DWS964

I know there are lots of opinions, but I am looking for some real data and experiences with the replica Cup I wheels (as sold via Tire Rack) vs OEM. How often or easily do they get bent or run out of true? How often do OEM rims get bent?
Prices for used sets, often used for snows, are quite reasonable in cost, vs. finding a nice set of OEM Cup I's.
My C4 is my daily driver, running 16" rims now. I have run one DE, and plan to do 1-2/year.

Geoffrey

I prefer the replicas over the OEMs because they are wider in the rear than the RS America ones (same size as the C2 Turbo ones) and are wider in the front than either the RS America or Turbo ones. I believe the weight to be very similar and not different enough to matter one way or the other. As far as bending, I haven't seen any real issue here in NY, and in the event that they do get bent, it is cheap to replace them with a new one vs a new Porsche one or having the Porsche one repaired. I also like the offset better since they push the wheels to the outside a little more.

Just my opinion...

ilko

The only thing I know for sure is that the replica wheels are heavier, which you don't want to have. As far as durability, I *think* that all wheels sold in this country have to be DOT approved (but I could be wrong), and have to pass some tests, etc.

As far as bending wheels, that depends mostly on the driver and the tires. You can bend just about any wheel if you go through a big enough pot hole. The tires are also important because some have stiffer sidewalls (bumpier ride), while others have softer side walls - softer ride, but they don't protect your rims as well.

Also when you move from 16s to 17s you will be running lower profile tires with less side wall and it would be easier to bend a wheel because there is less tire to protect you.

That said, you shouldn't have any problems with bending wheels as long as you drive carefully.

Hope this helps

ltc

FWIW, the MM Cup 1 replicas have a smaller diameter opening around the lugs, making it impossible to get in there with a soft socket (or similar).
It tends to fowl things up a bit at the DE Tech line.

JasonAndreas

There are no government regulations for wheels sold in the USA. In fact last year when they tried to inact performance standards SEMA managed to have the idea killed. They came up with the excuse that any TUV'like regulations would put most of the aftermarket wheel companies out of business.

ilko

I stand corrected then. Thanks for clearing it up Jason. It's mind-boggling that the government does not regulate wheels, but blinkers need to be DOT-approved

jimq

I have the Turbo Twist replicas from TR for the last 3 years and had no problems with bending. I am not that concerned about the weight difference as I went from 16" to 17" adding weight anyways.

PC2

I had the cup I replicas from TireRack for the 3 years I owned my 964 and had no problems using them as track wheels. The wheels were pretty strong considered how many times I went off track.

amfp

I spoke with two of the major wheel repair places that are listed in Pano/Roundel. Bottom line they both said the factory wheels are stronger as they have same factory standards, and seem to have a better repair ratio to fix bent / damages than aftermarket wheels. That said, if I was purchasing 4 new tires and needed 4 new wheels, I rather go through aftermarket as they are all mounted and prebalanced.

964C4

I purchased a set of Cup I wheels from the Tire Rack (no affiliation)

I love how the car looks now and yes, the offset pushes the wheels a bit outside and makes it look better

No problems so far and the price is good

Chris M.

Weights

Tire Rack
7.5x17 24lbs.
9x17 26lbs.
Data from HERE

Factory Cup Is
7.5x17 23.32lbs.
9x17 26lbs.
Data from HERE.

DWS964

Great resource site for wheel info. THANKS