Good evening,

To start, I did search but terms like "two piece" turn up sooo many threads I could never sort them all. At any rate, I am looking to buy 19" rims in late March. They will be used for late spring, summer, and early fall driving. My track model rims will then be used exclusively for the track and winter.

First, I have some general questions about rims:[list=1][*]What are the advantages of a two piece rim? Is it that a bent outer can be replaced while keeping the hub section or is it something else?[*]What is the advantage of a monoblock (one piece) rim like the TE37?[*]Aside from being forged, what makes the strongest and lightest rims?[*]I received a quote for a new wheel with a rear width of 10.5". It was stated that this would NOT require fender rolling. Is this even possible for a 10.5"?[/list=1]

Now, onto more specific questions. Here are my requirements for a rim. Tell me what rims would work best based on stats alone and not looks (I will decide looks):[list=1][*]MUST be 19 inch[*]MUST be forged[*]MUST weigh no more than 1 pound for every inch in diameter plus 4-5 pounds (for example, a 19 could weigh no more than 23-24 pounds).[*]MUST clear big brakes including track model brembos[*]MUST NOT require fender rolling[*]MUST be a proper offset for the Z. I do not want burned out bearings in the future.[*]SHOULD accept the TPS sensors in the stock location. Mounting with bands would be acceptable, but not preferred.[*]SHOULD be available in 8.5" through 10.5"[*]MUST be available in a silver that matches other silver accents on the Z.[*]MUST be deep dished.[/list=1]

I think that about covers my requirements. As for looks, I am going for a simple 5-8 spoke design with some multi-spokes being considered. For example, I am looking at the TE37, LE37T, GT-7, GT-C, CE28N, Racing Hart J8, Nismo 19", and a couple others from Advan and iForged.

So, tell me what you can. In particular, I am really curious about strength and the important differences between monoblock and two piece. Thanks everyone.

 

A two piece wheel can be repaired by the wheel manufacturer. The center section is removed and a new rim is attached and sealed. Other advantages: more flexibility on widths, offsets and backspacing; tend to be lighter weight than cast wheels; lots of options on painting, polishing, anodizing... etc.

Kinesis, Fiske, HRE all have worksheets for you to complete before you order their wheels. The worksheets will guarantee the wheel will clear your big brakes, fenders, suspension and still fit on the car. Basically, the wheels is custom made just for your car and your specifications.

usually light weight and very sturdy... you will never see a World Rally Champ car with anything but a forged monoblock wheel

nothing... forging is recognized as creating the strongest and lightest wheels. You can probably find some cast wheels or multi-piece wheels that are lighter, but you may sacrifice strength.

This is possible... with a very high offset. The SSR GT3 is 10.5" wide and it's offset is something close to 44mm.


Other wheels to consider, based on your requirements:

Kinesis http://www.kinesismotorsport.com/

Fikse http://www.fikse.com/

HRE http://www.hrewheels.com/

BC Forged http://www.bcforged.com/home/wheels/

Hope that helps.

PeteH

 

PeteH

Thanks for the answers. They certainly help. From your answer, I gather that the only advantage to multi piece wheels is that it makes manufacturing more variations easier and repair less expensive. From your description above, it sounds as though I should go for monoblock rims. I have already bent my track model forged rims on Clevelands horrible streets, so monoblock might help protect me a little more.

As for the wheel manufacturer suggestions (BC, HRE, and Kinesis), I am aware of these manufactures but have ruled them out due to cost. I am not sure what they cost, but I have heard it is really high (especially Kinesis). BC forged is a little more reasonable, so I might take a look at those.

Any other information that other people can provide would be great. Thanks everyone.

 

Audito350Z pretty much answer all the questions. I just have a little to add.


Another advantage beside what Audito350Z was saying is that the manufaturer can use different material for the lip and the face so the face can be construct with lighter weight material and the barrel can be made with stronger material.


Depends on the material. Most forged wheels are made of Aluminum but you can get forged Magnesium wheels which is stronger and lighter than forged Aluminum. There's also Carbon Fiber wheels made by Azev which, if I remeber correctly, an 18" wheels weight around 13lbs.

Yes, it's possible if you get the right offset. I know someone with OZ Super Leggara 11" wide without rolling fender.

 

Thank you.

Well, if the Kinesis and HRE are out of my price range, then the magnesium and CF wheels certainly are. I just found out the price of a set of Volk mags and it is almost as much as a turbo kit.

I guess I am looking to spend a reasonable amount, but I really want to get a great rim. Overall, my price range is about $650 a rim or less. That handle most of the rims I listed above.

Any other suggestions or information?

 

There are plenty of Racing Hart's and Volks in your price range that would fit your criteria. Check in the vendors section for some good deals.

 

if you bent the stock rims, why in the world would you get a 19" rim? just curious. might look good, but itll be looking good parked on a flat tire with no seal.

 

Ares,

You point is well made, but I think I risk bending any rim regardless of size or shape. The best that I can do is mitigate that risk (i.e. - forged). Anyhow, I hope to get out of this God foresaken city soon.