Right now the first wheels are due to ship in June. Once they are in production then 3-4 weeks typically.

The test fit program continues. This morning we took a trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan to test for the 17" BZ prototype on a 964 and a 993. Great facility, very impressive array of Porsches being worked on.

It wasn't a surprise to find that the wheel easily fit over the 91 996 C4's brake calipers:

http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...3B685336nu0mrj

http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...3B682336nu0mrj


But what was a surprise was to find that the 993 there was a Twin Turbo with BIG REDS on it. About the Holy Grail of test fit candidates. Oh, and it fit perfectly :)

http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...68%3B336nu0mrj

http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...3B688336nu0mrj


We already know it fits a regular 996 but what 996 has the biggest brakes? I want to see how far up the 911 evolutionary ladder this will go.

Is there any way to get a flush outer lip? You can tell immediately that it is a replica because of the raised far outside edge.

Also, many of the Fuchs had reinforcements to support the rubber tire valves at high speed. Centripetal force wants to pull the stem out of the rim so it looks like you are forced to run a metal stem.

Overall nice wheel though.

What is the widest Braids 16" possible, maximizing the full inner wheel well for an SC ?

No, sorry. That's how our 15" and 16" lips are too. Lighter and better but not the same. Anyway, there never was a 17" Fuchs so it's not like we tried to make an exact replica.

I've seen the stem supports on some originals. Not sure hor necessary they are bt I've never heard of a problem running without them. I always assumed they were retro-fitable anyway.

I think the more accurate question should be "What is the widest 16" tire possible?" as that is the limiting factor. Wheels are just tire holders after all, though the offset is a critical part of the equation of course.

From my research and a little test fitting something of the order of a 255 can be squeezed in there comfortably at ET15-19. Anything wider than that seems to require fender rolling and camber compromising. I'm not sure if you can find a 255 tire in 16" these days; even the 245/45-16 favored buy 930 owners is a rare bird nowadays, hence the 17" version being developed. You would want a 9" wide wheel for both these sizes though they would probably fit oon an 8" too.

Hope that helps.

996 Turbo has 330 discs front and rear. The front calipers are a bit bulkier than the 993 Turbo big reds. The GT3 has 350mm front discs and massive 6 piston calipers. I don't think you'll be able to fit the GT3 brakes

Thanks for that information KTL. Looks like I need to find a 996 Turbo and call it a day.

Any up date on the 17" availability and sizes?

Still expect to start shipping them in June Harold.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/1...e5666008_b.jpg

Took delivery of some tires. Not a big deal normally except these are going on the first production set of 17" BZ replica wheels! Yes, they are starting to ship, order from our host :)

http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...3c%3B633ot1lsi

We can manage thos widths and probably those offsets too but wht do you mean by "clear anodized" vs. "frosted" and which one is ours?

http://www.braidusa.com/Wheels/Comp/BZ/17BZtire.jpg

17 inch
 

when will the 17"'s be available to purchase from our host in the RSR finish?

Yeah, I'd love to know when these will be generally more available.

I'm ready to spring for some 17s (7" and 9") with standard black center and standard offsets.

I asked Pelican to post them a few weeks back but so far they haven't made it. I'll have to give them another prod.

Thanks anxious to have a set

I just spoke to the powers that be and they should be up on the site in about a week. Lots of details and data to enter which I am of course helping them with :)

Hooray!

Take my money! :)

Today is a very exciting day. :)

http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...i66g9c35ot1lsi

So, we'd like to present the very first production 17" BRAID Fuchs replicas:

http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...hhhh5c72ot1lsi

http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...3e%3C345ot1lsi

http://images1.snapfish.com/23232323...e9%3Cf89ot1lsi

Built in Spain; proven in Detroit (well, next week they will be)

Have a great weekend.