oem wheels vs. forged.......weght vs. functionality

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Oct 6, 2010 | 02:02 PM

C U IN REARVEIW

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2009

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From: ocean springs mississippi

oem wheels vs. forged.......weght vs. functionality

i am looking to buy some wheels to change the look of my vette...would love to get some forged....but what i am wondering is....is the benefits of a forged rim really that much better/more noticable??? as far as weight,cornering (rigidity),stability,ect.....or are they more just for show. im sure they are better than oem...but how much better...$5k ????

Oct 6, 2010 | 02:17 PM

NYC6

Team Owner

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From: Long Island New York

I'll let others debate the main issue here but I will offer, CCW forged wheels can be had new for a good amount under $5K.

Oct 6, 2010 | 04:05 PM

haljensen

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From: Austin Texas

Forged just means the way the wheel was manufactured, not its weight. All aluminum wheels begin life as a casting.

There are forged wheels heavier than stock cast wheels, it depends on the style of the wheel. If more metal is used in the design it will weigh more.

Oct 6, 2010 | 04:08 PM

C U IN REARVEIW

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Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2009

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From: ocean springs mississippi

Quote:

Originally Posted by haljensen

so is forged alot stronger? if im not road racing or dragging the car....do i need to worry about what wheels are stronger than others?

Oct 6, 2010 | 04:31 PM

haljensen

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From: Austin Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by C U IN REARVEIW

so is forged alot stronger? if im not road racing or dragging the car....do i need to worry about what wheels are stronger than others?

I haven't heard of any stock cast wheels failing even under racing conditions. If you hit something any wheel can fail.

Oct 6, 2010 | 04:36 PM

C U IN REARVEIW

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2009

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From: ocean springs mississippi

Quote:

Originally Posted by haljensen

I haven't heard of any stock cast wheels failing even under racing conditions. If you hit something any wheel can fail.

one more question...how much power saving is it per lb of reduced wheel weight (obviously the lighter the wheel the easier it is to turn)...thanks for your input.....

Oct 6, 2010 | 05:24 PM

trauma

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Quote:

Originally Posted by C U IN REARVEIW

one more question...how much power saving is it per lb of reduced wheel weight (obviously the lighter the wheel the easier it is to turn)...thanks for your input.....

The only way to figure that out would be a before and after dyno and the gains would be so small (assuming we're not talking about a 10lb+ difference per wheel) it could be construed as dyno variances. Also it will depend on where the extra weight is carried in the wheel. The closer the weight is to the center of the wheel the less effect it will have on power.