peachboy

Any thoughts on the suiatibility for street use of either of these wheels. I saw that the BBS where deemed suitable with the aluminium center. Not sure about the Cargraphic.

wwest

BBS, suitable...??

I sincerely hope so.

SRL

I believe what you may be asking is the issue of BBS aluminum vs. BBS magnesium centers on their race wheels. If so, you're right, the magnesiums should be reserved for track use, the aluminums would be more suitable to street use. Better yet, pick a BBS design that was intended for street use.

Not sure about the cargraphics.

General rule is if they're intended by the mfr for racing use, that's where they should be used. Race teams tend to check the condition of their items A LOT more than people do on their street cars, including magnafluxing to check for cracks. Race parts (including wheels) have built-in compromises relating to their single-purpose use and to lighten weight, which doesn't necessarily translate to street use. They're just meant for different purposes.

See this thread for a GREAT example of what happens when people treat race parts like street parts: http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1582205&page=1

This guy ran TC Kline race parts, that he bought used and didn't update (which a race team would have done), then the part failed and he tried to blame TC Design.

peachboy

You are right, I was asking specifically about magnesium center for street use as I'm not sure what the Cargraphic Racing are.

Jean

Cargraphic are not magnesium and are very solid, TUV approved. They are heavier than BBS however. I have a set of Cargraphic racing wheels on my car (see avatar) and I love them. Magnesium is not a good idea for the street as correctly mentioned above..Also, magnesium cracks with time.

Weight difference is not a consideration even for the occasional track race or DE.. I do not recall the weight but it was something like 2.5 lbs per wheel or so..

The Cargraphic GT3RS that won the German tuner shootout was wearing them, so I guess they must not be a handicap.

Benjamin Choi

I don't think you guys can begin to compare Cargraphic to BBS.

JimB

Serious racing wheels like BBS and Jongbloeds also have pretty thin halves that won't hold up very well against the hazards of street driving. I would stick to street wheels for street use.
Jim

ltc

I agree with JimB.
I have 3 pc BBS racing wheels off the Cup car; the aluminum halves are very prone to bending if you hit even a very small pothole. They are designed/intended for track use (where the road surface tends to be a bit smoother); I would not drive them on the street at all.

BBS does make 'race look' wheels designed for street use.

peachboy

So I'll have to find out whether the Cargraphic are strictly racing wheel as the name implies or whether they are useable on the street....anyone would know that ?

evo_333

just curious-- why do you want to use race wheels for the street?

Jean

As I mentioned, Cargraphic racing wheels are TUV (DOT) approved. That's the German regulating body which is the strictest in the world. They are very strong street wheels, I have been using them for two years on street and track, bulletproof and still look like new.

As ltc mentioned, BBS has new wheels with aluminum centers that are for the street, and very light. Check them out at www.carnewal.com

peachboy

I don't want to use racing wheel for the street I just like the look of the Cargraphic wheels and am woundering if they would be suitable.

Jean

Mbergeron, they are very solid street wheels, called "racing" (maybe this is what is confusing you?)

The BBS aluminum ones too are for the street.

Get any of the two, they are both great!

peachboy

Jean, thanks for clearing the confusion. Darn marketers.

Marc

P.S. Love your car...wanna sell it ?

Jean

Marc
Welcome. Thanks for the compliment, I am still exploring her full potential and keeping her close to me for now.

Salutations.
Jean