So for my "new" '88 Iroc, I'm really trying to fine tune the handling and ride quality. While a track capable featherweight wheel isn't absolutely a must....I'm looking to do the best I can, keeping in mind weight as well as appearance. Second, I'm going to run a raised ball joint, and best I can tell, that means an 8" wide wheel UNLESS, I go to an 18" wheel, which is certainly on the table. I know the stock Irocs aren't super heavy, but they're not super light either. They may have to do until I can afford a higher end 18".

Regardless, those of you who have chosen your wheel based on weight, I'm curious what you have, regardless of size or cost, or anything like that.

 

This is a tricky one to awnser but I will try to give some helpful info.

First up cast wheels the heaviest and cheapest wheel the go to choice for guys like me that want something right now and then can save up for a proper race wheel. JNC 026 18x10 $180 each

Next up flow forged wheels will cost you some extra cash but you will get some weight savings from the better forged barrel. Forgestar CF5 18x10 $330 each

Finally full forged wheels giving the biggest weight savings and strength and built to order in any size and offset. BC Forged TD03 18x10 $762 each

Just throwing out some examples here of some wheels I looked over in the past good luck with your search.

 

I've taken a hard look at those TD03's! .....funny that you mention them.

....yeah...I've looked at lots. LOVE a set of Forgeline's, but they are PRICEY! ....realistically....those BC forged are about as cheap as I can find that will custom make a set to order. Looked at the Weld S71's but they're not really all that light. ....and still over $3000 for a set. ...was hoping to find a set of OE GM wheels, but by the time you add spacers, there's no real savings, and that's assuming you like the styling.

 

Wasn't it once said here that the original IROC wheels are some the lightest available? Perhaps it was in a slightly different context but the resident track expert "Slick Track God" had suggested that. Or so I thought.

 

From what I can find, it appears they're in the low 20's, which is definitely NOT a heavy wheel. ...of course the 245 width tire doesn't hurt the overall weight either. The C5Z06 wheels are a little lighter and a little bigger, and to my knowledge the lightest OE wheel you can find, but I'm still looking. Most replica's are stupidly heavy. I was disappointed to find THAT out! LOL! I'll likely keep the stock IROCs until I can afford some higher end wheels.

...and if the offset isn't right (4th gen/corvette) wheels, the adapters negate most of the weight savings.

 

Is this in reference to Hawk's 17 x 9? If my next project is more of a full on track car, weight savings will make more of a difference and I'll need wheels and tires complete.

 

Surprised no one has mentioned the OEM GTA wheels. I swapped out the factory Formula wheels and cut about 10 lbs off each corner. General GMax 245-50/16 on GTA wheel (with center cap) came in at just a bit over 40 lbs.

 

40 lbs eh? Good to know. I have a spare early IROC rim with an old 245 on it. I may weigh that and compare.

 

Our wheel fitment has been all but abandoned, except for custom made wheels. Somehow only the ugliest and heaviest wheels lasted the test of time and are still available for our cars. A few replica wheels exist but are very heavy.

Flow forged is a sweet spot of weight vs. cost. Really rare in low offset fitments though.

If you want a C5 Z06 wheel then you're looking for the original Speedline.

 

The C5 magnesium wheels look to be 17-19 pounds.

 

Yes....the Hawk's replica's are close to 30 Lbs. .....so says the internet. -Same with the Firehawk Reps. Don't know about the original Ronals. But as far as I can tell, ALL the replica wheels are painfully heavy.

Yes, the OE GTA's are (I think) the lightest OE thirdgen wheel. -again....so says the internet.

I think the early Alcoa C5Z wheels are also really light.

...I've been lookin' at those BC Forged for a week or so now.... ....it won't happen 'til AFTER the LS swap, soooooo, we'll see how the budget looks.

 

I don't have a recommendation. I'm just glad you asked a question about wheels and not "rims"...

 

I was going to suggest Forgeline, but seems you have already researched those. I know a lot of the big-dog Autocross and road course guys use Forgelines and they sponsor the USCA Optima events. Pricey wheels indeed. I am keeping an eye on this thread though, it is good info to learn for the future. Good topic!

 

If I had the money, Forgeline would be my choice. At around $1500 a wheel, I just can't justify it. Not saying they're not worth it, but not for me. The Weld S71's are about half that, but they're not really "light". Depending on size, they can be around 25 or 26 pounds. The BC forged, in an 18" is only around 21, and similar in cost to the Welds.

I take that back...money no option? -HRE G code. Prices start at $2000 a wheel. Man are they ever good looking though!

 

I have extended ball joints, and I went with the CTW Motorsports rims. They only come in a 17" by 9.5" size, they weigh about 20lbs each, and are very reasonably priced. I'm not sure if they are still selling these rims, as Google says they are temporarily closed due to COVID. You should reach out to @paul_huryk who is the owner of CTW Motorsports to confirm if they still make/ sell these rims, he's on this site. I've had mine since 2014, and I love them.

 

He's not selling them anymore

 

^ That's unfortunate. Did he give any reasons as to why he's not selling them anymore?

 

check out simmons, with the exchange rate right now, you can get 18, 19 0r 20 inch 3 piece wheels any finish any offset for about $800 USD(base street wheel) If you want a full race wheel, $2500au.....(about 1800 USD)

 

I don't think he moved them fast enough for the amount of work involved.

 

 

In as much as I like the original (and Hawks' 17" version) early IROC rim, I've got to say that I've always preferred a wheel with a bit of a recess so as to create a "lip" (for lack of a better term) on the outward facing side. It sort of sets off the whole look in my opinion.

 

I don't know of a Simmons dealer in the US. If you know of one then please let me know. I do like some of their wheels and the prices are attractive.

 

None that i know of either, i'm in the process of importing a set fer my daily driver, and i have to get them from one of their 'authorized dealers' in New South Wales, but the wheels are custom built to yer measure, and cost far less after exchange than two of the other three i had pictured up there.

 

I reached out to them (simmons). ...we'll see what happens, though I'm not cash in hand just yet.

 

if you sent a contact note to simmons, you might have to wait fer a few days.... or a couple of weeks.... eventually they will forward the info to one of their dealers who handle all the transactions, ordering, shipping etc. if you deal with one of the dealers directly, you forego the referrals..... try this guy Khalil@tempetyres.com.au

Khalil Taleb.

Online Sales


TEMPE TYRE AND WHEEL CENTRE
860-868 Princes Highway, Tempe NSW 2044
Tel: (02) 8577 8577 | 8578
Direct: (02) 8577 8508
Khalil@tempetyres.com.au | www.tempetyres.com.au

 

So for the Simmons FR1, 1 piece wheel, 18x9.5 apparently only weighing 18 pounds! If that's accurate....WOW! ...lookin at $350 each! That's a steal!!! Yes, I spoke with Khalil too. Granted he across the globe, but responded last night at 9pm eastern standard. Literally 10 minutes after inquiring.

Thanks!

 

the gtas are the lightest 15lbs each w/o tire, tires is also where you can save weight they can vary up to 5lbs for 245/50/15 so check the weight before you buy, you can get away with lighter 225s on the gtas up front if your looking for skinnys for drag

for 17inch the zr1s from the 4th gen 17x9 are 20lbs i have a set that i personally hand polished that are 17lbs each

most aftermarket rims are heave 25-30lbs

 

You dropped 15 percent from polishing!!? That's, umm....wow. Not sure that's a good idea.
Cheap ones, yes.

 

Apex arc-8. 18x10.5. 19.5lbs.