MTR

I'm trying to make up my mind about choosing a Cup 1 wheel for my C2 for my street setup.

After searching some old posts about the Mille Miglia, Borbet, Wheelenhancement, and FVD versions it seems like they are all slightly different in terms of weight, country of origin, offsets, manufacturing techniques, spoke designs, etc. Is one version better than the others?

Alternatively, I have a lead on a set of OEM Cup 1s off of a RS America in 7" front and 8" rear widths. But this set isn't exactly cheap, the wheels need refinishing (+$600), and it's still only an 8" rear that would need a spacer. Should I just go through the effort and spend the extra cash for the real thing (although the offsets and widths aren't optimal) or go with a new set of replicas?

Thanks for the help.

u7t2p7

Go OEM; lighter than all the rest. They aren't getting any cheaper so you can always sell in the future (although why would you).

-nick

I like the MM replicas. Better sizes, better offsets, much better price. I also like the design of the slightly wider spokes; they're not identical to the oem versions.

The MM 7.5/9" widths are perfect for 225/255 tires. The RSA 7/8" should really wear 205/225. The factory 255 on the rear is getting pretty pinched and a 255 is not usually recommended on an 8" rim. You get quite a bit more rubber on the pavement with the replicas.

The MM are 4-5lbs heavier per wheel than the RSA 7/8's. You won't notice on the street and the extra tire makes up for the weight penalty for events. Replicas can bend at the rim edge, but they're easy to straighten by any shop that offers the service. I recently saw a photo of a genuine cup1 that cracked at the rim edge. I would much rather have a bend than a crack.

The Borbet replicas are an almost identical look to oem, but they run 6-7lbs heavier per corner. I stick with the MM for that reason. They may be more plentiful to find used sets than MM though.

If you want originality go with OEM. If you want extra grip go with MM.

MTR

Thanks for the advice Nick. I agree with your opinion, but it's a tough call and the price on replicas seems to have increased significantly in the last few years making the jump to the OEM wheel less.

I was looking at FVD's version and it seems like the consensus is they are exactly or very similar to the MMs. Do someone still sell MM, or is used the best way to pick up a set?

FVD Website - Cup 1 Replicas

Johannvb

You can still buy CUP 1's from Porsche. The prices are lofty, but original beats replica's any day.

96536212401 - 7JX17 ET 55 - for the front ±$1200 each
96536212401 - 8JX17 ET 52 - for the rear ±$1500 each

MTR

Ouch, that's steep. Seems like a nice set of used OEM Cup 1s are in the $2000-2500 range right now, whereas replicas are $1200-1500. Still on the fence...

creaturecat

go with the originals. like money in the bank.
why bother with second-rate?

mfinanthony

Do you happen to know the price for 9s if they're still available?

Johannvb

Sure, that is part number 96536212800 - 9J X 17 ET 55 - and they go for ±$1100 each

Here in Europe a used set with 7j and 8j goes for around €1800 and a used set with 7j and 9j tend to go for around €2900, but in my experience you will want to have the straightened and painted and that will set you back another ± €700

Have a look here http://www.wichers-porsche.com/onderdeel_categorie/964/

HalV

You may want to contact Wheel Enhancement to see if they have a set.

koenig_roland

+1

i`ve three sets MMs for the 2 cars...

MTR

Koenig where did you get yours from?

dlpalumbo

How can you tell if your wheels are OEM? I recall something about numbers stamped on the wheel, but not sure.

Thanks,

Dan

MTR

The OEM wheels will have the width and offset next to the valve stem. They should also have the corresponding Porsche part number on the inside of a spoke.

Mondrian

OEM looks different too, in a nicer way I might add. I believe you can also get originals in 7.5 but ultra rare.