Fuchs vs. Minilites

[dd74]

In 16-series, say, 16x6 or 16x7, which are better wheels? What advantages does one have over the other, if any?

Thanks.

[CamB]

Are (real) minilites even available in 16x6" and 16x7" with a 911 offset?

If not, which minilite copies (some are better than others!)

[nick-moss]

Magnesium Minilites are only available up to 6 x 15. They may well be lighter than Fuchs.
Edited to delete my reference to 6x16 as pointed out by dd74. Doh

[dd74]

Nick: I see up to 15x6 on the Minilite site. Not 16x6.

[Early_S_Man]

Corrosion resistance and protection of Minilites is minimal at best! Go to an SCCA regional race and look for black/gray oxidized Minilites and you will get an eyefull!

No real comparison to Fuchs is possible or realistic from a strength or corrosion protection standpoint! Fuchs were light years ahead of Minilites when introduced in July 1966 ... and STILL ARE!!!

They [Minilites] were acceptable for use on the original 911R ... but soon replaced by Fuchs! They require CONSTANT polishing to stay corrosion-free ...

[Scott Clarke]

How about Panasports? I had a set for my Datsun 510. They were well made and light.
-Scott

[304065]

Fuchs on the front, minilites on the rear! Or are those panasports? Lots of Le Mans cars like this.



Photo credit http://www.autofarm.co.uk/car.php3/SB410.html

[cegerer]

Even 914's got into the act! :

[Joe Bob]

AFIK, Minilites are still made, can be had in custom offsetts and sizes....they have cast in the side "for racing purposes only" though.....

made in England last I heard.

[andyjboy]

John those are original (Magnesium) Minilites on that ST - the Factory fitted the 9x15" Minilites as there were no equivalent sized Fuchs available at that time.

Warren, I think that you're being a bit unfair on the original Minilites in their day - they were available in just about any size & offset & were fitted to virtually every type of racing & competition car & were reckoned to be the strongest/lightest wheels available. I remember seeing a demonstration in the late 60's where (from memory) a Ford Escort Twin Cam was driven repeatedly around a rally stage without any tyres on its rear Minilites to illustrate their strength!

However, I agree that the condition of these original Magnesium Minilites now means that most of them should be (& often are) only used for show purposes.

Andy
'69 911E--------->R

[Early_S_Man]

Andy,

I am well aware of their strength as demonstrated by their use on Trans-Am winning cars driven by Mark Donohue, George Folmer, Peter Revson, and Parnelli Jones ... in the years '67 thru '73. However, use on top race cars for a SINGLE season is one thing ... and use on the street [or a trailered race car] for years and years is quite another!

The size Minilite on the ST above was 15 x 7 ... just as on the original 911R's.

Cast magnesium Minilites do not compare well to the forged aluminum Fuchs, though, in strength! I would have the same reservations about cast magnesium Torque-Thrust D's of the same era for 911's ... they also were 15 x 7 wheels!

[nick-moss]

These are 9 x 15 on an ST