Keep TTIIs or go for something different?

[Blackbirdws6]

I'm looking for some opinions on wheels. As some may have seen, I currently have American Racing TT2's (18x8 front / 18x10) rear with chrome centers and polished barrels. While I like the way the wheels look on the car, I'm considering something different. I would love to go nuts and splurge on some nutty $$ wheel combo but with the roads in NJ, I think a middle of the road wheel would suit me just fine. The TT2s are pretty heavy as well so I think a new wheel will help with all aspects of driving other than cruising. Someone has offered me a good price for my current setup so this has me thinking.

I like the Fikse FM-5, CCW SP505/500 but they are very very pricey. As you can tell, I'm into a 5 spoke design. The more I see the Weld RT-S in larger sizes, the more I am liking them. I have them as 15's for my drag setup and I'm pleased with the quality. I would go with a 18x9-9.5 front and a 18x10-10.5 rear with whatever wheel I choose.

Here are a few shots from those running a similar combo.

http://image.gmhightechperformance.com/f/gm-high-tech-performance-magazine/18-inch-weld-rt-s-s71-wheels/36426099/weld-18x10-inch-rt-s-wheels-on-a-camaro.jpg

Narrowed rear on this one which I won't have
http://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/suspension-brakes/321988d1319120956-00-camaro-ss-2-inch-drop-gmhtpprojectstiaarms.jpg
http://image.gmhightechperformance.com/f/gm-high-tech-performance-magazine/sti-killer-on-track/35209118/sti-killer-weld-racing-rt-s-wheels-gmhtp.jpg

These are 18x11 on all four corners. Fitment isn't perfect
http://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/appearance-detailing/425992d1384323412-i-have-ws6-fitment-no-one-has-forumrunner_20131112_221639.jpg
http://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/appearance-detailing/425994d1384323445-i-have-ws6-fitment-no-one-has-forumrunner_20131112_221712.jpg

[WildBillyT]

Two votes for Fikses. One from me and one from Bear (I'm sure).

[BonzoHansen]

both are nice. The welds are on my short list for my Z

[Blackbirdws6]

Two votes for Fikses. One from me and one from Bear (I'm sure).

They are nice for sure. Just not convinced I want to spend $3,500-$4k for wheels. The design is very nice but almost a bit plain at the same time. I see some pictures where I love them and others where I go "meh".

both are nice. The welds are on my short list for my Z

All of the above that I posted are the same RT-S wheel.

[LTb1ow]

Hurray for no more mustang wheels.

[PolarBear]

Almost anything is better than better than TT's, they are Crager knock offs IMO. The Welds are pretty damn nice, about 3rd or 4th on my list. I would recommend the Fikse, but we can't have them on your car too

[BonzoHansen]

All of the above that I posted are the same RT-S wheel.

i know, i meant the fikses or the welds are both nice.

weld rolled out a number of new designs at sema, I'm not even sure they are on their website yet.

[Blackbirdws6]

Hurray for no more mustang wheels.

Yea I figured you would be happy. You are still referring to the "M" wheel though but yes they are very similar.

Almost anything is better than better than TT's, they are Crager knock offs IMO. The Welds are pretty damn nice, about 3rd or 4th on my list. I would recommend the Fikse, but we can't have them on your car too

Fikse are more than I care to spend on wheels right now. As I said, I fall in and out of love with the FM5's and for that kind of money, I don't want to be on the fence.

i know, i meant the fikses or the welds are both nice.

weld rolled out a number of new designs at sema, I'm not even sure they are on their website yet.

They posted the new designs which look pretty nice but I don't think any of them would fit the style of the car.

http://weldracing.com/media//new-rts-styles.jpg

[BonzoHansen]

Look at Bonspeed? Billet Specialties? Rushforth?

[PolarBear]

Look at Bonspeed? Billet Specialties? Rushforth?

HRE? :twisted: :rofl:

[Blackbirdws6]

Look at Bonspeed? Billet Specialties? Rushforth?

I looked at them. Bonspeed had some OK stuff but nothing jumped out. Billet specialties has the Street Lite which I always liked but they only go as big as 17". Rushforth had some nice wheels but the choices I liked all had rivets which I am not a fan of.

[Blackbirdws6]

HRE? :twisted: :rofl:

That's a big no. Again, looking for middle of the road. If I lived in Arizona, I would go splurge on some baller wheels but not in NJ.

[BonzoHansen]

I looked at them. Bonspeed had some OK stuff but nothing jumped out. Billet specialties has the Street Lite which I always liked but they only go as big as 17". Rushforth had some nice wheels but the choices I liked all had rivets which I am not a fan of.

might want to call, you might be able to get hidden fasteners.

