Does anybody know of any problems with the optional magnesium wheels? I've heard they are soft and easily marked. Also heard the wheels do not have any longevity, in other words they look like hell after alot of miles and warp. Any truth? Thinking of buying a set. Thanks.

 

On certain colors, they look great. I have them on a DMGM and love them. However, they are a PITA. If you have a good painter available, this is no problem, since it is very easy to repair the paint. But if you don't want to put up with a painted wheel, forget it, since they will show abuse.

 

No problems with mine so far. Bought a used set here on the forum about 6 months ago. Touched them up myself with a can color-matched paint before installing. Still look beautiful

 

I have a set on a DBGM coupe. They look great but It was difficult to find someone to mount the tires. They did mark up the inside of the rim but I put the weights on the inside so they look great.

 

Use masking tape around the rims when mounting the tire.

I have a set for sale complete w/ sensors & EMT which still have 6-7/32 left on them. Will not break it up for now.

You can also have them polished. Look awsome & easy to maintain. Just need to wipe them w/ metal polish every now & then when they start to look dull.

 

Nice setup/sleeper I hope?any pics/Dave S.

 

Mag wheels are very strong... and light. Wouldn't worry about durability or longevity. As far as polishing goes... I have seen some look better than aluminum with the luster being much brighter. However, polishing of Mag wheels and leaving them unprotected (No clear - paint or powdercoat) will require constant attention to them. Unprotected magnesium and the oxygen in the air create Magnesium Oxide at an accelerated rate. If you are a detail nut and stay on top of them its no big deal... but drive in the elements for a month without touching them and all the sudden they look grey and dull. Mag is chore to keep up compared to aluminum or chrome, IMO :)

:cheers:

 

Hey does anyone know what size they are?
Are they 17x8.5 & 18x9.5 or are they 17x9.5 & 18x10.5?

I'm interested in figuring out the best tire size for the lightest tire wheel package for road racing. :auto:


[Modified by C5stein, 9:11 PM 1/13/2003]

 

17X8.5 and 18X9.5 :)

 

Thanks Bill.

I've heard that they leak air. Any truth to that?

 

No, not true!
Frederik

 

:bs :bs :bs
Will of had mine 3 years in March, no issues. X-crossing, dragracing , High speed etc....wore the tread off the rears w/o rim problems.
They will chip because they are painted, so watch those tools around them.
I also have a spare set w/o issues :yesnod:
Keep them waxed like the body and all is good!
They sure look :cool: polished


[Modified by ALLTHROTTLE&NOBOTTLE, 6:57 AM 1/14/2003]

 

Did you have these wheels Polished...or Chromed?

 

Quote: "I'm interested in figuring out the best tire size for the lightest tire wheel package for road racing."

I share your thoughts and that is why I have removed about 250 pounds from my C4, although I just use my car on public roads. I can only comment on size and weight not on traction for road racing. To help get the weight loss I selected 17 X8.5 C5 magnesiums for all 4 corners. Weight 17 pounds each. Also allows rotation front to rear. I also selected Goodyear 275-40 GS-C's for 2 reasons: they are one of only 3 tires in the 275 width that are recommended for use on a 8.5 inch rim, and they only weigh 26.4 pounds each.

Many people on this forum like Kumo's and other tires for better traction and/or price. But these other tires do not fit 8.5 inch rims and most of them weigh around 30 pounds each. I have not found any other street tire that weighs 26.4 pounds, or one that is even close. (Loosing weight that rotates at axle speed is about 3 times as effective as loosing general sprung weight in terms of acceleration.)

I think my combination is the lightest for street driving with a 275 wide tire. There are racing tires that weigh around 23 to 24 pounds each in the 17 inch x 275 size, but they will not fit a 8.5 inch rim. You will probably have to use the 18 x 9.5 magnesium wheels (19 pounds each) and go up in weight and diameter if you want a 275 or wider 18" racing tire.
FrankLT4CE
:chevy