Chris Y.

Hi Everyone...

I'm looking for a set of new wheels for my turbo and would like to hear from those who have either the Cargraphic or HRE 540R wheels.

I'm definetly going 19"...but can someone tell me if one is stronger or significantly lighter than the other. Basically, the look almost the same, but I'm looking for a certain reason to buy one over the other.

The cargraphic racing wheel looks like it's marketed by a few other companies (Gemballa) and other german tuners. Is it the same?

Thanks in advance! Any comments would be appreciated.

Chris

Oak

Hi Chris,
As you know, I have the 19" 540's on my turbo. One of the reasons why I chose the the HRE's is because the weight savings compared to the Cargrahpics. The Cargraphics centers are much thicker, and has more volume through out the spokes, and the contours of the centrers are much flatter. The fake centers of the Cargraphics look a little goofy IMO. They also make a clicking sound at slow speeds. Annoying to say the least.

Personally, I like the shape of the spokes and the contours of the centers of the HRE's. Also the HRE's have a radius on the lip, where as the Cargraphics has a squared off lip.

HRE's are custom made to order with any type of finish you desire. If you choose to change the Cargraphics finish, it is after the fact. They all come with the same finish.

Craig.

Chris,

I have the HRE 540Rs and I am very happy with them. They are very strong and do not bend in potholes or speed bumps (as do some non-forged wheels). They are also very light -- lighter than the OEM hollow spokes and lighter than the Cargraphics. I am informed that HRE and Kenises make the lightest street wheels for the 996TT (Fikses are also light).

Personally, I am not a big fan of the center cap on the Cargraphic wheels. I much prefer the HRE etched aluminum caps.

Many of Cargraphic's products are private labelled and marketed by other tuners, incluidng Gemballa.

You seem to be set on 19 inch rims, so I won't spend a lot of time trying to dissuade you, even though 19 inch rims: (1) are heavier and add unsprung weight; (2) extend the mass further away from the center axis, thereby requiring greater force to achieve the same rotation; and (3) are more suseptible to damage. That being said, I agree that 19 in wheels look better.

If you want some expert advice on the subject, give <a href="http://www.wheelenhancement.com/" target="_blank">Wheel Enhancement</a> a call.

The following is a photograph of my car with HRE 540Rs, followed by a photograph of the Cargraphic wheel -- although the spokes may look similar, the center caps are very different.




Good luck!!!

Craig (L.A.)

Chris Y.

Thanks Oak and Craig...

Looks like it's going to be the HREs!

I hate to say it, but being in Hawaii, I don't get to drive my car very much or hard. So, I'm thinking of the wheels as a visual enhancement...not so much performance.

But, could I ask you guys what tires you are using? I'm having a difficult time finding the 305 or 315-25-19 rear sizes. I know Yokohama AVS Sport has a fitment, but I really don't like that tire. Anyone use any other tire?

Thanks,
Chris

Chris Y.

Craig...

Could I ask...what finish are your HREs? I'm still deciding trying to figure out the different finishes...silver painted, brushed, and polished. I'm not sure if you're seen the turbo done by "ebydesign" that was on the cover of European Car a few months ago... It looks like it's brushed, but I'm not sure...That's the finish I'd like.

But then...Oak, you're car looks so awesome too! I'm totally split now.

Thanks guys.
Chris

Oak

Chris, Craig is correct about the physics of the size of wheels. Personally, I couldn't feel any degradation of power due to the size of the wheel. It really is a moot point. All the record breaking 996tt's at the "Ring" are on 19" wheels and are running on Yokos. The handling is much improved over the stock tires/wheel package, esp at higher speeds. What do you want to bet that 19" wheels will be an option on the 911? I remember this debate back when the wheels sizes went from 15" to 16" Fuchs. Back then who would have thought 911's would be on 18" wheels! Aesthically I do like the look of the 19" better. Michaels 996tt at By Design has the HRE's with the brush finish and clear coated centers.

Craig.

Chris,

I have the silver painted centers with polished lips -- I also upgraded the center caps from the standard plastic (IMO, cheap looking) to the etched aluminum. I am using the Pirelli PZero Asimmetricos that came with the car.

Craig (L.A.)

Chris Y.

I went ahead an placed an order for the HRE 540R brushed with clear coat.

I'm really not worried about going to 19". I know the ride might suffer a little...Oak, how is ride on 19s? I run 22" on my BMW X5 and the ride is actually better than the stock 19s? Don't ask me how...but it actually is better. I think tires are getting so good today, the increase in sidewall stiffness can be done with minimum punishment.

Craig...are you running 18s? Where you able to just take the stock tires and put them on the HREs? How about the weight...lighter or heavier than the stock wheels?

Thanks guys...have a great weekend!

Chris

Oak

Chris, I actually like the feel, much more solid with out the harsh feeling. It actually feels better than stock IMO, could be the softer compound of the the Yokos. The stock set up with Pirellis was very harsh and small to med bumps were rough, tires seem to resonate much more. Now it feels much more solid and smoother, even with the coil overs. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

NC Bob

Just installed Fikse FM 10's. Purchased from Wheel Enhancement. Goos people to work with.

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