Holy C7

Hello forum friends,

Im not sure if this has been posted before, but figured I would share in case there are others out there who have not noticed.

I like the look of the Z51 wheels, especially in chrome, but noticed there is a significant difference between the OEM and reproduction versions. I have seen some pictures of the repro versions on C7's and think they look good; they also give many people the option of switching out their non Z51 wheels, should they like that look better. I must say though, that the OEM wheels look a tad better. The split spokes on the OEM's, especially looking at them from the center to the tire, have more of a "pronounced" look to them.

Take a look at the photos below. First one is OEM and second is a reproduction.

Glen e

not sure what you are asking,..the repro is a cast wheel and the OEM is forged. Big diff in strength...

Holy C7

Thank You for telling me this Glen, I did not know the OEM Z51's were forged. Deff a big diff in strength, for sure!

I just figured I would post this in case there are others out there that did not notice difference.

Holy C7

Glen,

Are the standard OEM non Z51 wheels forged too?

Corvette ED

The chrome on the factory wheels is much better. All the aftermarket wheels the chrome pits or peels after a while.

Holy C7

Thanks for the info.

I will be ordering my C7 within the next few weeks and the only decision I cant decide on, is to order the car with the base wheels and then upgrade to aftermarket (or repro Z51 wheels) or just get the ZF1 appearance package with the optional factory chrome. After learning this info, Im leaning towards ZF1 option with chrome wheels.

123vette456

Nice but an expensive way to go just to get the wheels.

0v3rc10ck3d

Just get the full Z51 package if you can swing it

Tulsaeasyrider

You get more than just Z51 wheels, you get tires too! On the other hand, if you get the base with 18 & 19' wheels, you can order the aftermarket Z51 wheels (or, another design entirely) AND get wider tires as well.

Glen e

several diff opin on this... I think base is cast, z51 is forged

BIC

Base wheels are cast; Z51 forged. Not an opinion, Chevy says so.

11B250

I def see the diff and prefer the OEM one. I also like the little corvette writing on the edge. Also being forged is a bonus which I didn't know.

BIC

I would guess that a good part of the cost for the ZF1 or Z51 packages is the forged wheels which typically cost a couple thousand more for a set than cast wheels.

As a side note, if you have the OEM Z51 wheels, think twice before replacing them with an inferior cast wheel that "looks better."

Holy C7

Thanks for the replies and helpful info. guys.

Z51 is kind of a waste for me simply because I will not be tracking the car. Im leaning towards going with the ZF1 package because not only do I get the Z51 wheels (which I now know are forged), but I also get the larger tires along with the rear spoiler, all of which I like.

I know one option instead of giving GM almost 2K for chrome wheels is to do a chrome wheel exchange like I did on my 05' C6. I did it through West Coast Corvettes. The way it works is, they send you four GM triple chrome plated wheels, which you get mounted and then you send them back your original, non chrome wheels. You can save around 800.00 bucks going that route. Whats nice is, they only do exchanges on factory GM wheels of the same style. The chrome plating they do is great and the car still looks great to this day...no pitting, etc.

BIC

Are you getting the NPP exhaust on the base car? If so, the ZF1 is $2000; the exhaust is $1200. That's $3200, which is only an $1800 jump away to the Z51 at $5000. If you're getting the car at credit union/supplier price, it's only about a $1600 jump to the Z51.

rothchilds

yes but not everyone wants the dry sump or the stiffer suspension. sometimes you just have to say enough is enough, there is always something $1600 away

Mdm23

That's not what he was referring to. I've noticed the difference he's mentioned. Take a look at the lug hole area and the base of each fork. The oem wheel has much more definition around those areas. The reproduction wheels appear especially off in those areas. Normally reproduction wheels seem pretty identical to me, but these would be unacceptable if I was in the market.

VaTech68

In answer to original comment about appearance, I found the chrome wheels manufactured for Factory Reproductions to be nearly identical to my original chrome Z51 wheels. The barrels are not painted, which I like better. As mentioned, the Corvette logo is missing and they are cast. Too early to comment on durability of chrome finish, but there is a two year warranty on the finish. I mounted Michelin A/S 3's on the wheels for cold weather driving to maintain the look that I prefer all year. No plans for track use.

Holy C7

I do like the fact that the barrels are not painted too.

Where did you get your repro Z51's from? The ones I posted a picture of are quite different than the OEMs. Perhaps a different company got them spot on?

Glen e

Exactly, im not paying for stuff i dont use , and the added features of complexity of ediff and dry sump. Oh yeah the brakes are dirty within 100 feet of rolling.....no thanks