BBS wheel help please...

Ray B · 05-14-2005, 07:00 AM

As I slide down the slippery slope I have the need for decent track wheels. Car is a '81 SC that is basically stock but has been lowered . I'd like Fuchs but the prices for 16x8 or 9s are crazy. Searches indicate that BBS wheels seem like a good alternative. What am I looking for in buying used BBS for the track?? 1 piece, 3 piece, spacers, sleeved lug nuts?? I doubt all BBS are created equal and don't want to use an unsuitable wheel for the track. Thanks for the help.

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

All of those options are possible depending on which type of BBS wheel you end up with . THe 20 bolt magnesium centers are the lightest and most "modern" right now. All are available in any offset with the right wheel halves.

SO what you really want is an affordable set, they will probably end up being aluminum centered (The basket weave style). Look for some that are hub-centric and use stock lug nuts, and that have the offsets that are proper for your wheel/tire combo. 1 or 3 piece doesn't matter unless you plan on switching offsets...

Ray B · 05-14-2005, 07:29 AM

Thanks Chris. I'm guessing that Fuchs are hubcentric also. The basketweave is fine- simply looking for best bang for the buck. Is there any lettering on the wheel that would identify it as a proper offset for a SC? Are spacers reqd??

Todd Simpson · 05-15-2005, 01:02 PM

If you were to buy wheels that were initially intended for a 964 or later car, then yes, you would need to use spacers to make them work.

That shouldn't be necessary as there is are a pretty good number of these out there. Match the stock fuchs for starters, for the rear 9x16's you'd want ET15, or 8's ET11. For the front, 7's or 8's with ET23. Fronts could stand to be a little further inboard, so ET25 or so would work as well.

These will work.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7974253597&category=43956&sspagename=WDVW

These will not. Maybe these are for a 930?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7973542619&category=43956&sspagename=WDVW

Todd Simpson · 05-15-2005, 01:05 PM

Here's a shot of the markings on a 3-piece. Look at high noon for ET23.

The 1 piecers have the marking too, just usually on the back.

Jack Olsen · 05-15-2005, 01:57 PM

If it's for track wheels, and you want to maximize things at a rock bottom price, I'd consider Souk's 17-inch steel wheels. Tire choices in 16's are not great, and are only going to get worse as time passes. You can run 275's and 245's with the right offset and a little work.

Ray B · 05-15-2005, 05:22 PM

Thanks for the input guys. Todd, I did more searches and came to the same conclusion about offsets. I think you're correct about the offsets on the second ebay set. I'm still trying to get a feel for the value of the BBSs. Jack, I've been watching the threads on the steel wheels. I'll re-read some of the threads to see if they are what I want. I'd like to find someone locally running them to get some first-hand input.