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So I'm gearing up for the first track day since getting my GS and have been reading about all the OEM wheel cracking issues. It seems APEX provides a good alternative with forged wheels and enough clearance for Z07 brakes and suspension; is this true? Also, does APEX provide any forum discounts or similar for orders? I would have preferred to wait until Black Friday, but track day is the 20th. I'd appreciate any thoughts or opinions. Thanks for reading!
I run forged APEX wheels on my GS. I'm on iron/steel, so they are dimensionally larger than the CCB and the clearance is perfect. They laser scan the car and suspension when building out the offset and spokes for each of the confirmed fitments.
Mine were purchased during a group buy on gangup. APEX does offer sales for some of the various holiday weekends, labor day, memorial day, etc. It will likely equate to about $350 off a set of forged wheels, so if you can wait then that's the potential savings usually. Sometimes they will be doing a close out on flow formed and you'll see a very substantial discount. Racing teammate of mine got about $1,200 off a set of flow formed by waiting for a sale weekend.
If you are tracking the car on November 20th, then I would say you just bite the bullet and spend a little more. You could always call and see if they can work you a deal.
I run forged APEX wheels on my GS. I'm on iron/steel, so they are dimensionally larger than the CCB and the clearance is perfect. They laser scan the car and suspension when building out the offset and spokes for each of the confirmed fitments.
Mine were purchased during a group buy on gangup. APEX does offer sales for some of the various holiday weekends, labor day, memorial day, etc. It will likely equate to about $350 off a set of forged wheels, so if you can wait then that's the potential savings usually. Sometimes they will be doing a close out on flow formed and you'll see a very substantial discount. Racing teammate of mine got about $1,200 off a set of flow formed by waiting for a sale weekend.
If you are tracking the car on November 20th, then I would say you just bite the bullet and spend a little more. You could always call and see if they can work you a deal.
Thanks for the response. That's comforting to hear that both the rims fit and that they're used by those tracking. Unfortunately, track day is Oct 20th haha. I might just have to bite the bullet as cracking my rim will certainly cost more than the potential savings. Much appreciated!
Thanks for the response. That's comforting to hear that both the rims fit and that they're used by those tracking. Unfortunately, track day is Oct 20th haha. I might just have to bite the bullet as cracking my rim will certainly cost more than the potential savings. Much appreciated!
Well, maybe just run the factory one. It might crack, then you can wait on a deal later.
I have 2 sets of apex SM10 flow forged wheels.
They are reasonably light, inexpensive (all relative), and strong.
I use the curbing aggressively in all the appropriate places no cracks or bends.
I have also used them on all my BMW track cars for many years.
Black Friday is a good time to buy. Keep your eyes in the for sale as they post up sales etc.
The bending/cracking of the stock wheels happen on the street due to impact loading from potholes and abrupt road transitions, which isn't something your going to run across on track. I personally bent one on a pothole but luckily a wheel guy was able to bend it back but I'd have no concerns tracking the car on them. The stock tires are stupid expensive to run though.
Note the inexpensive Apex wheels (SM10) are flow formed, not fully forged out of billet. I have a set of them and also a set of Forgestars both in 18's and I'd give the nod to the Apex. They are a great bang for the buck compared to fully forged wheels and being able to run cheaper 18" tires will pay for them many times over.
Factory wheels on lousy roads are the problem. My wife destroyed 4 Mercedes wheels on potholes. The Mercedes dealer refuses to replace them.
I had them welded 3 times, they crack again, so I just replace them now.
I have run the factory's wide-body wheels on track several times without cracking them. Hammered the rumble strips at speeds up to 120 mph without cracking or bending.
Thanks for the replies everyone. I ended up getting a set of Apex wheels for track use. Half because of wheel cracking fears and half so that I can have a set of more comfortable and cheap tires for street use.
Always a good idea to have a second set of wheels. I have 2 sets and always bring an extra set to the track. I have been tracking the stock wheels since 2015 and have never had a crack or bend. Still a wise move to buy a set of apex wheels. I have been thinking of getting a set as well.