
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From: Purcellville, VA
hotwheels57,
I wasn't looking to get them re-chromed just wanted to know what to look for when trying to figure out if I had aftermarket chromies or were they the originals and the previous owner had them done. I swear I read a thread somewhere that talked about all the numbers that were stamped on the wheel. When I did a search their weere too many responses to sift through so I figured I'd ask the question. Thanks to all who replied and would appreciate any other comments on this subject.
Mike 
I wasn't looking to get them re-chromed just wanted to know what to look for when trying to figure out if I had aftermarket chromies or were they the originals and the previous owner had them done. I swear I read a thread somewhere that talked about all the numbers that were stamped on the wheel. When I did a search their weere too many responses to sift through so I figured I'd ask the question. Thanks to all who replied and would appreciate any other comments on this subject.
Mike
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,683
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From: Houston Texas
Did any of the '02-'04 Z06's have the option of chrome wheels? I know the '04 CE has polished wheels, but that's different. If I was looking at a Z06 with chrome wheels, how could I tell if they were OEM chrome or aftermarket (heavier) chrome. I've read about a machined groove on the back of every other spoke. If that's not there, does it mean they aren't stock/OEM?
I don't mean to hi-jack, just trying to fuel some discussion pertaining to the same topic.
Hatdude, are your chrome wheels you have now stock Z06 wheels? Or are they aftermarket chrome wheels?
I don't mean to hi-jack, just trying to fuel some discussion pertaining to the same topic.
Hatdude, are your chrome wheels you have now stock Z06 wheels? Or are they aftermarket chrome wheels?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
hotwheels57,
I wasn't looking to get them re-chromed just wanted to know what to look for when trying to figure out if I had aftermarket chromies or were they the originals and the previous owner had them done. I swear I read a thread somewhere that talked about all the numbers that were stamped on the wheel. When I did a search their weere too many responses to sift through so I figured I'd ask the question. Thanks to all who replied and would appreciate any other comments on this subject.
Mike
I wasn't looking to get them re-chromed just wanted to know what to look for when trying to figure out if I had aftermarket chromies or were they the originals and the previous owner had them done. I swear I read a thread somewhere that talked about all the numbers that were stamped on the wheel. When I did a search their weere too many responses to sift through so I figured I'd ask the question. Thanks to all who replied and would appreciate any other comments on this subject.
Mike
The wheels currently on my car are in excellent shape however the chrome is starting to bubble. Maybe my best option would be just to rechrome instead? Whatcha think?
Last edited by hotwheels57; Aug 4, 2006 at 03:50 PM.
Le Mans Master
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From: Winchester TN
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'11
hi folks -
Some early 2002 model Z06's were delivered with the forged 2001 wheels.
This was due to import delays with the new wheels from Speedline (based in Italy) immediately after September 11, 2001.
My car was made in October of 2001 and had the 2001 wheels on it when delivered to me.
The Speedline wheels have a small oval pocket cast into back of one of each pair of spokes. This pocket has a relief of the speedline logo cast into it.
The forged wheels have a computer pin-stamp of the gm logo on the back of one spoke on each wheel.
The 2001 wheels had a sharper edge to the spokes, and is slightly darker in color than the 2002 and later wheels.
The 2001 wheels are slightly (very slightly) heavier than the 2002 and later wheels, which were spun-cast - an operation touted as providing many of the benefits of forging with lighter weight.
best regards -
mqqn
Some early 2002 model Z06's were delivered with the forged 2001 wheels.
This was due to import delays with the new wheels from Speedline (based in Italy) immediately after September 11, 2001.
My car was made in October of 2001 and had the 2001 wheels on it when delivered to me.
The Speedline wheels have a small oval pocket cast into back of one of each pair of spokes. This pocket has a relief of the speedline logo cast into it.
The forged wheels have a computer pin-stamp of the gm logo on the back of one spoke on each wheel.
The 2001 wheels had a sharper edge to the spokes, and is slightly darker in color than the 2002 and later wheels.
The 2001 wheels are slightly (very slightly) heavier than the 2002 and later wheels, which were spun-cast - an operation touted as providing many of the benefits of forging with lighter weight.
best regards -
mqqn
Last edited by mqqn; Aug 4, 2006 at 11:43 PM. Reason: fix my error...
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Long Island NY
Originally Posted by mqqn
The 2001 wheels are slightly (very slightly) lighter than the 2002 and later wheels,
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
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From: Hewitt NJ
Originally Posted by kbreese
mqqn, I am pretty sure the 2002+ speedline wheels were slightly lighter than the forged Alcoa 01's, not the other way around.
I'm sure it was just a typo on his part.
Le Mans Master
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From: Winchester TN
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'11
Originally Posted by MYCoupe
I'm sure it was just a typo on his part.Hi Guys -
Yupper - my mistake -
It's tough to think and type at the same time lol.
Thanks for the correction -
best regards -
mqqn
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,940
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From: shavertown Pa.
speedlines/ alcoas
I have a set of each, the 01 chrome alcoa's were on the car when I got it, chome is peeling, and I don't like chrome wheels, and i bought a set of speedline wheels, from a member, I think the chromies were put on by the orignal dealer when the car was new, in the show room, you know, red car chrome wheels, those car dealers are crazy about that showroom bling, I put on a set of machine faced c-6 black wheels, with firestone tires, and I am not to crazy about that look either, I think I going to go to the, stock speedline wheels, and sell off the c-6, and the chromies soon, but I have only put about 1k on the car since I bought in in january...B
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,306
Likes: 773
From: Long Island NY
I just put chrome Speedlines in place of my stockers and my car is black and it really makes the car pop now. The great thing about it is I weighed these wheels on 2 scales, one being a professional industrial one where I work and they came out to be only 19lbs front and 20.5lbs rear. Can't beat that for decent sized high quality chrome wheels!...especially for the price!
Last edited by kbreese; Aug 5, 2006 at 04:32 PM.