Just weighed my OEM wheels Fronts 21.8 lbs Rears 24.4 lbs So the new "look alike" challenge wheels are heavier than the OEM stock wheels. Makes no sense to spend that kind of money on a heavier wheel. Unsprung weight makes a ton of difference and I can feel it when I installed the challenge wheels. Since I could tell the difference, I went to titanium wheel bolts too to save another 1 lbs + per corner and again a difference. I just dont see any benefit in spending 3500 on aluminum "look alike" challenge wheels when you can find very good OEM challenge wheels for about the same or a bit more. But again, that's just my opinion.
With that kind of weight I don't see how they can be forged. Forged alum usually weighs pretty darn close to cast magnesium.
He's not saying they look different on a road car vs challenge car. He's saying they look smaller on a road car than the standard road wheels even though both are 18" diameter. It's a comparison of wheels, not cars.
I would probably sell my first born for a set of 19" CH wheels in proper 355 fitment. 19x11 rears would be topping
Totally agree with Gerry here. 1) Disappointed to read that the "new" Challenge wheels are heavier than OEM stock wheels. That probably goes some way to explaining why I never got an answer from the supplier when I asked that question. 2) What difference does it make whether the original car was standard or Challenge in terms of the looks? None at all. Apart from the brakes, which is easily fixed by a big brake kit if you have the money. Money no object I'd rather buy an original set of Challenge wheels, titanium bolts and a big brake kit, or not bother at all and stick with the standard wheels and brakes. Actually, now that I think about it, the standard wheels with titanium bolts and a big brake kit (assuming it fits) might be the best combination of all.
Yes that is the actual wheel, one of mine before being packed to send to me. And yes it was about 4k shipped to the US. I'm glad it is minimal manufacturing codes, the only thing I can see "stamped" on it is the Cinel (outsourced manufacturer) logo. I'll update if there are more stamps once I receive them Monday.
I will answer the best I can. I paid $3,400 including shipping to the US. I'm not sure on weight, but I believe they are slightly heavier, I did not mind this because the car will not be tracked, and I am buying them for aesthetic purposes only. And these wheels will need a 55mm Bolt. I spoke to Hill Engineering. They specifically suggested the Maserati 3200 "front bolts" (20 of them) which are 55mm. They are chrome and significantly cheaper than ferrari lug bolts. They need a slightly longer bolt than the stock 52mm from ferrari.
Chris Jordan (speedline) quoted me about 8 weeks, but in reality it was slightly longer. I ordered the wheels Feb 9th, and they shipped out and will arrive at my house May 1st. Nothing to complain about though, it wasn't outrageous.
I currently have 3 piece HRE wheels that are peeling on the center from the chrome. I bought the car that way, and this will be aesthetically a lot nicer looking. And since this car is more of a "driver" than a "track car" it doesn't matter to me. Also, aluminum is easier to repair if something does happen to the wheel.
I'm actually happy that they are 18s. I had an issue a few years ago where I hit a pothole and the tire pushed so hard into my fender, it rolled the fender out slightly. Had to get it repaired/ repainted to fix it. I feel a 19 would cause this issue to be worse. I could be completely wrong though. Just my personal experience.
As you say, Look like a great wheel, benefits of all aluminium and my experience of Cinel was really positive, look forward to seeing pics of new wheels on car when they arrive and your feedback on what you make of them. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
He said "they are slightly heavier than the originals but the originals are 17's" If he was referencing a 348 that still would not make any sense as these wheels are not heavier than 348 17's.
You would be better off putting the stock oem 355 wheels on the 348 rather than those heavy wheels featured here. As for looks...anything including a John Deer wheel would look better than the stock 348 wheels.
Plenty of choices if you're willing to deviate just a bit from the stock sizes. IMO there are better sizes for the OE wheels than what came on the car.
I dislike the original OEM 348 wheels, but I feel a "stock" look for this car, even challenge wheels are better than the HRE "Mesh" type wheel that I have. These are the wheels I am currently running on my 348, and although they are nice 3 piece light wheels (unsure on exact weight), I still don't prefer the look, and I hate chrome. I feel like these wheels, being brand new and made of aluminum (even though the downside of a slightly heavier weight) are a good middle ground. I don't particularly want to spend 5 to 7,000 on wheels that are used, or the wrong color. With the new Speedline wheels I could custom order them in the color of my choice (black of course) and they were brand new. I didn't have to worry about used wheels, or someone scamming me out of money, or unknown issues or something. Simply order, pick my color, and get them a few months later. I don't mind that they are slightly heavier (although not great) because the car is not being tracked or raced. Simply driven on Sundays The aluminum design also allows for easy repair, where mag wheels are more difficult to repair. Here are the wheels I have currently, as compared to what I would like it to look like (although the car pictured is a 355, you get the idea). My mechanic already powdercoated my brake calipers yellow, and ordered Ferrari center caps Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I love the look of 295s from the back. They really toughen up the look of the car. What size front rubber are you running? Interesting to see a pic of the engine lid de-badged. I've been seriously considering doing just that to make it easier to detail the thing. I like the look. For some reason I thought yours was a Spider. What color was the interior originally?
It's a ts Fronts are 235 to maintain stock wheel ratio (the same is true for the rear). I took it off because I got tired detailing around it... All my cars are debadged anyway. Kai