[sweetbmxrider]

You like 5 spokes cause they are easy to clean :)

[Blackbirdws6]

might want to call, you might be able to get hidden fasteners.

I will keep looking. I don't need to make a decision anytime soon since the damn thing doesn't drive.

You like 5 spokes cause they are easy to clean :)

This is true but I'm not a big fan of very busy wheels on a car like mine anyway.

[coolmanvette75]

Sadly in today's forged wheel market, CCW and Fikse are often considered. "middle of the line." Lol. IMO unless you step up to a forged wheel of some sort, just keep the TTIIs. No point in changing something up on the car that really works unless you step up to a nice quality wheel manufacturer. Just my 0.02

[ar0ck]

I'm all for the upgrade, but i'm just not sure I'm a fan of the black faced wheels, I think the chrome balanced the look on your car.

[greenformula92]

idk man your car looks so damn good with the wheels that are on it

[Blackbirdws6]

Sadly in today's forged wheel market, CCW and Fikse are often considered. "middle of the line." Lol. IMO unless you step up to a forged wheel of some sort, just keep the TTIIs. No point in changing something up on the car that really works unless you step up to a nice quality wheel manufacturer. Just my 0.02

As mentioned, if the roads here were flat and pristine all the time, I would go for a high dollar wheel. The TT2s are a little soft and pretty heavy in the 18" size. The Welds are a forged wheel but like anything else, there will be quality differences.

I'm all for the upgrade, but i'm just not sure I'm a fan of the black faced wheels, I think the chrome balanced the look on your car.

idk man your car looks so damn good with the wheels that are on it

No purchases have been made yet and likely won't be until it's almost time to get the car back on the road. I think I'm just looking for a change.

[BonzoHansen]

Forgeline or formula 43

[WildBillyT]

I've always been partial to this look, FWIW:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e186/double_overdrive496/1001phr_76_o1968_chevy_camaro1995_pontiac_trans_am _zps7a16c23c.jpg

Wheels are Axis.

[Blackbirdws6]

Forgeline or formula 43

I will check them out. Edit - Forgeline....they have some very good looking wheels but whoa at that price.

I've always been partial to this look, FWIW:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e186/double_overdrive496/1001phr_76_o1968_chevy_camaro1995_pontiac_trans_am _zps7a16c23c.jpg

Wheels are Axis.

I've seen those before and I think the guy did a nice job with the overall look. The wheels look a touch "importish" but they do fit the car well. I could always consider a fully polished wheel in the RT-S versus the black face shown. Too many damn choices.

[MyFirstZ]

I want the RT-S in the worst way

600 bones a piece is a little high for me though lol

[Paul Huryk]

The Welds look great in person and would probably run 50 to 60% of the cost of the Fiskes, Forgelines, or HREs.

Honestly, I find most of the designs boring - at least the 18" ones they offer. The better looking offerings usually start at 19" and that is a bad thing on NJ roads.

[edpontiac91]

The wheels look good, but at $3,500-$4,000 cost, you better be ready to drive around here with 25 mph being your top speed and a chase car in front of you to detect ANY potholes.:rofl:
Also why not photoshop ALL the wheels you are thinking about and check out that look ahead of time?

[maroman88]

i was going to suggest the snowflakes for 4th gens... but looks like they only come in 17x9

[Blackbirdws6]

i was going to suggest the snowflakes for 4th gens... but looks like they only come in 17x9

Not sure if serious...

[BonzoHansen]

i swear I saw these in 18s somewhere.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/gearbox-yearone-com/part-images/sa_sl/sfw1794gun.png

[Blackbirdws6]

Year one has some similar I believe. Edit - Actually that is what year one sells. The billet wheels come in all kinds of sizes.

[maroman88]

i was serious...lol

[BonzoHansen]

custom forgeline TA3P 19s, but way out of budget ($6500+). And 1045hp @ 20 psi boost lol.
http://www.amcarguide.com/wp-content/gallery/1981-ta/1981-pontiac-trans-am-by-schwartz-performance-05.jpg

[transmaro93]

snowflakes dont belong on anything newer than 1981... i like the larger diameter weld rt-s. gives it a street look but still looks a little race. I always say that wheels make the car. which is why im doing what im doing with my car... otherwise it would just be another blue firebird. The rt-s would deff be different but like i said they give it a more race look rather than eye candy look. if you get what im saying... the tt2 you have are like eye candy but they are so common they were practically factory option.. somthing to think about in your travels. I dont know what your budget is either...

[redsoxsstink]

Though I love the CCW SP505/500 they are a bit played out on f-bodies and GTOs. I do like the idea of the snowflakes but def would like an 18in. For some reason I don't like the Welds in 18s, I like them better as a drag wheel they look a lot better in 15s or 16s.

