[Z06] Lightest aftermarket wheels
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 551
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From: Mars
Lightest aftermarket wheels
Having read the thread about how heavy the chrome rims are, I'm likely to replace mine next year. I can't say I've ever liked the Z06 wheels anyway. So I'm looking for lightness which coincidentally saves on shipping and something fairly simple, like a C6 five spoker (but without the GM price sticker)
Anyone know the weights of the wheels?
Recommendations?
Anyone know the weights of the wheels?
Recommendations?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
CCW makes custom sizes and fairly light as well. There are lighter wheels out there, how much you want to spend determines how much wieght you save.
Wheels and tires, titanium brakes, titanium lugnuts and studs will save you a lot of wieght but will cost you about $10,000 US. There is an article in one of the latest Vette mags describing all this.
Wheels and tires, titanium brakes, titanium lugnuts and studs will save you a lot of wieght but will cost you about $10,000 US. There is an article in one of the latest Vette mags describing all this.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,788
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From: Winchester TN
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'11
Originally Posted by Goody
CCW makes custom sizes and fairly light as well. There are lighter wheels out there, how much you want to spend determines how much wieght you save.
Wheels and tires, titanium brakes, titanium lugnuts and studs will save you a lot of wieght but will cost you about $10,000 US. There is an article in one of the latest Vette mags describing all this.
Wheels and tires, titanium brakes, titanium lugnuts and studs will save you a lot of wieght but will cost you about $10,000 US. There is an article in one of the latest Vette mags describing all this.
There was even a fellow at St. Charles this year who was introduccing a carbon-fiber wheel (the barrel was CF and the hub/spokes were aluminum).
Oh, and they were 12k per set.
best regards -
mqqn
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Az
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
I believe the SSR's are one of the lightest, I had them on my last car and was very pleased. You can see them on tirerack's website, not very dramatic but definetly light. Note: I do not mean the wheels off of the new car called the SSR 
I am waiting for someone to buy a set and mount them on a vette so I can check out the fitment.
thanks!
Pete
I am waiting for someone to buy a set and mount them on a vette so I can check out the fitment.thanks!
Pete
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
I believe Kodiak wheels are the lightest that I've seen in Z06 sizes. Expensive wheels though. For lightweight wheels, CCW's are the best bang-for-the-buck, IMO. If you plan on racing on these wheels, I would not recommend the SSR Competitions ... there is a well documented issue with those wheels cracking over time.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: LaPorte IN
Originally Posted by mqqn
Hi Goody -
There was even a fellow at St. Charles this year who was introduccing a carbon-fiber wheel (the barrel was CF and the hub/spokes were aluminum).
Oh, and they were 12k per set.
best regards -
mqqn
There was even a fellow at St. Charles this year who was introduccing a carbon-fiber wheel (the barrel was CF and the hub/spokes were aluminum).
Oh, and they were 12k per set.
best regards -
mqqn
Those Carbon Fibre wheels were definetly different. The centers were actually Magnesium, not aluminum. They were very light. Biggest thing I didn't like about them was that they were pretty ugly.
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Got LAPS?
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Downers Grove, IL >> Chicago Crew <<
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by Johnny S
Those Carbon Fibre wheels were definetly different. The centers were actually Magnesium, not aluminum. They were very light. Biggest thing I didn't like about them was that they were pretty ugly.
But I can think of better ways to spend 12k.
This is the one I wish they'd make for the vette.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 7,121
Likes: 0
From: Vilano Beach FL
Howdy!
FWIW...
The consideration of chrome weight came up on another forum a few years ago, and a wheel vendor weighed a matching model wheel, same size, painted finish vs. chrome, and the results were ~ 1lb difference. I honestly don't remember the wheel size (obviously bigger wheels, mean more chrome mean more weight, but this vendor sold mostly 18"+ sizes). I guess there's some difference in the plating technique as well (like triple plated) that makes a difference.
I think a good bit of the weight difference with the aftermarket chromed Z06 wheels, is the wheels, regardless of finish are much heavier. I know the knockoff ZR1 wheels I had on my 95 I weighed on a bathroom scale, and they were 6lbs heavier than the documented weight of an OEM wheel (both painted finish).
Definitely give CCW a look, both their track 3-piece wheels and new 19" forged series are VERY light (though not quite as light as the stockers), however they're forged so they're a bit stronger. Keep in mind too that different tire brands (not just sizes) make a difference - I was surprised at how light a Supercar F1 tire is compared to say a Michelin Pilot in the same size.
Seeya -
FWIW...
The consideration of chrome weight came up on another forum a few years ago, and a wheel vendor weighed a matching model wheel, same size, painted finish vs. chrome, and the results were ~ 1lb difference. I honestly don't remember the wheel size (obviously bigger wheels, mean more chrome mean more weight, but this vendor sold mostly 18"+ sizes). I guess there's some difference in the plating technique as well (like triple plated) that makes a difference.
