Stock-ish Wheel Options... input? | FerrariChat

Stock-ish Wheel Options... input?

Discussion in '308/328' started by Ferraritalian, Nov 13, 2019.

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  1. Ferraritalian

    Ferraritalian Formula Junior

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    So I’m probably about ready to move on from my HRE wheels and find something that looks closer to stock on my ‘79 308.

    I am not ready to go all the way back in time and install the original design 14 inchers. I’m more than happy with the new 16” Pirellis I put on last year and want to continue.

    My research then tells me I have 2 options:

    - get a set of later 16 inch correct 328 wheels which look preeeettty close to the same as 308s

    Or

    - I see a company selling repro/new 308/328 design wheels in 16 inch on eBay.

    I’m not sure if the repros are good. (anybody?) Not sure if it’s wise buying used 328s. Not sure if there are other options.

    Input? Thanks in advance... I can’t believe how much info I get here.
     
  2. Ferraritalian

    Ferraritalian Formula Junior

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  3. derekw

    derekw Formula 3
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    Mark (Mke, look up his V12 thread) can get you forged 17” wheels which give even more tyre options and a lighter, stronger wheel for the same money.
     
  4. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    That eBay ad title is misleading -- not 328 style (the text down in the ad itself is correct - no 328 listed). Those are the repro 308QV 16" wheels (but not the best price).

    The other option is a set of stock 308QV 16" wheels -- if you've got the $s ;)
     
  5. Ferraritalian

    Ferraritalian Formula Junior

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    So, what’s is an expected price for stock 308QV? Where would I find them?

    On the repros, where is the best price?

    Are the repros good quality?
     
  6. Ferraritalian

    Ferraritalian Formula Junior

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  7. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 Steve Magnusson, Nov 13, 2019
    Last edited: Nov 13, 2019
    No, that's the late abs "convex" 328 wheel (and could only be used on a 308 with big spacers). The earlier non-abs 328 wheel looks more like a 308 wheel, but doesn't have the outward center projection holding the wheel emblem (the 328 wheel is flat - and creates a bit of an issue for a 308 at the front as it doesn't clear the stock front hub grease cap). This is the earlier non-abs 328 wheel style (note how the wheel emblem is not projected outward):

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    I'd start with Superformance UK as the baseline for cost of the 16" 308QV repros:

    http://www.superformance.co.uk/308/wheels.html

    Of course, getting them shipped to the US isn't free so you need to include that. T Rutlands also used to be a supplier. IMO, the 16" 308QV repros are a good value (and I'm digging those 16" Cromodora-Style repros even though I'd probably be lynched for putting them on a 308 ;) -- nor know how/if the needed hubcap is available).
     
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  8. Ferraritalian

    Ferraritalian Formula Junior

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    #8 Ferraritalian, Nov 13, 2019
    Last edited: Nov 13, 2019
    Ok, I understand the convex description here. One thing that confuses me, when you look at the ad I provided vs both the 328 pictures, the ad shows the “lines” that essentially outline the bolt pattern sometimes are all straight (328 pics) and sometimes “curve” a bit around the bolt area (eBay pic). Does that make sense? Is this consistent.

    I thought long and hard about using a 16” version on the early Dino Cromodora wheels on my 308. I think they are fantastic but as a long time z orvette guy I can’t get past my distaste when people mix eras on them, so I assume it’s frowned upon here, too.

    The 328 vs 308 (in a 16”) don’t look terribly different to me. Do long term Ferrari aficionados see that differently? I do see the diff on the center cap vs flush.
     
  9. Ferraritalian

    Ferraritalian Formula Junior

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    The price on the 308 16” isn’t bad at all. I asked for a shipping quote.

    Thanks, Steve
     
  10. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Using non-abs 328 wheels on a 308 is an acceptable sin IMO ;). Quite a few here have done that as there was a glut of NOS non-abs 328 wheels some years ago (but they got snatched up fairly quickly because they were very reasonably priced). Here's a shot of someone's custom low-profile front hub grease cap that they made to fit 328 wheels onto their 308:

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    Just leaving the dustcap off would not be an acceptable solution IMO.

    With regard to the outline difference around the bolt hole area, that eBay add is not a 328 wheel as stated in the title (it would bolt onto a non-abs 328 OK, but using that style wheel on a 328 is a much bigger sin IMO than using non-abs 328 wheels on a 308 ;)).
     
