[Z06] Alcoa vs. Speedline
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 621
Likes: 61
Alcoa vs. Speedline
I know the '01 Alcoa forged Z06 wheels are a bit stronger than the '02-04 Speedline cast wheels, but I'm looking for anyone opinions/experience on whether it's enough of a difference to really worry about. Anyone here have first-hand knowledge on how much more abuse the Alcoa wheels can take and how much more they are actually worth, both in $'s and in time & trouble to find them?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 30
From: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
IMHO there is not a whole lot of difference between the two. I have tracked my car with two sets of 03 Speedlines for over 7 years. I usually run between 10-12 events a year and thoroughly inspect the wheels after each event. No problems what so ever with the Speedlines. I don't have actual experience with Alcoas but know that the Speedlines will serve you well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 4
From: Northern VA
Really it's only looks and a very small weight difference. I feel 01 alcoas hold more value and aesthetically look nicer. I have had both kinds on the track you'd never know the difference. Also had heavy china knocks off on the road course as well which you'd never know.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,810
Likes: 416
From: FL
I know the '01 Alcoa forged Z06 wheels are a bit stronger than the '02-04 Speedline cast wheels, but I'm looking for anyone opinions/experience on whether it's enough of a difference to really worry about. Anyone here have first-hand knowledge on how much more abuse the Alcoa wheels can take and how much more they are actually worth, both in $'s and in time & trouble to find them?
Thanks.
Thanks.
My 2001 Z06 (purchased second hand w/ 600 miles on her) had both right hand wheels with flat spots on them. The first owner lived near Sebring, FL also.
The dash was autographed with a "JJ Lehto" signature, whoever that is.
I'm guessing a "track day" .............
Both wheels replaced under warranty.
Last edited by VNAMVET; Feb 19, 2012 at 02:37 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,855
Likes: 78
From: Sammamish WA
WA Events Coordinator
My 2001 Z06 (purchased second hand w/ 600 miles on her) had both right hand wheels with flat spots on them. The first owner lived near Sebring, FL also.
The dash was autographed with a "JJ Leyto" signature, whoever that is.
I'm guessing a "track day" .............
Both wheels replaced under warranty.
The dash was autographed with a "JJ Leyto" signature, whoever that is.
I'm guessing a "track day" .............
Both wheels replaced under warranty.
Suggest you pick up some tickets for the 12 hours of Sebring (March 14-17) you see incredible racing among 4 classes at the same time, thousands of Sports Cars, and the Corvette Corral is the biggest of any brand at every track. Learn something about why Corvette is so different from any other GM brand...they listen to the factory race team and we get the results.
Last edited by JETninja; Feb 19, 2012 at 02:13 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,810
Likes: 416
From: FL
I just pulled up some facts.
I am thinking that one of the "others" was mine.....
I only kept the car until GM came out (4 months later) with the 405HP variant and traded immediately.
BTW, JJ, at 44 years old, was, on December 14, 2011, "found guilty of drunk sailing and negligent homicide, and sentenced to prison for two years and four months".............what an end to a great career.
Won Sebring AND Le Mans in 2005.
Last edited by VNAMVET; Feb 19, 2012 at 02:42 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,855
Likes: 78
From: Sammamish WA
WA Events Coordinator
Wow...didn't keep it long at all! Pretty unique prior owner for sure, wonder where it is these days. Still recommend checking out Sebring..it will be televised as well. Sebring has huge history behind it, and its the start of the season. Huge field expected this year..
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,980
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From: Crook County
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,888
Likes: 230
From: Livingston County, Michigan
If you put the Alcoas and the Speedlines next to each other, the "sharper" radii of the spokes on the Alcoas become visible. If memory serves me correctly, although not a cosmetic item, on the backside near the hub/wheel center, one of them has some reinforcing ribs and the other doesn't.
I've got multiple sets of both, and I use them interchangeably for autocross use.
I've got multiple sets of both, and I use them interchangeably for autocross use.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 10
From: Crook County
If you put the Alcoas and the Speedlines next to each other, the "sharper" radii of the spokes on the Alcoas become visible. If memory serves me correctly, although not a cosmetic item, on the backside near the hub/wheel center, one of them has some reinforcing ribs and the other doesn't.
I've got multiple sets of both, and I use them interchangeably for autocross use.
I've got multiple sets of both, and I use them interchangeably for autocross use.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,355
Likes: 113
From: Los Angeles
Obviously forged is stronger than cast... but I'm having a hard time imagining situations that would cause the Speedlines to bend or crack, but not the Alcoas. If you're breaking wheels then you're doing something incredibly wrong. Any thoughts to the contrary??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 1
From: prescott AZ
It was my understanding that Chevy's supplier was not able to meet the demands that Chevy needed so they went to another supplier who used a different manufacturing process.
I could be wrong here but I thought the 2001 were made in Italy?
I could be wrong here but I thought the 2001 were made in Italy?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 89
From: Indy IN
Yes, forged is stronger than cast, but the Speedline wheels are "spun cast". This process provides much better material properties than typical castings, since the mold is spun and the air and impurites float to the inside of the wheel and are machined away. Most of the strength comes from the heat treatment anyway, so the differences aren't as great as if the wheels were not heat treated (as cast properties)..