I think a good bit of the weight difference with the aftermarket chromed Z06 wheels, is the wheels, regardless of finish are much heavier. I know the knockoff ZR1 wheels I had on my 95 I weighed on a bathroom scale, and they were 6lbs heavier than the documented weight of an OEM wheel (both painted finish).
Definitely give CCW a look, both their track 3-piece wheels and new 19" forged series are VERY light (though not quite as light as the stockers), however they're forged so they're a bit stronger. Keep in mind too that different tire brands (not just sizes) make a difference - I was surprised at how light a Supercar F1 tire is compared to say a Michelin Pilot in the same size.
Seeya -
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,300
Likes: 33
From: Houston Texas
Originally Posted by DT
Howdy!
FWIW...
The consideration of chrome weight came up on another forum a few years ago, and a wheel vendor weighed a matching model wheel, same size, painted finish vs. chrome, and the results were ~ 1lb difference. I honestly don't remember the wheel size (obviously bigger wheels, mean more chrome mean more weight, but this vendor sold mostly 18"+ sizes). I guess there's some difference in the plating technique as well (like triple plated) that makes a difference.
I think a good bit of the weight difference with the aftermarket chromed Z06 wheels, is the wheels, regardless of finish are much heavier. I know the knockoff ZR1 wheels I had on my 95 I weighed on a bathroom scale, and they were 6lbs heavier than the documented weight of an OEM wheel (both painted finish).
Definitely give CCW a look, both their track 3-piece wheels and new 19" forged series are VERY light (though not quite as light as the stockers), however they're forged so they're a bit stronger. Keep in mind too that different tire brands (not just sizes) make a difference - I was surprised at how light a Supercar F1 tire is compared to say a Michelin Pilot in the same size.
Seeya -
FWIW...
The consideration of chrome weight came up on another forum a few years ago, and a wheel vendor weighed a matching model wheel, same size, painted finish vs. chrome, and the results were ~ 1lb difference. I honestly don't remember the wheel size (obviously bigger wheels, mean more chrome mean more weight, but this vendor sold mostly 18"+ sizes). I guess there's some difference in the plating technique as well (like triple plated) that makes a difference.
I think a good bit of the weight difference with the aftermarket chromed Z06 wheels, is the wheels, regardless of finish are much heavier. I know the knockoff ZR1 wheels I had on my 95 I weighed on a bathroom scale, and they were 6lbs heavier than the documented weight of an OEM wheel (both painted finish).
Definitely give CCW a look, both their track 3-piece wheels and new 19" forged series are VERY light (though not quite as light as the stockers), however they're forged so they're a bit stronger. Keep in mind too that different tire brands (not just sizes) make a difference - I was surprised at how light a Supercar F1 tire is compared to say a Michelin Pilot in the same size.
Seeya -
You bring up a good point on tire weights. Does anyone know what a chrome 18 in. GM Z06 wheel weighs?
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Az
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Originally Posted by DKTZ06
I believe Kodiak wheels are the lightest that I've seen in Z06 sizes. Expensive wheels though. For lightweight wheels, CCW's are the best bang-for-the-buck, IMO. If you plan on racing on these wheels, I would not recommend the SSR Competitions ... there is a well documented issue with those wheels cracking over time.
thanks!
Pete
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 609
Likes: 36
From: Portland OR
Fikse's are pretty damn light and really aren't much more expensive then some of the wheels listed in this forum. Plus they are very strong with excellent costomer support. I had FM5's on my WS6 I just don't know if I like them on the Z06..... Wish I could see one in person to help decide. If not those I'll probably just get the stock ones chromed. If the CCW's 505's came in 18's I'd be all over them but I'm not interested in 19's....
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 609
Likes: 36
From: Portland OR
Originally Posted by Johnny S
Fikse's are also some of the best looking wheels out there IMO. The FM5 and FM10's both look great on Vette's. Expect to spend around $1000/wheel.
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 2
From: San Clemente CA
Originally Posted by C5Longhorn
You bring up a good point on tire weights. Does anyone know what a chrome 18 in. GM Z06 wheel weighs?
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Az
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Originally Posted by SoldmyWS64AC5
Fikse's are pretty damn light and really aren't much more expensive then some of the wheels listed in this forum. Plus they are very strong with excellent costomer support. I had FM5's on my WS6 I just don't know if I like them on the Z06..... Wish I could see one in person to help decide. If not those I'll probably just get the stock ones chromed. If the CCW's 505's came in 18's I'd be all over them but I'm not interested in 19's....
I think I saw a few pics of the fm5's on a vette on the Fiske website
I am saving for those bad boys right now, it is a very clean subtle look
Pete
