Aftermarket Wheels - 17" or 16"?

[nikitopo]

Originally Posted by Shark_Bait88

I'd argue that forged is worth the extra money, particularly with the weight savings you see with something like the TWS. However, it's only worth the money if the costs balance properly. For a lot of enthusiasts, they aren't likely going to spend the extra money on forged wheels like TWS. A strong cast wheel will suffice for most grassroots uses. Same for some lower budget racing teams, and sponsorships/contingency programs definitely play a role in that decision. However, if there's money in the budget for it, I'd always go for the forged option over a comparable cast.

I don't think that Subaru/STI is a low budget team or that they participate in the Gazoo 86/BRZ races mainly for the sponsorships. Maybe you don't know the details. These guys are so serious that they bring their best mechanics to support the team just for a 10 laps race. They are very proud if in the end one or more BRZ's are in front of all the 86's. Subaru's race department belongs under the marketing department, but until now they leave the mechanics to do their job!

[Shark_Bait88]

Originally Posted by nikitopo

I don't think that Subaru/STI is a low budget team or that they participate in the Gazoo 86/BRZ races mainly for the sponsorships. Maybe you don't know the details. These guys are so serious that they bring their best mechanics to support the team just for a 10 laps race. They are very proud if in the end one or more BRZ's are in front of all the 86's. Subaru's race department belongs under the marketing department, but until now they leave the mechanics to do their job!

Yep, that's why I noted that sponsorships and contingencies play a role too. I suppose I should have also noted partnerships, and mentioned that high dollar teams are susceptible to these factors as well.

Again, not saying that Enkeis or other quality brand cast wheels are bad. Just that there is a clear value added with forged over cast. If there wasn't then nobody would waste the time and money on producing them. For consumers/customers though, it comes down to a matter of cost vs that added value and their budgets.

[nikitopo]

I can recall Enkei mentioning once that had issues to sell their products in the American market. Reason was that their wheels were not forged and could not explain well (or convince?) the importance of focusing more on structure and rigidity. I guess it is similar when you build a car that doesn't break any lap record in Nurburgring or doesn't have so much power and then you try to explain to customers that you've built a drivers car. Such things are not easy to quantify and will always get argued.

[swarb]

Originally Posted by nikitopo

I can recall Enkei mentioning once that had issues to sell their products in the American market. Reason was that their wheels were not forged and could not explain well (or convince?) the importance of focusing more on structure and rigidity. I guess it is similar when you build a car that doesn't break any lap record in Nurburgring or doesn't have so much power and then you try to explain to customers that you've built a drivers car. Such things are not easy to quantify and will always get argued.

That is probably the main reason not many full-on race teams run the rpf1. They usually use the rc-t4/rc-g4 or wheels from the racing revolution line.