Rim Help Please!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,495
Likes: 332
From: USA
Rim Help Please!
Hi Guy's,
Just picked up my first Vette - 2003 Z06. Loving it.
Already looking to get rid of the stock chromed rims (don't like chrome) and get some black rims. Can you all please help me with some options for black rims? I am looking to spend little - up to $1500 for the set. I'd like to spend as little as possible for reasonable quality rims though.
I found these rims and wanted to know your thoughts on them?
C6 Z06 DEEP DISH REPRODUCTIONS w/RIVETS - BLACK w/POLISHED LIP
They sure are cheap and I know you get what you pay for but they look pretty nice for the money? Anyone running these rims? Other options/choices you'd suggest?
Thank you for your help/input!
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Just picked up my first Vette - 2003 Z06. Loving it.
Already looking to get rid of the stock chromed rims (don't like chrome) and get some black rims. Can you all please help me with some options for black rims? I am looking to spend little - up to $1500 for the set. I'd like to spend as little as possible for reasonable quality rims though.
I found these rims and wanted to know your thoughts on them?
C6 Z06 DEEP DISH REPRODUCTIONS w/RIVETS - BLACK w/POLISHED LIP
They sure are cheap and I know you get what you pay for but they look pretty nice for the money? Anyone running these rims? Other options/choices you'd suggest?
Thank you for your help/input!
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Last edited by MotoJB; May 3, 2011 at 12:30 AM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Waldorf MD
Welcome to the fam!! I've seen lots of folks say good thing about those rims. Here's another option.
http://www.oewheelsllc.com/Wheels-fo...orLanding/true
http://www.oewheelsllc.com/Wheels-fo...orLanding/true
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,080
Likes: 151
From: Toronto
I wouldn't spend money on new wheels of the same size as what you have IMHO. Go big, or go home...something like that! 
Plus, they really don't look that much different style wise than the stockers, and will be heavier.
Plus, they really don't look that much different style wise than the stockers, and will be heavier.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,495
Likes: 332
From: USA
What after market rims (equal to stock OEM rim weight or less) would you recommend? I just need help finding a few brands or etailers to look at...
Also, does upgrading to 18/19 make a big difference in ride quality or handling on the Z?? Unless it's night and day in handling...if it degrades the ride any more, I would rather keep the stock sizes. I'm street driving on these rims.
Thanks for your help.
Last edited by MotoJB; May 3, 2011 at 12:09 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,138
Likes: 11
From: Fremont CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
NCM Sinkhole Donor
First, are you sure your wheels are stock? GM never made them in chrome, so the previous owner either replaced them with aftermarket or had them chromed. If you pull a wheel off it will say GM on the back if they are OEM.
Second, to get aftermarket wheels that are equal / lighter in weight to OEM, you will be spending some money. Although you can find some good used deals. In the price range you are looking, I would definitely be looking at CCW.
Second, to get aftermarket wheels that are equal / lighter in weight to OEM, you will be spending some money. Although you can find some good used deals. In the price range you are looking, I would definitely be looking at CCW.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,495
Likes: 332
From: USA
First, are you sure your wheels are stock? GM never made them in chrome, so the previous owner either replaced them with aftermarket or had them chromed. If you pull a wheel off it will say GM on the back if they are OEM.
Second, to get aftermarket wheels that are equal / lighter in weight to OEM, you will be spending some money. Although you can find some good used deals. In the price range you are looking, I would definitely be looking at CCW.
Second, to get aftermarket wheels that are equal / lighter in weight to OEM, you will be spending some money. Although you can find some good used deals. In the price range you are looking, I would definitely be looking at CCW.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,781
Likes: 24,683
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
If you're on a budget and have brand new tires in the stock size, your choice will be pretty limited to stock size rims. JW Motoring sells a quality product and I don't think you will have any problems with those that you have the link to. Yes, they will be heavier, but they should give you many years of good service.
You can also check with Dennis at Double D Mods for some options besides reproduction wheels in the price range you are looking to spend.
You can also check with Dennis at Double D Mods for some options besides reproduction wheels in the price range you are looking to spend.
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Jefferson City Missouri
Black wheels
It would be MUCH cheaper and give you the look you want.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 45
From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
That was my thought also. It is clearly the least expensive way to get black wheels.
If you take some time you may be able to find someone that has true OEM wheels (not chromed,,, and lighter) that you could trade for. Then powdercoat the lighter wheels.
GL
and don't forget to wave....
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,495
Likes: 332
From: USA
If I'm going to put at least $150-$200 into each wheel (my guesstimate for getting them done) for stripping/repair and powder coating - I'd prefer to just buy some cheap, new, street-driving rims with that money and keep the stockers.
