Since many cast wheels are as light as their forged counterparts, what is the advantage in buying forged wheels? I've read that forged wheels are stronger, but as far as real world driving goes, would this extra strength provide any real benefit? When/where would this extra strength come into play?

 

Subscribing...interested in responses!

 

If you drive over a pothole, less risk of a bent rim. I bent my stock cast 350Z rim this way (I don't have the forged RAYS).

As far as weights go. Which cast wheels weigh as little as the Volk TE37 or Nismo LMGT4, all else being equal (size and width)? Genuine question, there could be cast wheels that light - but I don't know which wheels they are.

 

Two issues come to mind: first, forged wheels are generally lighter than cast ones. Lighter wheels really do offer a handling advantage and can maximize the amount of reciprocating power that a powertrain puts out.

Second, consider the fact that all wheels have a limited service life. Forged wheels, with a different molecular structure than cast, offer a longer lifespan. This is particularly important on the track, but can also apply to street wheels as well.

 

two wheels with similar designs ie spokes, widths, diameters with the same weight but one being forged and one being cast, the forged one will always be stronger because of the metal structure lending additional strength. Lightweight cast wheels tend to be easily damaged

 

There are several methods used in wheel manufacturing. One particular method does not guarantee that it will be stronger than another.

Look for wheels with these certifications:

JWL (JAPAN LIGHT ALLOY WHEEL): The technical standard for Light Alloy Disc Wheels for Passenger Car approved by Ministry of Transport (MOT)

VIA (VEHICLE INSPECTION ASSOCIATION) Registration System: VIA marking can only be engraved on the wheel is registered by Japan Light Alloy Automotive Wheel Testing Council after strict quality tests by the authorized testing facility on the adaptability of JWL or JWL technical standard.


Also consider the design such as BBS above. Look at the way the force of a shock (pothole) is distributed throughout the wheel.


Now consider a 5-spoke wheel. Imagine hitting the edge of a pothole between any two spokes.

 

Enkei & ADVAN have a proprietary casting process called M.A.T. that produces an exceptionally light and strong cast wheel on par with a forged wheel. My 19" ADVAN RS wheels in 19 X10 are 19.2 lbs and considered very strong. ADVANS are a very popular race wheel in the JGTC circuit. And of course Enkei used to make Formula 1 wheels.

http://www.enkei.com/technology.html

JET

 

Enkei still does make wheels for McLaren; whether they use MAT or forging processes is another story.

For daily driving, on a perfect road, there isn't a significant difference to go forged or cast

There's an interesting story about Corvette Racing switching from BBS to OZ and back again; I'll post it during lunch break

 

I find your statement to be a bit misleading. By far, the majority of forged wheels will be lighter than their cast counterparts. Sure some like the Cast BBS RK/RC and the OZ super/ultraleggeras are light, but the main benefit of the forged is in the wheels strength. And eveyone will agree that a forged wheel of the same weight/size as a cast wheel will be stronger than the cast one.

 

You are welcome.

 

Generally, since forged aluminium is stronger, less material is used to reduce weight. Forged wheels aren't always stronger.

 

Yes, forged is lighter and stronger. Cast wheel is more likely to damage with low profile tires.

 

I don't agreee with this statement. It depends on the design of both wheels. A 19 lb 1 piece forged wheel won't be stronger than a 27 pound 1 piece cast wheel.

Pound for pound forged will be stronger. The M.A.T. process wheels really don't belong in the cast wheel category. The grain structure is closer to a forging than a casting.

JET

 

In my 20 years of using performance wheels (yeah, I'm older than most of you all), I've found the benefits of forged vs cast are negligible. Any wheel can be bent or broken. Forged lips are the worst cause they are lighter and less dense. There are so many cast processes so buy the best one. Work, Maya, lowenhart, Racinghart and MRR uses the best casting process. Enkei and TSW are good too.
Less weight doesn't mean much to me since I'm not a racer.

Bottom line....high end wheels have that look. Once you buy a set, it's hard to change back.

 

TSW used to be one of the softest wheels you could buy. Has something changed? I had a set of Hokenheims on my Audi and they bent like every week.

JET

 

The structural grain on the molecular level is the key. Forging compresses the structural grain of the aluminum and induces a less porous and more dense alloy than casting. With more dense structure, less material can be utilized for an equally strong cast wheel, not to mention the weight savings.

The extra strength is relative but should be put into consideration. Enkei manufactures a lot of wheel brands out there (AME, Takechi Project Harts, Blitz, Advan, list goes on and on). Enkei did utilize forging in some of their wheels such as Blitz, but the costs of the wheels are just as chic as they are. Enkei now employ some neat tricks up their sleeve including MAT (rolling forged) and hollow spoke technology. These methods help induce a stronger overall wheel structure without the high cost of forging. Forged wheels are expensive due to the process. Imagine a huge 2000 ton press stamping each wheel disc opposed to gravity casting in lots...

As for real world applications, all wheels available on the market are probably safe to use. If you are a hard driver that run over railroad tracks while picking your nose at high speeds, I'd suggest a strong wheel to start with, otherwise any respectable wheel will suffice.

Instead of looking straight at forging versus casting, I'd research a company's background and wheel designs before plunging your cash. I purchased some Volk GT-C's eons ago and was happy with them... but if I could rewind time, I'd rather spend less money on wheels that were more suited for me, such as Enkei's RPF01.

 

Here is what President of Work Wheels, Takeshi Tanaka had to say in a recent interview:

"When it comes to racing, we support Super Taikyu and Super GT teams with forged Emotions. If you’re a car guy looking for a wheel and you’re not [racing on the track], you really don’t need a forged wheel. For the competitive purposes wheels, forged is better. For the street a cast wheel has more absorption qualities. When it comes to racing, a forged wheel is a must--this reduces overall weight and rotational mass.
But for any other market it doesn’t have to be forged, this isn’t necessarily a requirement. Pricing does factor into processes, however. Even though the process is much more costly, more expensive wheels should be forged, because of the expectation from the customer."

 

That's kind of tricky... because he claims Work Emotions are forged... but Work Emotions are not forged in the way Rays forges their wheels... the process is different...

Read this thread... which I found to be very informative when I made my choice to go with Advan RGII (made with Enkei's M.A.T process)...

https://my350z.com/forum/wheels-and-tires/156116-ssr-what.html

 

Work Emotions that you and I can buy are cast. He's talking about special forged Emotions made for Super Taikyu and Super GT.

 

Where'd you come up with this?