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May 23, 2012, 04:32:03 pm
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Author Topic: Real vs. fake alloys, from a performance perspective.............  (Read 644 times)
65bug
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« on: July 07, 2011, 06:11:28 pm »

Hi guys,
     I have fake alloys on my car. And honestly, I really like them. I have wide 7 inchers(American racing) on the rears and 5.5's on the front. The fronts are new and came from Europe. I cannot recall the name at the moment.
     Anyways, whats the advantages of the real deals vs. my copies??? I am sure the real magnesium ones are stronger. Are the lighter then my aluminum ones?
     I like the magnesium polished. It looks to almost have a chrome look. Certainly not the same polished luster the aluminum ones have.
     AM I MISSING OUT NOT HAVING REAL ONES??? Because right now I think i'm not! All my money is in my motor and trans.
     Go ahead, BEAT ME UP ABOUT IT. I can take it.......................lol
« Last Edit: July 07, 2011, 07:14:01 pm by 65bug » Logged
2DubTech
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« Reply #1 on: July 07, 2011, 07:18:19 pm »

I am not a metal expert by any means but I am pretty sure that Aluminum typically is stronger than magnesium.  If it were me and I have a set of tried and true alloy wheels I would stick with those.  Others with more expirence will probably chime in.
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A&G's Racing
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stealth67vw
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« Reply #2 on: July 08, 2011, 12:39:44 am »

Assuming you are talking about Fuchs, original Fuchs are forged aluminum where as 99% of aftermarket Fuchs are cast. I recently switched from 6" Eagle Alloys to genuine late 6" Fuchs and the Fuchs weighed about 12 lbs each compared to 19 lbs for the cast Eagles. Forged wheels are always stronger and lighter compared to cast wheels.
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John Bates
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John P
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« Reply #3 on: July 08, 2011, 10:26:45 am »

Yep, unsprung weight. But unless you're racing (or obsessed with acceleration) it's not a big deal - especially since you're happy with them. I really notice a difference in acceleration - and, to a lesser extent, braking - with my original DDS rims versus my genuine steel Porsche 356 rims, but I like the look of the 356 rims so it's no big deal to me (on the street).

And the above post is correct, the original Fuchs are forged aluminum (not magnesium).



Speaking of magnesium, polished aluminum will always give a brighter (sustained) shine versus magnesium, because mag starts to dull the moment you move on to the next wheel (after polishing). That's why magnesium wheel owners either have no skin left on their knuckles, or they are just let them do what the wheels want to do anyway and call it patina.  Wink
« Last Edit: July 18, 2011, 06:32:42 pm by John P » Logged

'67 Cal-Look Bug
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Bruce Tweddle
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« Reply #4 on: July 08, 2011, 02:40:53 pm »

Yep, unsprung weight. But unless you're racing (or obsessed with acceleration) it's not a big deal
You're forgetting one other big difference, ride quality.  The lighter wheel will give you a much smoother ride.
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65bug
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« Reply #5 on: July 09, 2011, 10:18:42 pm »

Hi guys!
     Thank you for all the info! I got to work two 11 hour days in a row!!!! Not that often that happens anymore with obama in office! You have to take it when you can get it for sure!
      Thats great info! And almost a 30 pound weight difference give or take a few pounds.
      I don't know why I though they where magnesium(or had magnesium in them) but I thought I read it somewhere.
      Yes, I am pretty happy with mine at the moment. I am part Jewish so I am just too tight to shell out that kind of bread for wheels I already have,lol.
      Money is just so scarce these days.
    Thats a great point bruce. I know my wheels have to be alot lighter then the stocker wide 5's with hubcaps.
     I have a scale so I need to weigh one of them!
     
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Bruce Tweddle
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« Reply #6 on: July 09, 2011, 10:26:27 pm »

I know my wheels have to be alot lighter then the stocker wide 5's with hubcaps.  I have a scale so I need to weigh one of them!
Stock steel wheels will weigh significantly less than the wheels you have.
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65bug
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« Reply #7 on: July 10, 2011, 11:10:51 am »

Thanks Bruce. That's a surprise! Very much so with those heavy stock lug nuts vs. my lightweight porsche ones.
     
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