how not-round is acceptable for race wheels?
 

I've got the opportunity to purchase a set of wheels at a pretty good price to use with stickies on my 951. The offsets aren't perfect, but can be worked with. When I took what was supposed to be the WORST wheel to the shop yesterday and had it spun on the balancing machine, the inner lip had about 1/4" deflection... not really a dent, more like a non-trueness...

Haven't even seen the other three at this point, wondering if these wheels will be useable and safe for the track?

Let me know you guys, thanks!

What are they made out of?
Ahmet

they're BBS RS 3piece.

Do you trust the tire shop? I was referred to a tire shop at an NCM event in Kentucky and they told me every wheel was bent badly. They supposedly balanced them with a ton of weights. Took the car back to the track and it was undriveable it vibrated so bad. I could barely hold the sterring wheel. Found a real tire guy and he said my wheels werent bent and they had them 5-8 ounces off balance. Dont know if their machine was screwed of the kid was clueless but either way they screwed it up.

Depends if the bend is primarily runout (side to side) or round (up and down).

Also depends what the spring rate is in your tire (sidewall), car, and how much you value your shocks ;)

Lastly if they are 3 piece wheels you can just replace the affected barrel.

A wheel repair shop can often straighten them, or you can buy just the rim section you need for $150-250.

Give the wheels a good inspection to make sure the centers don't have any cracks. A bend in a rim half is not necessarily a big deal, but it does imply that the wheel took a hit at some point. Cracks can also happen with regular use over time, so check all the centers carefully. Cracks can start anywhere, but common places are at the lug holes, the bolts that hold the rim halves together, and the webs.

as long as the wheel inner or outer was the ONLY thing that moved, you should be ok. can you post a picture of the dent. the inners and outers are incredibly strong, so if they are not cracked and the bend is not effecting the bead of the tire in anyway, you should be ok. as was said, those kind of fixes are routinely done at the wheel repair shops like, wheel techniques here in the bay area..... they do great work. you can send it to them and they will return it in a few days.

1/4" deflection? Walk away. Quickly.

I'm with Kevin.