Anyone running replica/reproduction wheels? Quality?
 

I'm looking into new wheels for my Z06. I want to go with gloss black wheels in Z06 OEM size. To buy OEM Speedline wheels and have them powdercoated gloss black will be approximately $1100-1300. To buy replica wheels that are already powdercoated gloss black is $800.

I've spoken to a couple vendors and, while they offer me the replica wheels, they say they're cheap Chinese stuff that's prone to either breaking or not driving straight. Is this true? I've seen hundreds of people on this forum running replica wheels and don't see many complaints about them. I know knockoff items are generally less reliable than the authentic items, but I'm not so sure that replica Z06 wheels are automatically going to break in half when I drive them.

It basically comes down to a price thing. It's going to be about $800 for replica black wheels and $1200 for authentic black wheels. If they are similar quality, the choice is clear. But if the replicas really are that unreliable, then it's worth the extra money.

Anyone have replica wheels that went bad on them? Anyone have replica wheels that have given them zero problems? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

I've got replicas with thousands of miles on them with no problems at all! Go for it and save the money!

I learned a long time ago that you get what you pay for. Get quality the first time and you won't have to worry about things breaking.

So you have used replicas and had them break?:lurk:

I've had and have replica wheels on all my c4s, c5s and c6. All sizes. Lots of drag racing. Never had a single issue with any of them. They balance well, track well hold up well. They are a tad heavier usually. I've had high dollar maya wheels too. Bent them A few times on pot holes. Had them fixed for a pretty penny. If you bend a replica wheel, you can just buy one wheel and replace it. My 2 cents

I have replica spiders on my coupe. Not Z06 size though. Having a balance problem but hopefully a road force balance next week will take care of it. It's just a little vibration which starts at about 75MPH. In truth the factory set up did the same thing at 80MPH. I love the look and even if the balance never gets better I am happy.

:iagree: just have the run-out checked prior to mounting tires and you'll be fine.

Most of the repro companies that were putting out garbage have killed themselves off. They no longer exist. Like any wheel, you can get a bad one once in a while.

The factory GM wheels on my 2009 C6 say made in China. Go figure?

Never had a problem over many years with multiple vehicles.

You will be fine with repro's. Just have them put on a balancer before you have the tires mounted. That way you can see if the are out of round. I have had good ones and bad ones. Factory reproductions will pay the shipping back if any are bad.

Is this just a generic statement, or did you actually have replica wheels and have something wrong with them?

I know that, in general, you get what you pay for, and a replica is not as good as OEM. But I'm asking in a specific context of C6 Corvette replica wheels. I haven't seen much evidence that there's anything wrong with these replica wheels.

If I'll never notice any difference, doesn't it make sense to go for the $800 wheels and not the $1200 wheels?

I had them on my 05 and never had a problem

I've been using repro wheels for 3 years, and lot's of road trips, and not one issue. In fact, the repro wheels balance easier than the OEM's used to.
I'd buy them again in a heartbeat :thumbs:

I know that many on this forum have used the replica wheels with good results. While I have lusted after the replica spyders for some time now, I just can't justify replacing my OEM FORGED wheels with them...just not happy with the quality of any goods I see coming from China these days.....:sadangel:

By that logic you should always buy the most expensive item. Costs doesn't always make something better. I could understand if he was asking about buying some $300 ebay wheels but even reputable vendors here sell repo wheels.

Plently of people run replicas all over. For the most part they are great. They usually weight more so that can hinder performance a little.

I'd say it really depends. I've had good luck w. one firm but read of many who have had bad luck w. other firms. Yet, there are some who report no issues with any repro wheel firm.

OEM wheels are made in China also.

I have had 2 sets of Factory Reproductions on my 07. Have not had a problem with either set. Over 80,000 miles on the repros. Have black spiders now.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...1358275234.jpg THEY WORK FOR ME... :D

I can't remember if we are allowed to post ebay links or not, but here's some of the wheels I'm looking at. They are made by Factory Reproductions in California which, I'm sure, just imports them from China.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/18X9-5-19X12...item1c2c355c8e

$600 plus shipping for replicas, or $1200 plus shipping for OEM..hmm...

The wheels on the C5 in my sig are repro Z06 wheels I got from Bob's. I got them to replace the original wheels and one of the first things I noticed was how much heavier they were than the stock OEM's. They looked good and had no issues, but they were noticeably heavier. And as we know, heavier wheels do not enhance the driving experience.

So like I said, you get what you pay for.