Need some input on purchasing wheels

[Dr GP]

I would consider getting some inexpensive wheels from either Hartmann Wheels or Velocity Motoring. Lots of guys running them with pretty good success. IF you do damage one, it will not cost you an arm and leg to replace one. Nice styles to choose from as well.

[SportVier]

I would consider getting some inexpensive wheels from either Hartmann Wheels or Velocity Motoring.

Not sure either are going to meet his "lighter than stock" criterion...

[Johnnycash]

Not sure either are going to meet his "lighter than stock" criterion...

most of VMR classic designs will be lighter than a stock 19 inch wheel, so maybe less/comparable to an 18, however if you pony up and spend the extra monies on some of their flow formed wheels the savings in weight will be more significant...

VMR is a solid choice and if you damage a wheel getting a replacement is easy and cheap.

[SportVier]

if you pony up and spend the extra monies on some of their flow formed wheels the savings in weight will be more significant...

No flow formed options in 18, afaik. Only cast.

[jran76]

No flow formed options in 18, afaik. Only cast.

THE VMR V810 are offered in a 18" size.

http://www.velocitymotoring.com/wheels/v810/

You also have the OZ "HLT" models, some BBS options like the CH and CH-R, and a several options from Enkei. I think some of the Advanti wheels are, and I'm sure I missed a few....

To add to that, all "Flow-formed" wheels are some type of cast wheel. Just the barrel is rolled or formed to make it stronger, and require less material.

[bberg22]

Wow that was a lot of replies in a short time. I am going to sort through the suggestions but I personally feel more comfortable with around $300 or so per rim where it won't be total shit WHEN something happens because I feel like it is inevitable in New England. But if spending a bit more per rim will get a better setup than I can be flexible. I think I will stay with an 18 inch wheel, but I do want them to be more aggressive offset than stock probably around 38 offset and hopefully lighter than stock 18's which if I remember are about 24 pounds??. That said ideally I think I'm looking for an 8.5 inch wide wheel available in black and probably throw on 255 40 18 tires (I like a fat tire look)

[Dr GP]

Not sure either are going to meet his "lighter than stock" criterion...

You are correct. Light and Cheap are usually mutually exclusive. Light Cheap and Strong is usually not possible!

[bberg22]

You are correct. Light and Cheap are usually mutually exclusive. Light Cheap and Strong is usually not possible!

Extreme lightness isn't an absolute necessity, essentially it would be nice to reduce the unsprung mass but if that isn't possible in a wheel for around $300 than that is ok.

I really appreciate the help and feedback, I am open to learning from other peoples experiences!


Edit: Also any recommended wheel/tire mounting balancing shops in the southern NH area? and would an 18 x 8.5 et 38 and a 255 40 tire be relatively flush? I know it won't be as good as some of the other setups out there without lowering, etc. I am just trying to get a close to good looking flush without looking stupid or buying the wrong thing.


Edit again: I do really like the VMR V708 and V810. Anyone have what the specs would be on these as far as weight and strength/manufacture process? I have contacted VMR.

[jran76]

Edit: Also any recommended wheel/tire mounting balancing shops in the southern NH area? and would an 18 x 8.5 et 38 and a 255 40 tire be relatively flush? I know it won't be as good as some of the other setups out there without lowering, etc. I am just trying to get a close to good looking flush without looking stupid or buying the wrong thing.


Edit again: I do really like the VMR V708 and V810. Anyone have what the specs would be on these as far as weight and strength/manufacture process? I have contacted VMR.

If you are not going to lower your car, something around the 18x8.5" ET38 would be pretty flush. You could go a little lower, down to ET35 or so, if that is what you are really after. Either way, something in that range will pretty flush at stock height.

There is a good VMR rep on here (Tracy I believe). Send him a PM, and I'm sure he can give you the specs of the VMR wheels. They offer an 18x8.5" ET35 in a lot of their wheels, but I'm not sure on those specifically. The V810 is cast with a flow formed barrel, so it will be a little lighter/stronger, but also a little more expensive. I think the V708 is fully cast.