16" reproduction wheels from T. Rutlands

Assuming you are referring to the Superperformance repros, there are several threads on them here. In short, they are a direct bolt-on on all 308's. They are aluminum, not magnesium alloy, so they are a few pounds heavier each than OEM QV 16" wheels. Also, they do not look 100% exactly like the original 16 inch wheels, though they are close. The main difference is that the repro front and rear faces look the same, whereas the OEM wheels have a deeper outer face on the rears.
That said, I am very happy with my set, based on 7000 miles use to date (1000 of them track miles). They are a relatively low cost, available alternative to the hard-to-find, expensive OEM 16's, and look stock to the casual eye.
One thing to note: From this site, about 10% of buyers wind up with some vibration issues caused by the larger inner diameter on the front wheels. This is curable by means of simple centering rings that take up the wheel-to-hub gap. The centering rings are a good idea even if you do not notice any vibration: bolts are designed for tension, not bending.
Note that bolting on a set of 7 and 8 x 16's to replace stock 14's or 390's which are the same size front and rear will give you some understeer, if you do not change the alignment or suspension. Not a lot, but you will notice it. But even if you leave it as is, the benefit of available 16" tires is well worth it.
The above is just my personal opinion. You will find some strong opinions on these repros, pro and con, if you search the site. The cons are the weight and the not-quite-exact appearance. But I am not aware of any problems with the wheels themselves, aside from the centering issue.

 

I'd just be reposting what Ward said above because I agree with everything he said. Just tell them you want the rings when you order the wheels. They should ship a set with every set of wheels but that's just me.

 

Got a set this summer. Look great and bolt right on. Did notice my steering wheel is just a tad off so i need an alignment after the install.

They did say the rings came with the wheels but mine didn't have them.

 

They are included in the price but you have to ask for them when you order.

 

would these work on a Mondial t? I need a wheel for the spare, and if this would work, I'd get one.

Art

 

Thanks for the advice.

 

I think you can only buy them as a set Art

 

totally agree, I had shuddering steering wheel until the centering rings arrived, Superformance were most indignant when I said their wheels needed a lot of weights to balance them so they sent the rings over and all was well, apparently these rings are normal for a lot of aftermarket wheels.

Getting rid of the TRXs and using modern rubber outweighs the disadvantage of the extra weight

 

Yes. They are good wheels, but get the hubcentric rings for the fronts.

Not really!

As for some more info on the wheels, here is the thread from when I bought mine:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53733

Birdman

 

No...wrong offset. And you can't fit it with spacers....the offset is in the wrong direction. However, Superformance makes a version for the Mondial with the right offset which is a close copy of the Mondial TRX wheel, except in a normal 16" size. Not sure if Rutlands imports them as well, but here is the link:

http://www.superformance.co.uk/


Birdman

 

Hey Bill,
You are assuming I shipped them already! LOL!! I am a tad backlogged due to taking the kids to Disney! Getting caught up though....

Thanks for the order!

Best,
Birdman

 

Have had my Superformance 16s for the past 5K miles with no complaints. I do not have the hubcentric rings on mine and have zero problems with balance/vibration...maybe I'm just lucky

For tires I am running Pirelli P Zeros in the standard QV size.

Cheers;
Aaron
'82 GTSi

 

Thanks. I dropped them a note.

Art

 

Bill, I can't remember the standard sizes off the top of my head, but they are in the QV owners manual which you can download from the owners site. Some people go a little fatter on the rears. I didn't.

Birdman

 

I just remembered I have a QV owners manual on my laptop.

Front: 205/55VR16
Back: 225/50VR16

 

The picture of my 308 on the top page of my website shows the replica QV wheels on my car. They are good wheels. Did you get the hubcentric rings for the front?

Birdman

 

I have a set on my 1979 308 with Yokohama tires 225/45/VR16 front and 245/50/VR16 rear. They look great and have no vibration issues without the centering rings. Mine came from GT Car Parts in Phoenix. When I get the "lowering kit" on the car, I will post some photos. The "shorter" front tires really turn in nicely, and the look is NASTY!

 

I just wanted to share my feelings about the "hubcentric" rings.

I bought the 16" wheels from Superformance as they offered them in gold (and as I mentioned in a different thread, to acknowledge the car's racing heritage). Colin mentioned, too, that they wouldn't be necessary for my 1976 GTB. We had a bit of a philosophical discussion about this and we agreed that the mismatch might be small enough not to manifest as a vibration but still enough to put undue stress on the lug nuts. My tech at Classic Coach felt the same way and so the recommendation was to use them. Prior to mounting the front wheels, he took various measurements to fabricate metal rings which we'll switch to prior to next year's track events.

The wheels are nicely made and finished but, as mentioned, are heavier than the OEM wheels. I chose Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s, 205/55ZR16 up front and 225/50ZR16 for the rear. I really enjoy the improved handling over the Michelin XWX 205/70VR14s. But these are summer tires and it's getting cold here in New Jersey!

 

Hi Bill...They are half built, just need to be soldered and shipped. Is the PO open Friday? If so, they will go out then. Otherwise, Monday. Sorry for the delay, I'm almost caught up.

Birdman

 

Barry, FYI...the wheels themselves are heavier than the Magnesium alloy 14" OEM wheels, however the XWX tires are so heavy, that the repro QV wheels with standard QV tire sizes mounted are about the same weight as the OEM wheels/tires on the front and only 7 pounds more on the rear. I have the actual data in this thread:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53733

Birdman