CF Wheels??
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,768
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From: Myrtle Beach SC/Charlotte NC
CF Wheels??
So while I am sitting around waiting for my Z06 order I have been looking at wheels. All my trucks when new usually get the OEM suspension, wheels and tires replaced with better higher performance kit so I am familiar with aftermarket wheels but….
As I am looking around I see CF wheels going for like $22K for a set of 4
…. I don't see any scenario where I would part with that much of my cashola for wheels….has nothing to do with being able to afford them but rather “Bang for Buck”…..I get the “cool” factor, but let’s say you couldn't tell by looking at a wheel that it was CF, would most buyers even buy them? Is it mostly a bragging right thing? There are so many great looking forged wheel options out there for a fraction of the price….
As I am looking around I see CF wheels going for like $22K for a set of 4
…. I don't see any scenario where I would part with that much of my cashola for wheels….has nothing to do with being able to afford them but rather “Bang for Buck”…..I get the “cool” factor, but let’s say you couldn't tell by looking at a wheel that it was CF, would most buyers even buy them? Is it mostly a bragging right thing? There are so many great looking forged wheel options out there for a fraction of the price….
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I agree, I'd be too worried about curbing one of the wheels or God forbid hitting a pothole
Safety Car
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From: Oro Valley Arizona
When Too Is Too Much
Would you drive a car with $20K wheels to Walmart? On these wheels that are comparatively delicate? That could chip, crack, or delaminate? And can't be repaired. But I'm too poor to care.
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CF wheels - not the kind of price I would pay for a set. Like was said, there are so many great looking forged wheels out there for a fraction of the price.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,088
Likes: 1,075
From: TX
So while I am sitting around waiting for my Z06 order I have been looking at wheels. All my trucks when new usually get the OEM suspension, wheels and tires replaced with better higher performance kit so I am familiar with aftermarket wheels but….
As I am looking around I see CF wheels going for like $22K for a set of 4…. I don't see any scenario where I would part with that much of my cashola for wheels….has nothing to do with being able to afford them but rather “Bang for Buck”…..I get the “cool” factor, but let’s say you couldn't tell by looking at a wheel that it was CF, would most buyers even buy them? Is it mostly a bragging right thing? There are so many great looking forged wheel options out there for a fraction of the price….
As I am looking around I see CF wheels going for like $22K for a set of 4
…. I don't see any scenario where I would part with that much of my cashola for wheels….has nothing to do with being able to afford them but rather “Bang for Buck”…..I get the “cool” factor, but let’s say you couldn't tell by looking at a wheel that it was CF, would most buyers even buy them? Is it mostly a bragging right thing? There are so many great looking forged wheel options out there for a fraction of the price….So if you like them and want the look without forking out those big bills you have a couple options. The first is hydro dipped wheels. The second and one of the most popular that I found when I was searching for wheels is a fully forged wheel with a 100% real carbon fiber inlay on the lip like these. They are about 6k I think. Really cool 2 piece wheels. I think they are a good show wheel, but as others have said. If something hits the lip or inner lip depending on the design you have. It may nick them up. However. Since its a 2 piece wheel. I have heard of people PPFing the inner lips on the wheels like below to protect the carbon fiber if they are daily driving them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,317
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From: San Antonio, TX
I can't afford the Z06 or the CF wheels, but assuming that I could, I'd buy them. I like the style of the Z06 CF wheel ( 5 spoke star) more than the other Z06 options.
if not, I'd get some deep concave wheels.
if not, I'd get some deep concave wheels.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Southern California
I think of carbon fiber as an exciting engineering material but as a styling statement I can take it or leave it. At the current price point CF upgrades are usually a pass for me. However, over time the cost of CF will probably drop and, particularly when it comes to wheels, the tire shops will learn how to service them. For the time being CF wheels are of no interest to me (too expensive, too tricky to service and too easily damaged) but if you have the money and want them by all means go for it.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2024
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Absolutely! No other industry except for Cycling and Automotive do I succumb to this.
I've been staring at and buying aftermarket wheels for decades. Lots of beautiful aluminum options out there but nothing gets me excited except for the Visible Carbon wheel of course paired with the Carbon brakes.
Can't say if it's worth the money but it would appear to be beyond the point of diminishing returns.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 132
Likes: 96
Interesting discussion, when I submitted my build for an Eray I opted for Carbon Flash CF wheels. Since they are painted carbon flash, most people won't even know that they are made of carbon fiber.
My primary reason for doing so was,
A, I like the way that they look.
B, reportedly they help reduce road noise somewhat due to the sound dampening effects of carbon fiber vs aluminum. Tire road noise is about the only complaint that I have with the C8, which is of course due to the tires being so wide. I figured that anything that I can do to reduce road noise, all the better.
C, the light weight is nice, but not sure if I'll be able to tell the difference when driving or not.
Of course, with any wheel there are risks from road hazards. But I've talked to a couple of people that have CF wheels who actually drive their cars, and they haven't had any issues. Thinking ahead though, by going with the carbon flash painted version, hopefully it will be easier to repair one if I do get a minor scrape or chip.
My primary reason for doing so was,
A, I like the way that they look.
B, reportedly they help reduce road noise somewhat due to the sound dampening effects of carbon fiber vs aluminum. Tire road noise is about the only complaint that I have with the C8, which is of course due to the tires being so wide. I figured that anything that I can do to reduce road noise, all the better.
C, the light weight is nice, but not sure if I'll be able to tell the difference when driving or not.
Of course, with any wheel there are risks from road hazards. But I've talked to a couple of people that have CF wheels who actually drive their cars, and they haven't had any issues. Thinking ahead though, by going with the carbon flash painted version, hopefully it will be easier to repair one if I do get a minor scrape or chip.