A budget number would be nice, we def know you don't like to be cheap with this car haha

[Blackbirdws6]

Budget wise I'm looking in between $2500-$3k for the wheels only. Reiterating my first post, I want to drive the car and not have to worry that if I mess up a wheel, I have to sell a body part to get a new one. If I lived in Arizona, I would feel more comfortable spending more.

[transmaro93]

well unless you get the ccw classics... all their mono block wheels are pretty solid and are by no means light weight... the classics are 3 piece race wheels so they are no made for pot hole driving lol. the ccw's have been done alot on fbodies..... on the internet. but have personally never seen a set of ccw's on one in person. i dont go by what i see on the internet because everybody has done everything. 3k for just wheels would get you a set of pretty much any of the mono block ccw designs. for 3k on just wheels you have alot of options. me personally wanted adv.1 wheels but they are just outrageously expensive. if i was you id narrow your choices down to like 4 or 5 and then just stare at them all the time and see which ones grow on you and which get boring or just dont push your buttons. thats what i did for about 3 months straight before settling on the sp505a's and i know i made the right choice for me...

[BonzoHansen]

Budget wise I'm looking in between $2500-$3k for the wheels only. Reiterating my first post, I want to drive the car and not have to worry that if I mess up a wheel, I have to sell a body part to get a new one. If I lived in Arizona, I would feel more comfortable spending more.

I think if you run 18s you'd be ok. And the upside of a quality 3pc wheel is they are repairable - at worst re-hoop them.

[PolarBear]

Honestly it's all about the tire whether you get a damaged wheel. If you plan on running rubber bands around the 18's, yeah you may bend one in NJ, but the Solstice had 18's with a 35 series tire and I never had any problems with the wheels, I even slid across a low curb with the front left wheel and it didn't get damaged because the tire height wasn't so small

[transmaro93]

^^^ truth

[Blackbirdws6]

Honestly it's all about the tire whether you get a damaged wheel. If you plan on running rubber bands around the 18's, yeah you may bend one in NJ, but the Solstice had 18's with a 35 series tire and I never had any problems with the wheels, I even slid across a low curb with the front left wheel and it didn't get damaged because the tire height wasn't so small

The design of the wheel will play a part as well. If the spokes provide little to no support of the hoop then it's bound to have issues. I run a 40 series on the front and a 35 in the back. It's likely these rims are just soft but I've had a few dings fixed through the years. One was a legit pothole but everything else shouldn't have caused an issue.

[PolarBear]

Also a forged wheel is fixable without Re hooping if it isn't bent too bad

[Paul Huryk]

Also a forged wheel is fixable without Re hooping if it isn't bent too bad

True for the most part.

Problem is the finish - it would most likely get ruined if you had a bent wheel that was straightened. 3pc wheels are better than monoblocks for that contigency, but they are typically heavier and definitely not as strong.

[sweetbmxrider]

Honestly it's all about the tire whether you get a damaged wheel. If you plan on running rubber bands around the 18's, yeah you may bend one in NJ, but the Solstice had 18's with a 35 series tire and I never had any problems with the wheels, I even slid across a low curb with the front left wheel and it didn't get damaged because the tire height wasn't so small

My 295/35's are rubber bands on my 18's.

[Blackbirdws6]

if i was you id narrow your choices down to like 4 or 5 and then just stare at them all the time and see which ones grow on you and which get boring or just dont push your buttons. thats what i did for about 3 months straight before settling on the sp505a's and i know i made the right choice for me...

I like this approach. Guess I better pepper my cubicle with the wheels I like and see what strikes me.

I think if you run 18s you'd be ok. And the upside of a quality 3pc wheel is they are repairable - at worst re-hoop them.

Yea that's a nice feature. I will keep thinking over the winter and see what I come up with. Hopefully the current wheels sell for a nice price.

[Blackbirdws6]

I've been doing some more browsing and I'm really liking this look. These are CCW SP500s.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/BigrobTAWS6/DSC00703.jpg
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/BigrobTAWS6/DSC00707.jpg

[BonzoHansen]

Not bad!

FWIW my Cruze LTZ has 225/45R18 in all 4 corners. ~30,000 miles, no dented rims. That is about a 4" sidewall height. Yours won't be markedly shorter.

[Dudbird113]

Why not rock the slicks and skinnys?

[Blackbirdws6]

Not bad!

FWIW my Cruze LTZ has 225/45R18 in all 4 corners. ~30,000 miles, no dented rims. That is about a 4" sidewall height. Yours won't be markedly shorter.

The G8 runs 19s with no issue but I'm sure the wheel design plays a part. TT2s have sold so come spring and pending the car being back on the road, I will be pulling the trigger on something.

Why not rock the slicks and skinnys?

