Are hollow spokes worth it?
#1
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Hey guys,
So I have standard Turbo twists that are in rough shape (curb rash etc.) and I am thinking of either getting them refinished or possibly getting some Hollow Spoke twists. At this point I'm looking at about $170 - $200 a wheel for refinishing vs. $1000 for hollow spokes in OK condition. For those of you that have hollow spokes, do you think that its worth it to pay the extra 50 per wheel and have a wheel that might not be perfect? Has anyone had any experience with these in the northeast with our glorious pot holes? I put 4 new rims on my Mini over the course of 2 years and would not like to have the same thing happen with the Pcar. Thanks for the input.
Regards,
Kevin
So I have standard Turbo twists that are in rough shape (curb rash etc.) and I am thinking of either getting them refinished or possibly getting some Hollow Spoke twists. At this point I'm looking at about $170 - $200 a wheel for refinishing vs. $1000 for hollow spokes in OK condition. For those of you that have hollow spokes, do you think that its worth it to pay the extra 50 per wheel and have a wheel that might not be perfect? Has anyone had any experience with these in the northeast with our glorious pot holes? I put 4 new rims on my Mini over the course of 2 years and would not like to have the same thing happen with the Pcar. Thanks for the input.
Regards,
Kevin
#3
Nordschleife Master
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I paid $800 for a set with decent (95% tread) tires. The fronts are perfect, the rears need a light refinish. I've only driven the car 400 miles since I put them on, so I'm not much help. I can tell you going from 17 to 18 inch wheels makes a noticeable difference in ride quality (stiffer).
#4
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Unless you are looking to track them and you are the next Ayrton Senna I'd say they're probably not worth it. I have a set of Solid spokes turbo twists that I use for daily driving which frankly are quite heavy. I notice the heavyness for about 15 minutes after I put them on after I take off my track/Auto-X wheels which are quite light. Once I get beyond that point I'll be damned if I can tell the difference on the street.
#5
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I paid $900 for mint hollows and prefer them over the stock wheels....If you join the site..i think you could get a decent pair relatively cheap through someone here on Rennlist...I havent had any issues with bending...and im in Northern NJ which could have the worst roads on the planet
#7
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I have to disagree here. Hollowspokes are not weak. They come standard on every 993TT out there. Great wheels and classic looks. I just refinished my set for the TT and put new Michelins on. What do you mean by an extra 50usd per wheel? If the refinishing cost is close to 200usd per wheel for the solid spokes, then buy a set of hollowspokes for 1000usd and sell your solid spoke set for 500usd.. Perfect, right?
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#8
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one aspect is value -- the WB rears are much easier to locate than the NB rears -- that said, it really depends upon which model you are sourcing wheels for.
#10
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I've had both and aside from ego/bragging rights, I don't think you will know the difference. I would not pay a premium for them.
#11
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I bought a second set of tt rims yesterday and one rear rim was slightly bent on the inside. My tire supplier will submit it to a company that fixes the damage before I install r-tires on rims. Is not that expensive to get fixed. From the beginning the idea was to try to get a used set of BBS Race wheels, but it proved difficult to get hold of the right dimensions. I gave up eventually. In addition, a BBS provider informed me that the magnesium center on BBS rims give themselves over time and crack. Newer BBS racing rims are manufactured in aluminum now.
If the roads are really bad where you live perhaps you would consider running 17" rims instead. A higher sidewall should protect the rims better on bad roads.
#12
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I got my hollows for my 4s from a 996 TT S. From the color they are somewhat darker. I paid $1200 with good Michelin tires.
I already drove 2000 miles through all New England states with them and have not got one bent.
Very reliable and good / appropriate looking for the car.
Jack
I already drove 2000 miles through all New England states with them and have not got one bent.
Very reliable and good / appropriate looking for the car.
Jack
#13
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I have the 996 hollows and noticed the weight difference right away from a handling viewpoint. Plus, the 996 widths allow for a 235/295 tire width combo on a lowered widebody without rubbing!!
#15
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Guys,
Thanks for all the advice. It seems like the consensus is that while they are nice, they are nothing to write home about. I'm undecided yet still and I guess we will see what comes up in the next few weeks scouring the internet!
Thanks for all the advice. It seems like the consensus is that while they are nice, they are nothing to write home about. I'm undecided yet still and I guess we will see what comes up in the next few weeks scouring the internet!