Anyone tracking with replica wheels?
06-11-2009, 09:46 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: DFW, TX
Posts: 16
Anyone tracking with replica wheels?
I have been doing HPDE events with Drivers Edge here in Texas for a few years. I started with a 330i, but went back to my first love, Mustangs, last year.
I am not crazy about the appearance of the 18" Bullet wheels on my Shelby GT, and would like to change to the FR500 style wheel - both for looks and for possible future brake upgrade space.
My biggest concern is the quality & strength of a replica wheel. I don't want one failing on me while going at high speed on a track!
Has anyone been tracking with any of the many replica FR500 wheels out there?
I am not crazy about the appearance of the 18" Bullet wheels on my Shelby GT, and would like to change to the FR500 style wheel - both for looks and for possible future brake upgrade space.
My biggest concern is the quality & strength of a replica wheel. I don't want one failing on me while going at high speed on a track!
Has anyone been tracking with any of the many replica FR500 wheels out there?
Last edited by TennTex; 06-11-2009 at 09:51 PM. Reason: Deleted sentence.
06-12-2009, 09:42 PM
#4
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Near Wash. DC Posts: 13,541
Posts: 2,497
as I remember siberian does not have FR500 wheels.
most of the ones I've examined in passing seem to have a disadvantage compared to genuine wheels in terms of weight not strength this is easily justifiable due to the possibility of litigation biting into the very small profit margins of replica wheel makers.
most of the ones I've examined in passing seem to have a disadvantage compared to genuine wheels in terms of weight not strength this is easily justifiable due to the possibility of litigation biting into the very small profit margins of replica wheel makers.
06-13-2009, 11:15 AM
#5
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: TX
Posts: 4,897
Which version replica FR500??? About 10 different types are manufactured. I would look at some of the lighter-weight models of HRE, Ray's, Gram Lights, SSE, Volk (which aren't cheap) etc in the correct offset for track use. Maybe even some lightweight 17's of those brands.
06-13-2009, 11:25 AM
#7
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: mn
Posts: 1,132
as I remember siberian does not have FR500 wheels.
most of the ones I've examined in passing seem to have a disadvantage compared to genuine wheels in terms of weight not strength this is easily justifiable due to the possibility of litigation biting into the very small profit margins of replica wheel makers.
most of the ones I've examined in passing seem to have a disadvantage compared to genuine wheels in terms of weight not strength this is easily justifiable due to the possibility of litigation biting into the very small profit margins of replica wheel makers.
correct, they are redlines, not fr500s
06-13-2009, 07:05 PM
#8
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: DFW, TX
Posts: 16
Legion 5: Yeah, strength is my main concern. I'm not too worried about a bit of extra unsprung weight.
Rubrignitz: Brand wise, all that seems to pop up in Google searches are from American Muscle, or Cruizin Concepts. I see some at Discount Tire with a "Replica Alloy" name. I assume all of these are imported, and can't really tell who makes what. I found the "CTR" web site as well, but it looks like most everything is out of stock and the "feel" I get is that it is not supported well at all. I'll do some searching for the names you mentioned. (Are they really in FR500 style, though?)
Stoenr: Thanks. I actually found one of your older posts and saw your web site with track pix from last year. Have you done multiple events on your wheels? Looks like you were pushing hard on track, and your car looked great! I was going to post a track picture here, but did not take the time to set up the picture hosting thing...
I will keep doing research into this, but unless I find some with a definite trustworthy brand, I will probably take a chance and get a set. Then I will just keep a close eye on them!
Rubrignitz: Brand wise, all that seems to pop up in Google searches are from American Muscle, or Cruizin Concepts. I see some at Discount Tire with a "Replica Alloy" name. I assume all of these are imported, and can't really tell who makes what. I found the "CTR" web site as well, but it looks like most everything is out of stock and the "feel" I get is that it is not supported well at all. I'll do some searching for the names you mentioned. (Are they really in FR500 style, though?)
Stoenr: Thanks. I actually found one of your older posts and saw your web site with track pix from last year. Have you done multiple events on your wheels? Looks like you were pushing hard on track, and your car looked great! I was going to post a track picture here, but did not take the time to set up the picture hosting thing...
I will keep doing research into this, but unless I find some with a definite trustworthy brand, I will probably take a chance and get a set. Then I will just keep a close eye on them!
06-14-2009, 02:03 AM
#9
5th Gear Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: S.burbs Chicago
Posts: 4,793
Legion 5: Yeah, strength is my main concern. I'm not too worried about a bit of extra unsprung weight.
Rubrignitz: Brand wise, all that seems to pop up in Google searches are from American Muscle, or Cruizin Concepts. I see some at Discount Tire with a "Replica Alloy" name. I assume all of these are imported, and can't really tell who makes what. I found the "CTR" web site as well, but it looks like most everything is out of stock and the "feel" I get is that it is not supported well at all. I'll do some searching for the names you mentioned. (Are they really in FR500 style, though?)
Stoenr: Thanks. I actually found one of your older posts and saw your web site with track pix from last year. Have you done multiple events on your wheels? Looks like you were pushing hard on track, and your car looked great! I was going to post a track picture here, but did not take the time to set up the picture hosting thing...
I will keep doing research into this, but unless I find some with a definite trustworthy brand, I will probably take a chance and get a set. Then I will just keep a close eye on them!
Rubrignitz: Brand wise, all that seems to pop up in Google searches are from American Muscle, or Cruizin Concepts. I see some at Discount Tire with a "Replica Alloy" name. I assume all of these are imported, and can't really tell who makes what. I found the "CTR" web site as well, but it looks like most everything is out of stock and the "feel" I get is that it is not supported well at all. I'll do some searching for the names you mentioned. (Are they really in FR500 style, though?)
Stoenr: Thanks. I actually found one of your older posts and saw your web site with track pix from last year. Have you done multiple events on your wheels? Looks like you were pushing hard on track, and your car looked great! I was going to post a track picture here, but did not take the time to set up the picture hosting thing...
I will keep doing research into this, but unless I find some with a definite trustworthy brand, I will probably take a chance and get a set. Then I will just keep a close eye on them!
just hope I never brick a wheel. = 4 new ones.
Yes, I pushed it about as hard as the car and I could handle.
That was the only way to pass the vettes, lotus' and others, lol.
06-14-2009, 08:58 PM
#10
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: DFW, TX
Posts: 16
Thanks, unfortunately, Mine are CTR, and yes, the seller has seemed to vanished in thin air, wtf!
just hope I never brick a wheel. = 4 new ones.
Yes, I pushed it about as hard as the car and I could handle.
That was the only way to pass the vettes, lotus' and others, lol.
just hope I never brick a wheel. = 4 new ones.
Yes, I pushed it about as hard as the car and I could handle.
That was the only way to pass the vettes, lotus' and others, lol.
I've done about 10 events, but last year switched cars, so I'm just now getting to the point of driving the car rather than worrying about going off! I had a great weekend last month at MSR, and am pushing to the point where I need brake ducts and some wider rubber. I have passed a few nice cars, but it's all about the driver, as I'm sure you know!
