Magnesium wheel replacement

[RSGulp]

I'm looking forward to Silverstone as a chance to see what wheels people are using and discuss the merits of 17" vs 18" replacements to mag wheels - e.g. 17" standard cups, 18" speedline 3 piece style, veloce spokes, BBS spokes, etc.

One question first though so I know what to budget for...

If I'm planning to 'retire' my mag wheels to a shelf in the garage - would it be best to get them refurbished first by somebody reputable like Diamond Styling - or leave them as they are (slight chips, scratches, paint starting to fade) and refurb in the future? I'm not sure how the benefits of putting them away 'fresh' outweigh leaving them as they are and risk them deteriorating in storage.

 

[OllieW]

Rich

I did exactly what you are thinking at the start of this year as my mags were refurbished by Autofarm last year and are perfect again... My concern was that they are over 4k a set if you can get them anywhere and I did't fancy having an RS without its mag wheels in great condition.

I chose to fit a set of 18 inch split rim replica's which I got from Design 911. Approx £1600 all in with R888's.

Why 18's? I think an 18 inch rim looks great on the RS and it allows the fitment of slightly wider rubber all round which really made a difference at Spa. Car had much more grip and balance in the corners and felt a lot more stable under braking too. This could have been down to new rubber though?

I was also amazed that the 18's with the R888's fitted were not that much heavier than the mags with the SSR's on, and I cannot really notice any change in the handling on track, it tramlines more on the road though.

I spoke to Melv in the garage at Spa as I had concerns about the whole fitting 18 inch wheels to a 964, but that fabel was put to bed nicely as our cars ran 18 inch wheels when they raced in the Cup races.

So my mags are now tucked up in my dehumidified garage with a view that they will stay there for the forseeable future.

 

[Tony]

Rich,
if you have any signs of corrosion - such as scratches through to the alloy get them re-furb'ed. Exposed to air magnesium keeps on oxidising so eventually they turn to dust - very expensive dust! It's the protection your after more than the appearance.

Tony