Guys,
What are the real benefits of running a 3 piece forged wheel over a standart billet wheel like an Intro or such...? The Fiske's and HRE's look VERY nice but I'm just really trying to decide whether of not they're completly worth the huge price tag. I understand that they're obvioulsy stronger and lighter I guess but how much stronger/lighter? I'm trying to keep unsprung weight to a minimum but if it's only 10 pounds of so for 4 wheel's then I'll just go with a nice set of Intro's. I work at a major tire/wheel center in CA so I can get the HRE's for about $3300 for a set of 4 in 18's. Is that a pretty good deal or has anyone seen a lot better? Also, how much more/less are the Fiske's?
I remember reading a Sticky post in this forum awhile back that didn't really show the 3 piece forged wheels weighing all that much less but...?
Thanks for any help,
Donnie

I forged 3 Piece wheel will be much stronger than a billet wheel. Also besides being able to choose any backspacing needed you will be able to change it by buying new inner and outer wheel barrels instead of the whole wheel. This also comes in handy when wheel damage comes into play. Also a forged wheel may not be much less if any than a billet wheel.

Derek

Derek-
When I bought me 17 inch Intro's, I had the option of running any size/backspacing combo that I wanted just as the high-end 3 piece forged wheels allow.
Also, when I bought those wheels a few years ago I paid about $400 a wheel...a set of 18 inch HRE's runs about $750 a wheel for the best price I've found!
If you know of a cheaper vendor, PLEASE let me know. I really do like the look of the Fiske's and HRE's just because of the quality and finish but I'll never need to change my backspacing or anything so that's not really an issue...basically it comes down to the cost for me.
Thanks man,
Donnie

If cost is the only issue than the choice is easy. If perfomance is the main issue then the inverse would be true. It sounds like you really like the look of three piece rims, but cannot justify the cost. If your car is a cruiser than I would keep what you have.

Ten pounds unsprung mass is alot of gain. Remember that kenitic energy increases exponentialy with velocity. That means more acceleration and braking energy can go into just that and not overcomming wheel energy.

Yeah, that's EXACTLY it...I really like the look of those nice 3 piece wheels but I just can't seem to justify the cost. I just wanted some other opinions on how much lighter/stronger they really were? I mean 10 lbs. of unsprung weight is probably equivalent to about 100 lbs. of sprung weight? If a complete set of wheels is only 10 pounds lighter then it's just not worth it to me...but if they're say 6-7 lbs. a piece lighter then I'll really take alot closer look and probably end up sacrificing the price gouge.
Thanks for the help,
Donnie

Also, what are the best prices you guys have seen on HRE's and Fiske wheels?
Thanks,
Donnie

I think I paid around 3000 for my 17 Fikse right froom Fikse

Baz,
Is there a pretty substatial price increase by going with an 18 inch wheel?
Also, will Fiske paint the inner part of the rim gloss black or would I have to have that done on my own?
Thanks man and sorry for having so many questions, I'm just getting really close to ordering my set and I don't want to end up with the wrong choice!
Thanks so much,
Donnie

No worries. I am not sure if they paint them. I know they can hardcoat them black. It looks cool because you can still see the machining. If you get them natural they will be powder coated in clear.

Sorry for another dumb question but by hard coat, do you mean powder coat? That sounds really cool to be able to still see the machining! I just want them to be somewhat glossy not flat looking?
Thanks man,
Donnie

I just got a quote on 17" Profile 5's at $3300 for 2-17x7's and 2-17x8's with the standard clear powder coat. And yes the do other colors. Black, smoke, gray, red, ect...

I had the same concerns about weight difference between 3pc and 2pc or billet. Here is a chart that lists the weights for many wheel manufacturers, it helped me make my choice.

http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3818

Donnie,

No it is not powdercoat. It looks like annodizing, but harder. Hence the term hardcoat. You can call Fikse and talk to Tavis and I am sure he can give much better details than me. I would more than happy to answer what I know, but now we are getting to areas that Fikse would be better on answering as I do not want to misinform you.

Baz and Harley,
Thanks so much, I'll take a hard look at the prices and that'll probably end up being what makes my decision. I really like that the 3 piece guys will paint(hardcoat) the center's black. If I find that Intro wheels will powder coat the centers black also, then that'll be the route that I end up going...I'm pretty sure that they don't though?
MuscleMachines,
Thanks for that link man! Interesting info.
Thanks again guys,
Donnie

MuscleMachines,
By any chance do you know of anywhere to find weights of Intro wheels? I mean, according to that link, a set of 18 inch Fiske's is almost 40 lbs. less than the same set of HRE's!! I didn't realize that the HRE's were that heavy! I'de just like to see how much an 18 inch Intro wheel would weigh?
Thanks man,
Donnie

I wish I could help you but I don't know the answer. Try emailing them directly, I did that with a few manufacturers to make sure that weight list was right. It was pretty accurate. A few seem to be off, but for the most part, it's a killer reference.

I don't think that sheet is truly accurate. My 18x12 HRE wheels for my 68 Camaro aren't heavy at all. They are the nicest and lightest wheels I've ever played with.

Tyler

Tyler,
That 50/50 is CRAZY dude! I was thinking the same thing about the weights on the HRE's? I thought that they would be at least close to the Fiske's? I mean, they're about 10 lbs a wheel heaving than the Fiske's...that's like having close to 400 pounds in the car!
Donnie

That is true donnie, sorry I was thinking of 1 piece cast wheels. Have you thought about Iforged, (intro Forged). 3-piece wheels susposibally on par with quality with HRE. Check out their website www.iforged.com I think i'll be going with them or budniks on my 67.

Derek

Donnie-
I've put Fikse's on clients cars, but my HRE's are still lighter than Fikse's were. I'm an HRE dealer too, but I think my best price matches what you can get too.

Derek- No trying to be a prick, but IForged wheels have nothing on an HRE. Once you put them side by side, you will see what I mean.

Tyler

Teetoe-
Yeah man, I've seen HRE's in person! Those thing's are crazy! Just the quality is insane! Hey, if you could send me a PM when you get a chance on the prices on HRE's through you(and a pair of AFX spindle's if possible)? I don't know if I'll still be working for that same company when I'm ready to order the wheels...
Thanks man,
Donnie

Derek,
I'll have to check those Iforged wheels...the computer here at my house just has a dial-up connection, the page takes forever to download so I'll have to wait and swing by a friends house tommorrow.
Thanks again guys,
Donnie