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Wheel Update and Advice

Discussion in '348/355' started by Rs200tez, Jun 25, 2013.

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  1. Rs200tez

    Rs200tez Karting

    Oct 5, 2011
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    James
    #1 Rs200tez, Jun 25, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Hi Guys, I've already asked Bruce (Plugzit) for advice as I know he has plenty of experience with aftermarket alloys including the 18" BBS Challenge wheels - where my particular problem is.

    Long story, but in summary I bought a set of BBS CH alloys from a 360 owner. They needed a refurb but also I had the rear hub face of the wheel machined by 10mm to make them fit perfectly in the arch. I had the work done at an auto machine shop who are regularly asked to do this kind of thing. They also employ a specialist with a background as a metallurgist. In summary machining 10mm was not an issue.

    I have gone with the following tyre combo:
    F - 235/40/18
    R - 295/35/18
    Tyres are Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta.

    The fronts fit perfectly. The problem is with the rears - the centre bore on the wheel has a lip and doesnt allow the wheel to 100% seat on the centre bore on the hub. This leaves an approx 4-5mm gap between the wheel face and the flat part of the hub. Any ideas?

    I've also asked Bruce on a PM. But I've included pics below:
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  2. bobzdar

    bobzdar F1 Veteran

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    #2 bobzdar, Jun 25, 2013
    You need to have that inner lip machined 10mm match what was done to the hub surface.
     
  3. GTO Joe

    GTO Joe Formula 3
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    #3 GTO Joe, Jun 25, 2013
    [QUOTE bobzdar]You need to have that inner lip machined 10mm match what was done to the hub surface.

    +1 The wheels are "hub-centric" so you need that lip to match. Hard to believe the machine shop missed that since you say they do these as a matter of course.
     
  4. Rs200tez

    Rs200tez Karting

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    #4 Rs200tez, Jun 25, 2013
    Agreed, not happy. Thanks guys.
     
  5. Blulagos

    Blulagos Formula Junior

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    #5 Blulagos, Jun 25, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I had the same problem.
    I put modular 360 wheels on mine and the company I took them to only machined 8mm or so off the hub.
    I later took them to a specialist who grinded another 4mm off and also did the inner hub. Otherwise your wheel will not be seated correctly and it's a very dangerous situation.
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  6. Rs200tez

    Rs200tez Karting

    Oct 5, 2011
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    James
    #6 Rs200tez, Jun 25, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Thanks, the modular wheel centre bore has material to cut into. On my challenge wheels it's just fresh air! I'll try and draw a diagram...
    Here is the picture: there is a lip at the end of the wheel centre bore, but nothing but fresh air behind it which is different to the modular wheel which looks like the added depth needed was drilled into metal. On the challenge wheel, there is nothing behind the lip.... and below is a better picture showing that lip. I know that Bruce, Organizer and Andy Hills have all had BBS CH wheels on their 348, so would like to understand how best to work around this.

    Btw, despite the bigger tyres, the difference in weight is almost unbelievable.
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  7. m5guy

    m5guy Formula 3

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    #7 m5guy, Jun 25, 2013
    James, looking at your picture above, I don't see why you think there is insufficient material to machine the bore diameter deeper by another 5mm or so. This would be best done on a Vertical Turning Lathe, NOT on a mill. There are some machinist who will swear that they can interpolate a true circle using a mill, but why bother when a lathe does it better.
     
  8. Extreme

    Extreme F1 Rookie

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    #8 Extreme, Jun 27, 2013
    I've been toying with the idea of doing this with some 430 rims to fit on my 355 although I just haven't got a big enough bag of nuts.
     
  9. Rs200tez

    Rs200tez Karting

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    #9 Rs200tez, Jun 27, 2013
    Yep, you need 2 bags of nuts: 1 set of lug nuts because you need to adjust the length of them for the new wheels. And a second bag of larger nuts to allow someone to take a machine to your genuine ferrari wheels....
     
  10. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    #10 Dave rocks, Jun 27, 2013
    VTL's are not that common. VMC's are all over the place and anyone since the 80's can interpolate a near perfect circle....
     
  11. dahveedem

    dahveedem Formula 3

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    #11 dahveedem, Jun 27, 2013
    best statement ive seen today. lol
     
  12. m5guy

    m5guy Formula 3

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    #12 m5guy, Jun 27, 2013
    Last edited: Jun 27, 2013
    True, anyone good since the 80's can interpolate a near perfect circle, with the emphasis on good and minimal table backlash. I'm a little spoiled by having VTLs, VMCs, horizontal turning centers, 4 and 5 axis mills, etc all under 1 roof, so we put the job on the machine that is best suited for the job.

    Unfortunately, this is one of those jobs where the words "machining scrap" has a very expensive consequence. No harm in searching for a VTL if he can find one. If not, then as you say, the VMC is the realistic alternative.
     
  13. Rs200tez

    Rs200tez Karting

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    #13 Rs200tez, Jun 28, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Well thanks to everyone on here and especially Bruce (sorry for pestering you so much fella), my BBS CH wheels are on.

    Obviously the looks are a personal thing, i love both the old wheels and the new and will probably swap and change periodically - but the difference in the drive is incredible. Everything feels quicker, sharper and lighter, the difference is truly amazing - I could not have believed the difference. Bruce you were so right.....
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  14. Extreme

    Extreme F1 Rookie

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    #14 Extreme, Jun 28, 2013
    Looks good now you need to put some sport springs on her and get rid of some of that wheel-fender gap.
     
  15. GTO Joe

    GTO Joe Formula 3
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    #15 GTO Joe, Jun 29, 2013
    Gee thanks, now I have another thing on the "wish" list. :) They really do look great.
     

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