Wheel Differences

[67CamNKC]

I am building a 67 camaro that will be a driver first and an autocross car a few times a year.



Hotchkis suspension, Sc&c a-arms, etc.

I just started pricing wheels. What are the real differences in a Billet Specialties or other less expensive wheels versus a top of the line Forgeline or Rushforth? Will the less expensive wheels deflect or break from lateral force or is the main factor just to reduce rotational mass? This isn't a place I want to compromise, but if a lesser expensive option will work and also look the part, I would like to consider it (will help get my ride done sooner).

I hope to have my car rolling in the spring.

Shannon

[ProdigyCustoms]

Well, there are a few Billet Specialties wheels that are less cost and will fit some mid size brakes. If you get into the BS Pro Touring line, your going to see prices equal to Boze, Bonspeed, Rushforth, etc which are all higher end 2 piece forge welded wheels designed to clear bigger brakes. Also when you push the $$$$ up a bit in those higher end 2 piece wheels, you start seeing tricker machining and color options. When you get into Forgeline, HRE, iForged, and other high end 3 piece wheels, your getting into racing qualtity wheels now and that is why the next price jump.

To answer you questions of durability, your good with any quality billet wheels for anything shy of full on racing.

Hence the reason we carry from mild to wild

We have

Billet Specialties
Bonspeed
Boze Forged
Forgeline
HRE
iForged
Rocket
Rushforth

[FirstGenZq8]

rocket wheels won't fail under normal driving, and most if not all of the wheels listed are acceptable for full on racing. maybe not 150+ MPH-at-extended-durations type racing, but other than that they'll do fine.

all of the 2 PC wheels listed in ProdigyCustom's post are rotary forged wheels. billet specialties, bonspeed, boze forged, budnik, centerline, iForged, new gen, and rushforth are all made the same way. rotary forged, T6 billet aluminum, sizing from 17-22+", widths from 7-??", etc. some are on the low end of the pricing scale while others are high. what's the difference? some are the "new kids on the block", others have fresher designs, some both. you have to decide if poppin' fresh designs are worth $500-$1000 to you.

then there's 3 PC wheels like forgeline, HRE, iForged, etc. 3 PC wheels are nice because they are easy to repair. custom finishes are slightly easier since the wheel is modular. seal leakage has pretty much become a thing of the past, and leaks are more often than not caused by an inexperienced tire monkey.

then if you want to spend big dollars there's monoblock wheels. 1 PC monoblock wheels have one definite advantage to 3 PC wheels - no seal issues to deal with. typically monoblocks are thought to be even lighter and stronger than 3 PC wheels, but that is debatable.

[JustinB]

Between the lines we sell, there are some benefits between them.

In a two piece wheel, Schott takes the time to mill not only the front side of the wheel, but the back side as well, making lightening pockets to reduce un-sprung weight, while leaving the necessary portions of the wheel for structural integrity. From an engineers stand point, there is NO other two piece wheel on the market that can compare to what Schott Performance Wheels is doing. The pricing on Schott wheels will reflect machine time, and varies by wheel design, but if you want my opinion, you can't go wrong with the Schott "I-Force".

At the top of the 3 piece food chain you will find Forgeline. Their machining and finishing is second to none, and I would highly recommend them if you desire exotic sizing, like half sizes, etc.

And with the 20% off deal going on right now on Forgeline, you could save BIG cash on Forgeline through DriverzInc.

The following brands all make very nice two piece wheels, and we are also very proud to be recommended dealers for them. All are forged centers, and custom built, so the material is all the same, I think the major differences will be design, and what you like. I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that a rotary forged 6061-T6 Billet wheel is going to be superior in structural integrity to a cast wheel.

Bonspeed
BilletSpecialties
Rushforth

[FirstGenZq8]

In a two piece wheel, Schott takes the time to mill not only the front side of the wheel, but the back side as well, making lightening pockets to reduce un-sprung weight, while leaving the necessary portions of the wheel for structural integrity.

that extra mill time does lighten the wheel, but that's hard to quantify. until schott or one of their dealers actually weighs some of their wheels, it's all pillow talk. not being rude, JMO.

[JustinB]

that extra mill time does lighten the wheel, but that's hard to quantify. until schott or one of their dealers actually weighs some of their wheels, it's all pillow talk. not being rude, JMO.

Here is a shot of the of the backside of the Schott I-Force Wheel.