Wheels for a V8

[SwissV8]

I love the looks of my yellow 2002 V8, but I'm not so convinced about those alloys

Anybody have any pics, links or suggestions for some nice looking alternatives?

Nothing over the top & tasteless though!

I loved the wheels on the Sport 300:

I also like the look of the Ronal's:

Is it best to stay exactly with the original wheel / tyre sizes, or has anyone made good experiences with other sizes? Road use only, nothing planned for the track.

What's the chances of finding something at Donnington?

Grateful for any feedback

[th4neuk]

ronals look nice. i'm biased but love the futara's.

Would have thought someone would have something at donny.

cheers

[slade]

the ones on your car now. Painted gold

slade

Edited February 4, 2006 by slade

[fmxa]

I like the OZ novas .....

[Simon350S]

I agree with Slade, not sure about the gold though.

I'm a huge fan of the originals on your car and think you would be insane to want to change them, but hey its your car so whatever floats your boat.

Sorry I'm no help but just wanted to air my view.

[SwissV8]

I agree with Slade, not sure about the gold though.

I'm a huge fan of the originals on your car and think you would be insane to want to change them, but hey its your car so whatever floats your boat.

Sorry I'm no help but just wanted to air my view. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It's a fair comment - in many ways I'd like to keep the car looking original.... but I never really liked any of the multi-spoke (read 10+) wheels! I've always preferred something simpler - 5 spoke, or 5 double spoke like the Ronal's, and some of BMW's M series alloys

[silverfrost]

i love the look of the standard fittment oz racing 5 spoke monobloc alloys or the oz nova racing wheels they both make the car look its best!

your car looks fine anyway as it is

regards dan

[Simon350S]

Hey Rob

If I could sort you out with a brand spanky new set of S4S split rims for a cheap price would you give me a good deal on your stock wheels??

[slade]

in that case the sport 300 wheels look great

[SwissV8]

Hey Rob

If I could sort you out with a brand spanky new set of S4S split rims for a cheap price would you give me a good deal on your stock wheels??   

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Simon

The S4S rims sound very interesting, but I have to say, if I make any mods I make to my car, I always ensure they can be undone so that I can turn the car back to original!

... so, unfortunately, even if I buy some new wheels, I'd like to hang on to the originals.

If you do have a set of S4S rims to sell though, please drop me a private message!

Thanks

[bac1023]

I really like the spilt rim OZ that were optional on the S4s and early V8s. I have them on my '97.

Edited February 5, 2006 by bac1023

[SwissV8]

I really like the spilt rim OZ that were optional on the S4s and early V8s.  I have them on my '97.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yep, that's the right kind of thing for me!

They look very similar to the Sport 300 wheels, just a different size

[superdavelotus]

Hi there, personally I'd keep the wheels you have.

However if you insist on buying some different wheels then I have some after market ones for sale. I've just reduced them this evening to

[superdavelotus]

Ps, the S300 wheels are odd IMO. They are only 17" rears and 16" fronts. These were considered big and low profile in 93 when they came out. I think they would look odd on a v8 now. Also they have 315 rear tyres and the S300 had slightly wider wheel arch extensions to cover them. Don't go down this route. S4s wheels are good but are a pain to keep clean, I used to have an S4s so I know!

[Rob]

Rob. OZ futuras (split rim S4s wheels) will not fit over your AP calipers.

Take a look at Kinesis, Fikse and HRE all make very high quality forged wheels in esprit sizes.

Kato - it would be a good idea to add these names/links to your wheels page?

[superdavelotus]

Rob, split rims DO fit on an AP set up, just ask Adrian Mugridge on his S350. He has had split rims fitted on loan for the past month! He said they went on fine.

[SwissV8]

Ps, the S300 wheels are odd IMO. They are only 17" rears and 16" fronts. These were considered big and low profile in 93 when they came out. I think they would look odd on a v8 now. Also they have 315 rear tyres and the S300 had slightly wider wheel arch extensions to cover them. Don't go down this route. S4s wheels are good but are a pain to keep clean, I used to have an S4s so I know!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Dave

Thanks for the tips and the offer on the wheels.

Agree with your comments re S300 wheels - size is a little odd! I'd like to try to stick to the same size as the current wheels, just with a change in style.

Interesting wheels you have for sale, but as mentioned, I'd like to try to stick with the original size. I would also like to go to split rim if possible.

Point taken about cleaning though - beauty has its price!

Added challenge here in Switzerland is that the DVLA equivalent don't let you drive around with any old wheels you fancy - the wheels MUST be approved for your car. If you're the first to buy a certain wheel type, you have to take your car and wheels to the DVLA for inspection and sign-off. If approved, they issue you a new ownership document stating that your wheels have been ok'ed!

Interesting to see the different views on suitability of S4s rims (thx Rob & Dave)- hope I haven't sparked a war

[Rob]

Rob, split rims DO fit on an AP set up, just ask Adrian Mugridge on his S350. He has had split rims fitted on loan for the past month! He said they went on fine.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

ok, no worries .. i stand corrected

[superdavelotus]

Rob you still could be right. I did notice that the front wheels had a different offest to my S4s. They don't appear to be as dished as my previous alloys. Maybe this is enought for them to fit on Adrian's car?

So for anyone out there buying split rims for an AP set up, DOUBLE check before buying!

  ok, no worries ..  i stand corrected

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[SwissV8]

So for anyone out there buying split rims for an AP set up, DOUBLE check before buying!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

After seeing the give away price for the S4s split rims, I had to check... so I sent an email to the guys at Lotus. Here's the response:

"I believe that your 2002 Esprit V8 will be fitted with the AP Racing

type brakes, using alloy front calipers, rather than the steel Brembo

items. If this is the case, the O.Z. Futura wheels will not be suitable

as they will foul the calipers.

Sorry if this is a disappointment for you."

At least I know now, and thanks to Dave Massey at Lotus for the very fast reply.

Looks like I'll be sticking with the OZ Nova's after all

[Simon350S]

Shame mate Shame!!!

Would have looked damn good!!

You could you use a small spacer to clear the caliper, that'd work, probably would only need to be very thin...

[SwissV8]

You could you use a small spacer to clear the caliper, that'd work, probably would only need to be very thin...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Then I'd start to feel like one of the XR3 boyz .... couldn't do that to my Esprit!

[Simon350S]

LOL

Didn't mean huge wacker wide ones

You may only need to move the wheel 2-3mm to give clearance. Wouldn't be noticable but would allow you nice sexy Splits!!

[SwissV8]

LOL 

Didn't mean huge wacker wide ones 

You may only need to move the wheel 2-3mm to give clearance. Wouldn't be noticable but would allow you nice sexy Splits!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Bum! Just when I thought my mind was made up, and I was going to forget the rims.... you go and complicate it again

[Simon350S]

Why not contact Adrian as its been said he's fitted them with no mods to his S350. It maybe just that the clearance tollerance is outside the recommended limits, hence Lotus saying no.

Don't know what his contact details are but you could ask Superdave and he should be able to put you in touch.

Thin spacers shouldnt cost much or you could make them yourself out of some thin sheet metal.