Because my TA isn't a racecar. It just tries to imitate one a few times a year. I also don't want to rely on Jesus taking the wheel whenever I want to tackle a nice on/off ramp.

[LTb1ow]

Certainly be ballerific

[sweetbmxrider]

I like them a lot, they will look great on your car.

[ar0ck]

Why not normal size CCW Classics?

[Blackbirdws6]

Certainly be ballerific

Nah. These are cheap wheels apparently :).

I like them a lot, they will look great on your car.

Thanks for the feedback.
Why not normal size CCW Classics?

They would look good too but I'm not a big fan of rivets/hardware. I borrowed a set of classics from my buddy for the first track rental I organized. I also recall the amount if time it took to clean them properly lol.

These were (EDIT) 16s if I recall correctly.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w170/bmdeluca/Race%20Wars%202011/DSC02418.jpg

[Jersey Mike]

Please stay away from the SP500s... That's where "Project Driveway Ornament" is headed. :lol:

[Blackbirdws6]

Please stay away from the SP500s... That's where "Project Driveway Ornament" is headed. :lol:

Better hustle to get your car on the road!

[Jersey Mike]

"On the road?" ...I don't follow?

[Blackbirdws6]

"On the road?" ...I don't follow?

Moving/driving under its own power. Regardless, I'm not going to be buying wheels until mine is able to do the same and I still have quite a bit of thinking to do.

[PolarBear]

I still have quite a bit of thinking to do.

You should montage that

[transmaro93]

are you going 19 or sticking with 18s?

[Blackbirdws6]

Probably 19s depending on wheel choice. Apparently tires are easier to get for the sizes I'm looking at.

[coolmanvette75]

Probably 19s depending on wheel choice. Apparently tires are easier to get for the sizes I'm looking at.

Them dubs! Gonna need you a set of these
http://www.chromeautoemblems.com/images/Chrome%20Badge%2019%20Inch.jpg

[WildBillyT]

Them dubs! Gonna need you a set of these
http://www.chromeautoemblems.com/images/Chrome%20Badge%2019%20Inch.jpg

19s are not dubs.

[sweetbmxrider]

19s are not dubs.

Maybe 10 years ago? Even then, I think 20's were the staple "dub"

[WildBillyT]

The name "dub" comes from "20". Useless fact of the day.

[Blackbirdws6]

19s are hardly dubs.

[BonzoHansen]

They would look good too but I'm not a big fan of rivets/hardware. I'd always ask the wheel maker if hidden hardware is available.

[Dudbird113]

I like the first rims you had posted. Look good. Rim possibilies are endless

[transmaro93]

ccw doesnt do hidden hardware on their "classic" wheels you can ask to double check but i did some pretty good research on the subject. they do like a reverse mount thing but it doesnt hide the hardware. fikse wheels have the hidden hardware. again brian wheels make or break the car. a ferrari with crappy wheels on it would make the car look like ass. you have alot of time and alot of money invested in your car and you want to put the right wheel on it. dont let anything else sway your decisions. btw i only thought you were staying 18 cause you sold tt2's without tires.. 19's fit these cars perfectly

[Blackbirdws6]

ccw doesnt do hidden hardware on their "classic" wheels you can ask to double check but i did some pretty good research on the subject. they do like a reverse mount thing but it doesnt hide the hardware. fikse wheels have the hidden hardware. again brian wheels make or break the car. a ferrari with crappy wheels on it would make the car look like ass. you have alot of time and alot of money invested in your car and you want to put the right wheel on it. dont let anything else sway your decisions. btw i only thought you were staying 18 cause you sold tt2's without tires.. 19's fit these cars perfectly

Agreed and I sold the tires with the wheels so I'm looking at everything new.

[LTb1ow]

I like
http://i59.tinypic.com/2vah1cg.jpg

(IDK if this was posted before)

[Blackbirdws6]

Not bad but I don't like the hardware showing. Not a fan of the painted silver either.

[transmaro93]

thats the guy that i got the original idea to tub my car... love that car.. thhose are 9.5wheels widened to 13...

[sweetbmxrider]

What are the fronts if you know?

[transmaro93]

they are 19x either 9 or 9.5... fronts and rears were originally the same before he had the rears widened he has real low pro tires on the front compared to the rear though..

[sweetbmxrider]

Really? It looks real narrow in the pic but its tough to see the tire clearly.

[Featherburner]

Really? It looks real narrow in the pic but its tough to see the tire clearly.

Straight from his sig... | Front: 19 x 9.5 / Tires: 275-30-19 | Rear: 19 x 13 / Tires: 345-30-19

[sweetbmxrider]

I'm an idiot, the bumper reflection was throwing me off. Carry on :lol: