OEM versus Reproduction Wheels
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 839
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From: Bridgeton NJ
OEM versus Reproduction Wheels
Can anyone tell me the advantages (if any) of OEM wheels over repros? I am looking at 2000-2002 wheels for my '99 and I noticed that OEM wheels are sometimes $600 more than reproduction wheels. Is there a disadvantage to getting the repros and saving some $? Do they have a different appearance? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. :confused:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Burlington ON
Cruise-In I, II, III, IV & V Veteran
CI-I & II Auto-X Champ
Re: OEM versus Reproduction Wheels (6spdNavy99)
Reproduction wheels are usually CAST and OEM wheels are usually FORGED.
Theoretically, on a thin spoke wheel like the 00-02's, if you drive the car pretty hard or live in an area with rough roads, you should spend the extra cash and get FORGED OEM wheels. However, we have sold MANY sets of 00-02 Reproduction rims and have never had one come back with a crack.
Theoretically, on a thin spoke wheel like the 00-02's, if you drive the car pretty hard or live in an area with rough roads, you should spend the extra cash and get FORGED OEM wheels. However, we have sold MANY sets of 00-02 Reproduction rims and have never had one come back with a crack.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: PERCUSSIVE MAINTENANCE: The art of whacking the crap out of an electronic device to get it to work.
Re: OEM versus Reproduction Wheels (6spdNavy99)
Forged wheels are stronger than cast wheels. Cast wheels usually have bubbles in the wheels and that's why they're weaker.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Hockessin DE
Re: OEM versus Reproduction Wheels (ZEEEE 06)
The OEM Y2K wheel is forged while the aftermarket wheels are usually cast and slightly thicker to make up for being slightly weaker. The forging process puts the metal under extreme pressure and orients the molecules rather than allowing them to be random as in casting. Think of wood being oriented fibers (grain) and cotton being short random fibers. Not a great analogy, but hopefully it gets the idea across. Spin casting gives the metal some orientation and is stronger than low pressure casting but it's still not as strong as forging. Since most wheels are cast, it makes a safe wheel. Most high end street and race wheels are forged centers (HRE, CCW, Fikse) with spun rims. The process is more expensive and so is the product. :yesnod:
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