Q on (newer) AFS Wheels for Racing

[DT04R]

Howdy Folks -

I'm looking into some dedicated track wheels - I'm totally OK with 17" (lets me use slightly cheaper tires too!). I like the size/fitment on GM 17x9.5/17x11 GS wheels (with the appropriate 50mm rear offset).

I've seen a few used sets for sale for $1200+, and I've tried to get a set or two through auctions, but the price always seems to get a little high. So my alternate thought was repros from AFS.

I had AFS GS wheels (silver finish) on my '95, ran it on track with street tires for a few events, no problems. I've also read about all the QA at AFS, the wheels are manufactured exclusively for them, lots of testing, etc.

I have also read that since I had mine, they have re-developed the wheels, so the weights are within ~1lb (f) to ~1.3lb (r) of the real OEM wheels (used to be more like 4-5+ lbs). I've read some people do not like the new design (it doesn't have that _deep_ lug section), but the looks are more than fine for me!

I've read the OEM wheels are forged vs. cast on the AFS.

So do you think that an AFS wheel, running some R compounds (Hoosier R3S03 or Kumho Victoracer 700) are plenty safe?

My point of mentioning the sticky R compounds, is that I would think these tires would allow for much more lateral forces to be exerted on the wheels (not to mention the stresses from the pretty extreme capabilities of the Z06).

Have there been many instances of people breaking wheels? Any data on issues of forged v. cast, AFS v. OEM v. alternative-OE-knockoffs?

I know forged would be stronger, but the AFS wheels are very attractive price-wise - however, I don't want to save $1000 at the expense of something going wrong. If I were just running street tires this wouldn't have come up, but I want to make sure my first use of R tires is safe and fun!

My one other alternative (that keeps the price down a little), is to look into a used set of '01 Z wheels - which are forged ,a dn stronger *IF* that is an issues at all.

???

Thanks -

[GaryZ06]

I run the AFS wheels for drag racing.They are 17 x 11 with the GS offset(50mm) and have had no problems at all.

[Subdriver]

Don't know anything about those wheels.
I run CCW 17x10 front, 17x11 rear for my R compound Goodyears. They are a little more expensive than you are looking at, but are built for track use.
I have run the 02 Z06 OEM wheels on the track numerous times safely. Your results may differ.
Good luck whichever way you go.

[DPassell]

You can't go wrong with The CCW wheels from John in Daytona. He will custom make whatever size you want at what I consider a very reasonable price. They are three piece wheels, very strong, meant for the track. He has complete tire/wheel packages and will give good advice for your particular application. Good luck.

[quickSS]

Originally posted by Subdriver
Don't know anything about those wheels.
I run CCW 17x10 front, 17x11 rear for my R compound Goodyears. They are a little more expensive than you are looking at, but are built for track use.
I have run the 02 Z06 OEM wheels on the track numerous times safely. Your results may differ.
Good luck whichever way you go.

What offset, F/R?

[quickSS]

Originally posted by Subdriver
Don't know anything about those wheels.
I run CCW 17x10 front, 17x11 rear for my R compound Goodyears. They are a little more expensive than you are looking at, but are built for track use.
I have run the 02 Z06 OEM wheels on the track numerous times safely. Your results may differ.
Good luck whichever way you go.

What offset, F/R, and what tire sizes do you run on these rims?

[speedpup]

OEM is 1300 for GS wheels

[DT04R]

Howdy QuickSS -

If you're asking about the GS wheels (either OEM or AFS castings), these are the specs:

17" x 9.5" (+56mm offset with 7.4" backspacing)

17" x 11" (+50mm offset/7.93" backspacing) for the rear.

It's the setup that Vette Magazine used for a test - Justin Bell tossed a Z around a track with these wheels and a 275/40-17 and 315/35ZR17 combination. He was very impressed, but didn't say too much about increasing the oversteer (which a few folks have said about this combo).

The article is here:

http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/0301Vette_Retiring/


Seeya !

DT

[woosch]

I have a set of the AFS polished wheels I won on E-bay but have never used, they are the grandsport offset in 17X9.5 and 17X11.

I'll take $700 plus shipping.