y2k replica wheels or gm?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: clifton park ny
y2k replica wheels or gm?
i want to upgrade to y2k wheels on my 97. i have noticed alot of replica wheels offered. Is there a differance between the replica's and gm's such as weight,quality ect or are you just paying for the gm stamp?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,427
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From: Central FL
Re: y2k replica wheels or gm? (John Shiels)
I understand your concern for the quality of the wheels but, I don't understand how those of you that stated that the GM wheels are better arrived at this conclusion. Have there been scientific studies concerning this or is it that if the rim isn't GM it can't be as good? I have stock GM wheels (made in Italy by Speedline) but I don't know that they are better than others. Surely, if these replicas were substandard we would have heard of rim failures and the resulting accidents. This would lead to lawsuits and recalls. I just haven't seen any of this. Have any of you? :confused:
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Re: y2k replica wheels or gm? (jdavis)
The GM Y2K rims are forged while the aftermarket ones are cast. The GM wheels are a little lighter due to the forging. With the GM wheels you can go for either the high polish or the early Y2K painted wheel. The late Y2K painted wheel has wider spokes and is a casting.
Bill
Bill
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,931
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From: Tx
Re: y2k replica wheels or gm? (Bill Dearborn)
Based on the last post.
Are you saying that some 2000 style wheels have slightly different spoke width than others?
I just did the chrome plating wheel trade with WCC and noticed that the chrome wheels I received had different GM engravings compared to my 2002 painted ones. I just figured GM found a different OEM and the specs were the same? The painted ones also said made in Italy.
Should I be concerned? I just assumed 2k and up rims are identical. If not, I’ll have to give them a call and start complaining.
Are you saying that some 2000 style wheels have slightly different spoke width than others?
I just did the chrome plating wheel trade with WCC and noticed that the chrome wheels I received had different GM engravings compared to my 2002 painted ones. I just figured GM found a different OEM and the specs were the same? The painted ones also said made in Italy.
Should I be concerned? I just assumed 2k and up rims are identical. If not, I’ll have to give them a call and start complaining.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 2
From: Tx
Re: y2k replica wheels or gm? (2000^C5)
Wow! Thanks for the info. I don’t know if I would have ever figured this out without the forum.
I had no idea there were actually 2 different revs of y2k style rims.
I thought the ones I received were slightly different, but assumed it was an optical illusion created by the mirror effect of the chrome. On closer inspection, there is definitely a difference. It's minor, but I like the newer style much better. I also don't like the idea of having older rims on my 2002.
I called west coast corvettes and am negotiating a resolution to the problem. I mounted them, but they sent me the wrong rims and had no facility or prompt for me to indicate the correct style in the ordering process. If I would have known there were different styles, I would have noticed the problem before I mounted them:mad
Does anyone know when GM switched to the new style? WWC told me that the polished rims now being put on 2002s are still in the old style. I had painted ones, and would like to know when the switch was made.
Maybe I should just take what I got and be happy with them. Don't really know why it bothers me so much.
[Modified by QuickSilver2002, 3:16 AM 3/26/2002]
[Modified by QuickSilver2002, 3:17 AM 3/26/2002]
I had no idea there were actually 2 different revs of y2k style rims.
I thought the ones I received were slightly different, but assumed it was an optical illusion created by the mirror effect of the chrome. On closer inspection, there is definitely a difference. It's minor, but I like the newer style much better. I also don't like the idea of having older rims on my 2002.
I called west coast corvettes and am negotiating a resolution to the problem. I mounted them, but they sent me the wrong rims and had no facility or prompt for me to indicate the correct style in the ordering process. If I would have known there were different styles, I would have noticed the problem before I mounted them:mad
Does anyone know when GM switched to the new style? WWC told me that the polished rims now being put on 2002s are still in the old style. I had painted ones, and would like to know when the switch was made.
Maybe I should just take what I got and be happy with them. Don't really know why it bothers me so much.
[Modified by QuickSilver2002, 3:16 AM 3/26/2002]
[Modified by QuickSilver2002, 3:17 AM 3/26/2002]
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Arlington TX
Re: y2k replica wheels or gm? (ls1power)
I have a set of factory Chrome plated Y2K thin spoke wheels I will let go for the right price. I'm going with the replica, wider chromed wheels to fit wider meats in the fenderwells... :yesnod: :yesnod:
make me an offer for mine! also have a real good set of BFG KD's :D
:yesnod: :yesnod:
make me an offer for mine! also have a real good set of BFG KD's :D
:yesnod: :yesnod:
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: North NJ
Re: y2k replica wheels or gm? (Mitch C)
If you check out the ad for CWS, Corvette Wheel Specialist in VETTE Magazine, you can see the difference between the 2000 and 2001/2 wheels.
Does anyone know the reason for this difference?
http://www.vettewheel.com/
[Modified by RichS23, 1:25 AM 3/27/2002]
Does anyone know the reason for this difference?
http://www.vettewheel.com/
[Modified by RichS23, 1:25 AM 3/27/2002]
