Since we all know all the smart car guys hang out in the FI forum, I figured I'd try posting this wheel-related question here instead of the wheels/tires forum Plus, it's loosely related to FI, right?

I'm thinking of having my 19" X 10.5" Volks widened an inch to 11.5, so I can put some really fat tires in the back, 315's to be exact. I found a company who specializes in widening wheels called Weldcraft Wheels.

What do you guys think? Good idea or bad idea? I'm not lowered, and I have no problem cutting or rolling my fenders. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Zivman, I know you disapprove, so I don't wanna hear it!

 

Is it safe ?

Is there a risk of cracking ?

uummmm...not to sure.

 

You know, I am planning to go same route myself, widen my fronts by a couple of inches, putting them in the back and moving my rears to the front and pack the wheel wells with "more rubber then a sailor on a shore leave" (got that one from SpoCom mag). I spoke to Weldcraft and they said that they have done it for people racing 1000whp Mustangs and Supras. And they do forged aluminum as well. I have RH CPF-tuners on.

 

Not what I would do. Assuming its a forged volk wheel you are going to murder the lightness of the wheel by cutting and welding in a section of steel not to mention ruin the properites of it. IMHO, sell the 10.5 and buy an 11.5 wheel if thats what you want to do. Or ditch the whole set and get a custom setup. HRE wheels can make them any size you want...

 

I don't think its necessary. Im running a 285 on a 9.5 and it fits flush. You should be able to fit a 315 on a 10.5 with no problem and have it look fine. The offset may be the only problem.

 

I don't think it will weigh it down that much, and if so, that's only gonna help my traction more I'd think. Plus, I like my GT-V's and frankly can't afford a custom set. The widest Volk makes is 11" and that's on an 18.


I thought about that, but I'm worried that I'll lose some traction and handling from the tires bulging out too far. My 295 PS2's bulge out as much as I'd like them too as is.

 

I don't believe that you can actually weld steel on aluminum or vice versa. I think that someone needs to find out if the weldcraft uses wheel specific materials.

 

You can't weld steel to aluminum and aluminum is very difficult to weld as it is. Like I said its not something I would do personally. I would sell the GT-Vs and get something like HREs instead. I know money is an issue but you could re-coup some by selling the GTVs.

 

They were closed when I called earlier; I'll call tomorrow to get more specifics. A guy on here had his Track rims widened and seems to love it so far.

 

Whoa, just checked pricing on HRE's. There's no way in HELL I can spend almost 5k on wheels alone without tires. I can get my Volks widened for 175 a pop. I just need to research more so I don't potentially ruin a brand new set of Volks.

Has anyone successfully mounted 315's on a 10.5" wheel? If so, what tires were used?

 

I've seen 305s on a 10.5" but not 315s. Its going to be bulgy I think with a 315 depending on the tire. I know HRE's are expensive but there really is no substitute for quality wheels custom made to your liking. HRE tests EVERY wheel desgin very thoroughly to ensure strength under all conditions. I know they are expensive but theres a reason while you see tons of Porshces, Vipers, vettes, and other high end cars running these on the track.

 

Since when is Aluminum "Hard" to weld? Heliarc welding is amongst the easiest I learned.

 

Hehe, I hear you Mia. I'd love to be able to afford those, but if I could afford those, I could afford the Porsche, Viper, or Vette to go along with them This damn turbo put me waaaayyyyy in the hole!

 

Maybe I should have said harder to weld the stainless or mild steel.

 

Yeah I hear you bro...I would just hate to see you mess up the balance of those wheels are worse yet loose the set all together if something goes wrong. Well I guess you could call HRE and see if they could do a GB or something and maybe get the price down. But if not I hope it works out for you...

 

AL welding is tricky, becuase the material has to prepped prior to welding, and you have to use precisely the right heat. Almost anyone can weld steel...AL takes more skill.

If you had a monoblock Volk, I would say no way. But since your wheel is 2 or 3 piece..not sure on the GT-V....I would say go for it.

Personally, I would never do such a thing, but if this company has a strong reputation without wheel failures, particularly under very heavy loads...then go for it.

 

I wouldnt do it. I would never have the piece of mind after something like that. Espcially at high speeds/joints in the road.

 

Haha, you're just waiting for someone to be the guinea pig, huh?

 

I didnt read the entire website, but how much does this procedure cost?

 

The guy who did his track rims there paid 175 per wheel.

https://my350z.com/forum/wheels-and-tires/152298-anybody-put-stock-rear-wheels-on-the-front.html