Original wheels or After-Market wheels on Ferrari

i've never seen a Ferrari that looked better with aftermarket wheels.some wheel swapping between various model evolutions has had results that i thought worked but as for aftermarket....well,i think most look just horrible.
i believe they got it right at the factory in almost every single instance.
maybe the 246 and the 308 gt4 suffered a bit ( campi's or chroma's ? ) but otherwise...

brett

 

I like the originals for the most part.

 

It astounds me when I see guys on the forums posting pictures of their Fcars with new aftermarket wheels. They had the judgement and wherewithal to buy these incredible, classic sports cars, then spend multiple thousands of dollars to make them look like wannabe kit cars. I guess taste is a VERY personal thing...

 

I've never quite grasped why people think the factory is always right about design decisions.

 

Cripes people...

We are all (well, most of us are) Ferrari owners. We should not have much trouble having a set of each.

That's what I do.

They are just wheels. 20 minutes & they are swapped. Whats the big deal? It's not like the car has been repainted with a flame job.

Anyhow, a quality wheel can enhance most any car. No matter what car brand.

 

and a set of steel rims for the snow tires.

 

Ha! Yes, that too.

 

I agree---you cant tell me on every car ever made someone wouldnt want to change something to suit there needs and tastes. I say you bought it put whatever you like on it--it is YOUR car. I like aftermarket wheels -=--does a little something to stand out and not look the SAME as everyone else.....

 

That's almost funny, since it would only apply when you're in a gathering of Ferraris at some event!!

 

I think a 348 looks much better with aftermarket wheels since the factory wheels have that dulled early-90's no-detail look to them (think early Viper for another example of this). The factory wheels look fine, but certain aftermarket wheels really update the car.

A 308 with 17s styled like the originals also is an improvement, to my eyes anyway.

I'm not a fan of throwing massive chromed wheels on anything, but serious lightweight road wheels in the proper size and offset can really bring an older car back up to date without sacrificing the original lines. A slight lowering job helps certain cars as well. SLIGHT I said!


There's my 2 cents...


-=Goggles=-

 

I guess taste really is a personal thing for the most part I like the original designed items but just so you are clear time can date things and Ferrari did not get everything right any mods I have done to my cars I can undo. I think your generalization that only people with the wherewithall buy these cars would suggest you are not really watching the forum many folks are on their first car and are at the begginning of their careers some at the end and can afford to buy the cars all of us enjoy the hobby as individuals and our personal taste has us buy different cars and where we want to we modify them usually for the better.

 

I agree - the 348 stockers just aren't that nice, and I think my car looks better with the aftermarkets on it.

Many do look great - 355 in particular, but tasteful changes are just fine with me. Its your car - do what YOU like.

Cheers
Kevin

 

I think aftermarket wheels are fine if that's what you like. I do, but did not stray too far from Ferrari's design.
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Original looks works for me for the Ferrari. I get my "modifying itch" scratched by playing with the others cars (especially the Porsche Twin Turbo).

 

Hey Mule,

Are those Speedline Mistral 17"s? Where did you get them? - GAredcars?
Similar to 288 GTO and F40 wheels, they seem to hold hands with factory wheels but take them to another level. They look great!

Happy holidays, Hank

 

Thanks, Hank. They are Compomotive wheels. Almost identical to F40 wheels, being 17 inch, but not as deep of a dish (concave) since it is an 89 car and has the different offset (convex) factory wheels.

I got them from Compomotive www.usacomp.com
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Agreed, and beautiful example!

 

Mule. You are correct about changing some thing on the car providing you do not go too far from the original, and in my opinion you done an excellent job on these wheels.
Congratulations.

 

I think the wheel dilemna depends in whether you are a purist or not in regards to your car with repair and restoration.
All my friends are purists and would not consider wheels other than factory ferrari options. We will substitute a stainless steel bolt or washer or hose clamp though to replace the factory parts.
You can forget entering your car in the Cavallino classic or other events enless everything is standard.

 

I think Pininfarina almost always gets things right the first time - although the 348 wheels and 328 convex (ABS) wheels aren't my favorites. I'd vote for stock in almost all cases.

My other sticking point, besides the integrity of the original designs, is that Ferrari's scream "look at me" plenty without chromed wheels or other bling.

I was gonna say ... I've seen exactly 1 Ferrari this month (a silver 575M) in San Diego. OTOH, it looked just like every other silver 575M I've seen this month.

 

Old classics MUST be stock
308's,328's,348's,355's stock or something close, like that black 328. It looks great.
456's, 575's 612's Testarossa's same as the 308,28,48,55.
288's, F40,50,60's MUST be stock

The guy who put aftermarket wheels on an Enzo had to convert it from a single knockoff wheel lug to a 5 hole pattern.
What a bloody MORON.

 

Hwy Mule,

I have the same goodyears in 16" OEM size on my 328. I like the grip, but feel that they have lost some of the responsiveness on turn in.

How do the goodyears work on the 17" rims.

 

If you skip the obvious stuff like:

Original or nothing, (although you can always put the original stuff back on).

It's your car do whatever you want.

There are a few reasons to change and many ways to go.

My first concern is that technology marches on. If you are interested in upgrading the performance of the car, you cannot do it with a 7.5 x 14 wheel on the 308.

Many are reluctant to change from stock because there might be fitment /clearance problems - you know the factory stuff will work.

Aftermarket wheels are manufacturered in many different levels of quality and weight. again, you know what you are getting with O.E. Improvements in material quality, engineering and weight are always available for those willing to spend the bucks. All automotive parts are made to a budget, if you are willing to spend more, you can get a lighter stronger wheel every time.

If you stay within the marque for your wheel selection, you stand less chance of defamation or evisceration, (figuratively anyway).

So, if the size will accomplish your structural needs, the quality is there and you like the appearance, go for it.

my .01
chris

 

Compared to the factory 16's with Goodyear Eagle HP Ultra Plus, there is a little difference. Heavier steering at slow speeds, better wet grip, better handling (maybe just because they are wider). They did feel "better", but it may be the tires and sizes, too. But it's been snowing for two months, so I have sort of forgotten.

They are 225/45R17 and 255/45R17.

Chris,
Boy, you read my mind - lighter wheels, newer wider tires, spent 6 months ensuring offset for fitment, etc. In a a way, I did the old switch to another Ferrari wheel by getting an F40/GTO replica.

Switching wheels in a similar era seems to improve the looks on many cars. However, one of the best swaps I have seen is my new wheels on a Boxer.
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