  11. Ferraritalian

    Ferraritalian Formula Junior

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    Understood. (I’d never leave the cap off.) Can a 308 cap be used?

    On the outline difference, is that simply 308 vs 328?

    (You know I’m going to keep asking questions, right?) :p
     
  12. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    I know it can't be used as-is. That photo i posted does look like a stock 308 cap that has been beaten into a smaller overall shape (rather than a milled part), but I don't know that for sure. Hopefully, that person will reply with how they made it, or if it was made from some other marque cap.

    Yes, I believe so. I'm also recalling that there's some small variation in that outline shape within the 308 family, but all 308 have a curve shape around the lug bolt holes. If someone remembers this detail, please post, or correct me, if necessary ;)

    No worries -- I'm free to shut up whenever I want ;)
     
  13. Ferraritalian

    Ferraritalian Formula Junior

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    So Superperformance quoted shipping which is pricey, but the bottom dollar is still better than the other repros. The question is, are these the same wheels? Do you know if the SP are better? I’m fine with ordering from (bought parts from them already) but are the wheels/ quality the ones you would choose?

    Thanks in advance as always.
     
  14. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Yes, there's only one manufacturer of the 16" 308QV repro wheels (KN Wheels, I believe). SuperformanceUK is just one of the many sellers. If you can find a another source with a lower total price than SuperformanceUK -- go with them.
     
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  15. dave80gtsi

    dave80gtsi Formula 3
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    Yup, KN Alloys in the UK is the manufacturer.

    Picture is before cleaning!

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  16. Casino Square

    Casino Square Formula 3
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    I've purchased two sets of the Superformance repos. They are very well made and I am very happy with them. Quick and reasonable cost shipping as well.
     
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  17. Vonbarron

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  18. Ferraritalian

    Ferraritalian Formula Junior

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  19. Albert-LP

    Albert-LP F1 Veteran
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    there is a third option: look for a Ferrari Factory original 16" Cromodora rimset. It's expensive, but you won't loose your money.

    And please don't put 328 rims on a 308 ;)

    ciao
     
  20. Albert-LP

    Albert-LP F1 Veteran
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    asking is twice of the correct price for those reproductions

    ciao
     
  21. Ferraritalian

    Ferraritalian Formula Junior

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    Thanks, Albert. I did consider the Cromodora, but I’m not convinced the look is right. And I agree on the 328 application... after Steve’s help in clarifying these differences, I think the 16” 308s from SP are the obvious choice.

    Ciao
     
  22. Albert-LP

    Albert-LP F1 Veteran
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    #22 Albert-LP, Nov 15, 2019
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2019
    The repro rear ones are different from the originals, so everybody will see the car has some not original pieces: I had a repro set, but I'm happy to have sold them and put back the TRX wheels it was delivered with

    ciao

    picture Copyright (rear Factory Cromodora 16" x 8 rim shown)

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  23. Ferraritalian

    Ferraritalian Formula Junior

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    Help me out... what exactly is different about the rear wheel (and not the front) that is visibly different from the original?

    Also, a 16” wheel of any kind would be a de facto “incorrect” wheel on a ‘79 GTS, right? I thought the 14s were the only thing that was original?
     
  24. Ferraritalian

    Ferraritalian Formula Junior

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    Also, I’m getting confused again.... when you (Albert) mentioned a “16 factory Chromodra” I thought you meant the early design (see Google search that shows 2 Cromodora wheels of different styles). To clarify, you meant the QV 16” original factory “star” design, yes?

    So to reiterate... what is markedly visually different about the rears on an original set as compared to the repros? And, where can newish originals be purchased? Try to nail down the option of new repro wheels vs original wheels nearly 40 years old... thank you!
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  25. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Yes, it is a little confusing as "Cromodora" is often used to describe the style of older 6-spoke wheel (also sometimes called the "starburst" design IIRC), but Cromodora was also one of the vendors making the later 5-point star-style wheels (and a very desirable one for the 16" as it has the cast-in raised letters rather than decals).

    I'll disagree a little with Alberto -- stock 16" 308QV wheels are more like 3~4X the cost of the repros ;)

    This post describes the difference 16" stock to 16" repro for the rears:

    https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/posts/146717332/

    I know there are other threads showing pictures -- but that's your homework to find ;)
     

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