Steel vs. Alloy Wheels?

nhallman · 02-04-2002, 07:21 AM

I'm looking at a set of steel wheels from an early 914 to mount race tires on for autocross. I'm on a tight budget so shelling out $500-600 for even the cheapest of alloy wheels is out of the question right now, but I want to get a good set of autox-only tires; therefore, I must have new wheels.

What I want to know is, does anyone know what the weight difference is between the early steel wheel and the 4-bolt Mahle wheel (which is my street set)? Will it make a big (negative) difference at the autox to use the steel wheels? Enough of a difference that I should just run off my street tires until I can afford better wheels?

Thanks!

SteveStromberg · 02-04-2002, 07:28 AM

The mahles are 13lbs and steel wheels are 20+ pounds. I can supply you with wheels e-mail me. Steve

Otto · 02-07-2002, 06:56 PM

If you are on a budget, I got a set of Riveras $100.00 for a set of four.

JP Noonan · 02-07-2002, 10:13 PM

Only thing is I think the Riveria's only take a 195 at most (my experience) I've heard some people can only get 185's on them.

Don't the stock steel wheels take 205's like most of the factory alloy's?

Is there a difference between 914 steels and Bettle steels offset?

just a thought.

HMeeder · HMeeder's Garage

I have my AutoX tires (Yokohama A509 205/50-15) mounted on the later model steel wheels (see my last gallery shot.) These may look like Superbeetle steel wheels but do not be fooled! The Porsche versions have the same inside but the width (5.5 vs 5 inch) and the backspacing are different. If you get the VW spec wheels you will most likely run into the same problem as most guys have with the VW spec Rivieras. Pizza cutter tires.

My wheel&tire combos weigh 24 lbs each. The Mahles are the lightest wheels, like Steve says 13-14 lbs. The great advantage to the steel wheels are that if you should happen to drop one into a big-ass hole and dent the thing, some energetic work with a hammer will give you round wheels again (three out of four wheels took a major pounding when I went to Streets of Willow several weeks back.

When they tell you to watch for the hole in front of the curb at turn six during the driver's meeting, believe them.) This is not possible with any of the alloy wheels. Sure there are wheel restoration guys out there than can recover the wheel, but you will pay through the nose for the service.

My steel wheels are ugly, but I can tear them up and not lose sleep over the damage. I painted them low gloss black and they give the car a decidedly purposeful look.

nhallman · 02-08-2002, 09:29 AM

I went and looked at some Rivieras online, said they were 15x5.5 not 15x5 - same with the Empi 8-Spoke wheels. Can anyone verify what the width of either of these is? Are they, in fact, smaller than the Mahle alloys?

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

There are 5.5x15 Rivieras and Empis. I don't know if there are 5x15 ones or not.

The Fuchs alloys are at least as light as the Mahles (I thought the Mahles were 14#, I measured the Fuchs at 13#) and are stronger, being forged.

Even the Rivieras intended for 914s still don't let you fit more than 195-width tires on most 914s. I do know one person, however, who was running 205s on Rivieras. (He since went five-lug.) The Rivieras made for Bugs push the wheels so far outward that you won't fit more than 165s under stock fenders.

--DD

nhallman · 02-08-2002, 10:00 AM

Thanks, Dave. How can I tell the difference between Rivieria's for 914 vs. for Bug? Is it a similar situation with the Empi's?

Otto · 02-08-2002, 12:33 PM

These rivs came off a 914. OTTO

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

No idea how you'd tell the difference, except by measuring the backspacing. The 914 ones would have about 4.5" worth, the VW ones would have quite a bit less.

--DD

campbellcj · 08:13 PM

If anybody is looking for some "non-cheap" 914 4-lug race wheels, I will have a set of 15x6 Panasport Racing wheels (the superlight race version, not the street flavor) with fresh Hoosier 205/50's at Dunkels this weekend.

This setup rocks. The best you can put on a 4-lug narrow body 914.

Malevolentfrog · 02-09-2002, 12:39 PM

If You are looking for very resonably priced steel wheels In any width for a 914. Try http://www.stocktonwheel.com I have been looking for someone who can build wheels for a Porsche. They can build steel and I think alloy wheels too, But I didn't ask about them. In any width up to about 15". In any backspacing, The Back spacing on a 914 should be about 41/2" Don't confuse backspacing with offset. The offset should be about 32mm. But Stockton wheel uses the backspacing method. They can also build any bolt circle. A 914 with 4 lugs should be 4x130mm. Five lug Porsche should be 5x130mm. They can build wheels in most common diameters too. They quoted Me 145.00 each for 7x15 to fit My 914 and 175.00 for chrome. This Might be a option for some of You autocrossers out there. Or maybe for a project.