billet specialties - quality rims???

Interesting.
Can this guy CNC his own design wheels like Boyd Coddington on American Hot Rod? If so, would like to discuss getting some customs made.

 

I used to do a lot with street rods. Billet Specialties is very respected in that area. I would have no problem using them on my Fcar. Many street rods are very high HP and high wieght. If they work on them, an Fcar should be no problem.
Russ, I am sure they can spin you anything you want. They are a big competitor of Boyd's. Just like Boyd they offer a complete line of billet products, like matching steering wheels etc. They make Harley wheels as well. As far as I know all of their products are true billet, not just CNC cast material. Boyd has long been the king of billet wheels and accessories, but they have good stuff too. Neither are cheap.
If you want to find out more about either company pick up a copy of Street Rodder magazine at your local news stand. I bet there will be pics of some cars in there that use their products, and both advertise there as well.
Mike

 

Michael
Many thanks.
Would be interesting to see if they could replicate a set of 308 qv wheels, except in 17" and a bit wider with a custom offset.
Will check.
Many thanks
rt

 

RT,

KEEP ME POSTED and also want to know what the final weight would be. Maybe a group buy

 

I just searched and they have a web site www.billetspecialties.com Not very specific on what "custom" services they offer. Just some "standard" production wheels. Boyd's is www.billetwheel.com.
Happy hunting.
Mike

 

Thanks Mike! For me, besides appropriate size all around i want it LIGHT and stong. That reminds me, need to call BBS back today...

 

Now THAT's a cool idea. I've been looking for 17" wheels for my 308. Maybe make the spokes a LITTLE narrower, to give it a more modern look while still retaining the classic style.

 

I think a group buy is a great idea. Since you will want to get rid of those old 16" wheels that will be cluttering up your garages, I would be more than happy to dispose of them for you. I won't even charge for the service.
Mike (I still have metrics) Huber

 

$1000 per wheel is a lot of money...the underwstanding I have with my wife these days is that I can buy whatever I like for the car and if she thinks it's excesive, she will kill me in my sleep....no $1000 wheels for me

The 550 wheels I have on my car are the very light (and recalled) magnesium version. They were $900 on ebay. 360 wheels turn up regularly for around $2000. I've also seen after market wheels for a 355 or 360 turn up.

One thing to remember about big wheels and big brake rotors is that they eat hp to accelerate them and add unsprung weight. I think my rear wheel with the tire is about 50 lbs, I think original was only something like 40...and that 10 lbs is rotating mass, the worst kind. Honestly, it doesn't really matter very much to me, I have hp to spare and they look good, but a stock 2Vi owner may see it differently.

 

Chris,

>>>I checked out the HRE wheels, some forged, 1000 per. ouch.<<<

Am awaiting the LIGHTER HRE (and don't mind the $1k each PROVIDED they are LIGHT and STRONG). You don't want to know what "one off" BBS might cost me(!).


>>>..mechanically,what can we do with the back brakes to make them work better?? more air and better pads. Did Sloan do some kind of bigger discs and caliper spacers on his icon of a 308??<<<

i believe Brembo offers a rear brake option but kiss your e-brake goodby Better pads and using Goodridge steel braided lines is a less expensive alternative.


>>>The 308 is an elegant, timeless beauty of a car. I would like to upgrade the mechanicals where I can and have way big fun driving it.<<<

(Said in good humor) No way! Say it aint so! ;-)


>>>This is all a bit premature as I am dealing with carb jetting,<<<

Alas, can't help you there, i went with an FI 1985 Euro.

>>>bad suspension<<<

Use Energy Suspension G-type bushings. Also, sand blast and re-powder coat the A-arms.


>>>leaky shocks<<<

Replace with other shocks that allow dual adjust (rebound/compression) and height. If you got the BIG BUCKS, go with an electronically adjustable shock setup.


>>>funky fuel hoses<<<

Grab ankles and pucker up buttercup as they can be $$$. And pretty please DO NOT FORGET the $$$ oil lines.


>>>so what do you guys think???<<<

We are "blood brothers" Had a perfectly working example, and since September 2003 have invested more than 1/2 the "book value" of the car for upgrades and still have another $6k+ to go (lighter and bigger rims/new tires/improved brakes and brake system...).

 

The model you posted the picture of seems to be the SLX95 on the www.billetspecialties.com website.

I also like the GTP15 model if it was made with the bolts showing rather than a center cover plate.

 

The GTX-20 is also a potential 5-spoke replacement. The 17" comes in 7, 8 and 9.5". I'd probably try 8" on the front and 9.5" on the back... I *think* the 9.5 would work without hitting the springs, but I'd not sure. I know a 10" has clearance problems.

Right now I've got the stock 16x8's on the rear pushed out with HR 5/8" spacers, which is perfect as far as filling the outer part of the wheel well.