Thanks for your input though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
You would be amazed at how light the oem wheels are. I think alot of owners don't realize this. They are light for a very good reason. If you're gonna replace them with cheap Chinese knockoffs, you are making a mistake. If you want rims with similar weight or better, you will need to spend some serious money. GM knew exactly what they were doing when it came to the rims. Performance was the main factor.
Now, if it's just aesthetics that you're after, then go for the cheapo knockoffs. But, please don't expect the same weight, performance, reliability, quality, etc. Balancing may also sometimes be problematic but, I have found that this may vary by batch.
Just my two cents.
Ps: The only connection to the road is your wheels and tires.
Now, if it's just aesthetics that you're after, then go for the cheapo knockoffs. But, please don't expect the same weight, performance, reliability, quality, etc. Balancing may also sometimes be problematic but, I have found that this may vary by batch.
Just my two cents.
Ps: The only connection to the road is your wheels and tires.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,495
Likes: 332
From: USA
You would be amazed at how light the oem wheels are. I think alot of owners don't realize this. They are light for a very good reason. If you're gonna replace them with cheap Chinese knockoffs, you are making a mistake. If you want rims with similar weight or better, you will need to spend some serious money. GM knew exactly what they were doing when it came to the rims. Performance was the main factor.
Now, if it's just aesthetics that you're after, then go for the cheapo knockoffs. But, please don't expect the same weight, performance, reliability, quality, etc. Balancing may also sometimes be problematic but, I have found that this may vary by batch.
Just my two cents.
Ps: The only connection to the road is your wheels and tires.
Now, if it's just aesthetics that you're after, then go for the cheapo knockoffs. But, please don't expect the same weight, performance, reliability, quality, etc. Balancing may also sometimes be problematic but, I have found that this may vary by batch.
Just my two cents.
Ps: The only connection to the road is your wheels and tires.
I still have to wonder - how much of a difference will heavier, cheap, chinese knock off's make for general, spirited road driving? I'm not racing the thing. My guess is the weight gain would not be noticeable. Am I wrong? Thoughts?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 19
From: Not far from COTA
I agree with the remarks about getting wheels that are nearly the same weight and that are quality made
I talked to CCW and went another direction because of the maintenance to keep them looking nice -- great product, terrific appearance -- but I didn't want to spend the time necessary to keep them looking good.
I went with these in 18/18
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...nterlagos.html
If these interest you, look in the thread for pix of my silver Z06 with them on.
Friend who is a manager of a Discount Tire told me he was impressed with the quality, and I know they weigh within a pound of OEM because I weighed them on UPS scales upon receipt.
Before installing tires we put them on a balancer and spun them to see how true they were --- no issues.
Took very little weight with Michelin PS2s and they will clear big brake kits. Think about your next mod.
There is more than one forum vendor who sells these, the one I chose had great/fast service.
I talked to CCW and went another direction because of the maintenance to keep them looking nice -- great product, terrific appearance -- but I didn't want to spend the time necessary to keep them looking good.
I went with these in 18/18
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...nterlagos.html
If these interest you, look in the thread for pix of my silver Z06 with them on.
Friend who is a manager of a Discount Tire told me he was impressed with the quality, and I know they weigh within a pound of OEM because I weighed them on UPS scales upon receipt.
Before installing tires we put them on a balancer and spun them to see how true they were --- no issues.
Took very little weight with Michelin PS2s and they will clear big brake kits. Think about your next mod.
There is more than one forum vendor who sells these, the one I chose had great/fast service.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,115
Likes: 669
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Rims ?
Hi Guy's,
Just picked up my first Vette - 2003 Z06. Loving it.
Already looking to get rid of the stock chromed rims (don't like chrome) and get some black rims. Can you all please help me with some options for black rims? I am looking to spend little - up to $1500 for the set. I'd like to spend as little as possible for reasonable quality rims though.
I found these rims and wanted to know your thoughts on them?
C6 Z06 DEEP DISH REPRODUCTIONS w/RIVETS - BLACK w/POLISHED LIP
They sure are cheap and I know you get what you pay for but they look pretty nice for the money? Anyone running these rims? Other options/choices you'd suggest?
Thank you for your help/input!
[IMG][/IMG]
Just picked up my first Vette - 2003 Z06. Loving it.
Already looking to get rid of the stock chromed rims (don't like chrome) and get some black rims. Can you all please help me with some options for black rims? I am looking to spend little - up to $1500 for the set. I'd like to spend as little as possible for reasonable quality rims though.
I found these rims and wanted to know your thoughts on them?
C6 Z06 DEEP DISH REPRODUCTIONS w/RIVETS - BLACK w/POLISHED LIP
They sure are cheap and I know you get what you pay for but they look pretty nice for the money? Anyone running these rims? Other options/choices you'd suggest?
Thank you for your help/input!
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 20,030
Likes: 289
From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
Look for a set of stock Z06 wheels in the FS section. Get them powder coated for about $75 per wheel any color you want. That will keep you weight down for sure.
Toque
Toque
