Scott at Rival took care of it for me. I am going to get them asap and basically at cost. My original order was through Brandywine who then ordered them from Rival so I can see how there might have been some confusion. No biggie though.

 

You would have been better off to leave this out of your reply. BTW, I really like a lot of the sportec products. I'm just more interested in my needs, as a consumer, than the manufacturer / retailers needs. What customer really cares about how big the margins are of the company they are doing business with?

 

one size fits all. brilliant!

 

German Driver,

Good job in taking care of Plessdude's issue!

But I've got some issues with your additional statments-

[quote=German Driver]

"This really has nothing to do with company's ability to provide superior/inferior products".
-IMO, this has everyting to do with providing superior/ inferior products! If I am buying a set of $4,500 for a set of wheels and have to search for a set of spacers to make them fit, then that's a product that tips the superior/inferior scale towards inferior!

"The reason for this is simple and that is to offer the driver the widest possible range of customization for their application".
- If this is your intent, I'd suggest possibly a multi-piece wheel!


"In addition, it would not be monetarily beneficial to SPORTEC to make hundreds of the same model wheel in multiple offsets knowing that certain models just would not sell as well as others."
- Understood, but explain why you produce an 8.5 wheel for Audi's in 18" and 19" diameters, each size comes in an 35 and 42mm offset. Using your reasoning, if you stopped producing the 35mm and sold spacers for the 42mm you could...................................


"That would be cost prohibitive and excessive to the point that prices would increase even higher than they already are (we certainly do not want that)"
- How much more would BBS charge to produce a proper offset wheel?

"Sure there are common ET setups however that is not always the best for certain applications. In many cases, a less aggressive or more aggressive ET is required for suspension and handling to perform at its greatest potential."
- You lost me on this one. Can you give examples on how the ET allows the suspension and handling to perform at its greatest potential?(other than physical tire/wheel contact with suspension components or rubbing on body/fenders).


"By creating a wheel with a set size lower than the norm per se it gives the user more of a possible range of options. I understand many see this is a detriment to a wheel but SPORTEC would never provide a product which would reduce the drivability and or performance of an already near perfect vehicle."
- I clearly understand you on this one............"A la carte"..its a Porsche!

Oh yeah, are the Porsche 996tt/gt2 spacer applications TUV certified?

-z

 

BBS Racing wheels


Aluminum Racing Wheels
Set of 4 wheels: Front 8.5Jx18 and rear 12Jx18
Price : 3.820 Euro/set shipping included. Dollar Conversion

Magnesium Racing Wheels
Set of 4 wheels: Front 8.5Jx18 and rear 12Jx18
Price : 3.590 Euro/set shipping included. Dollar Conversion

 

Exactly..............and no spacers!

 

A quality wheel should be made to spec for each particular fitmet. I would never order wheels for my car that require spacers. I would personally return them and get something else as I assume you had no idea that they were a narrow body car wheel.

 

I'm sorry to cause a stir here guys. Let's set this straight, we do their distribution, I DO NOT call the shots so please don't take SPORTEC's marketing decisions out on me. I am here to allow those who want them to obtain them.

And yes, my point was clear, SPORTEC, although a great tuning company, would not be around if they did not make margins that would keep them in business. Same goes for every company on planet Earth. Being that this forum is filled with Porsche drivers, which I assume earned a buck to afford it, this issue probably does not need to be discussed. I apologize for offending you in my comment but it was meant nothing of the sort. My ability to provide the product should be what's important here not how SPORTEC decides to create and ET on a wheel. Feel free to PM me with any addition comments or concerns you may have and we can exchange numbers to clarify via telephone.

 

They are not from a narrow body vehicle. This is exactly what the last page of posts clarified. Jon is more than welcome to return the wheels if he wishes but from his feedback I do not think this will be necessary.

 

Before you read on note that I am not picking a fight but rather just clarifying our differences. I am not coming on these boards as a know it all and certainly do not want to start a war. As I mentioned I'm just here to get products from them to you. I hope you don't see me as the enemy.

Simply put, if you do not like the way the wheels are offered then just check out the other options out there. There are hundreds if not thousands of options. For any of you passing through Switzerland any time soon you will experience some of the highest pricing in all of Europe. I would assume this has something to do with why they seem bit high here as well. In addition, no searching is needed, I have the solution to his dilemma and have solved it within 30 minutes of his email. His post explained the sale went through Brandywine, one of our dealers, and finished with us. How was I to know Jon didn't already have a set of spacers ready for the car... I did not correspond with him over the phone for the sale, I merely imported the goods from Switzerland so that he could get them on the car. If anything just make sure you are clear and ask the proper questions when purchasing the wheel from whoever and where ever.

From our experience modular multi-piece wheels, although great for repair, are not exactly a wheel we feel comfortable selling. Reason being is that the structural integrity is in most cases lesser of a one piece forged. Molecular structure and the way they are arranged on a one piece wheel forms a much stronger bond allowing for a stronger wheel. Same goes for why we do not offer a large lip or dish on our wheels (integrity). I'm not saying multi-piece wheels are bad just that we feel that a one piece wheel more appropriate and is what we decide to offer. SPORTEC's mentality is very similar I would imagine. European companies usually are. Maybe drop them an email and suggest it. Now, before anyone comments on my opinion feel free to contact any of the sales reps at Champion Motorsport, who are all respected, and I am sure you will hear a very similar tune come out of their mouth regarding the modular process and forging. I'm not drawing swords, just letting you know I will not be following up with a dissertation on this rebuttal. Simply put, it is our mentality as a retailer.

Well your thoughts are correct, we no longer sell the ET35 as it only comes in ET42 now for all Audi/VW application Mono/10's. At least we are both on the same page here right =)

I do not have access to that information. I do not even know what they charge SPORTEC for the current wheel line. With that said don't you think that if I could change their output to satisfy the market I would? I want to be able to service all the needs of the clients out there. It's just not under my control.
Here you go, http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/...jsp?techid=101 If you are calling me out here maybe you can clarify your understanding in the last paragraph.

I'll pull a quote for the lazy "If the offset of the wheel is not correct for the car, the handling can be adversely affected. When the width of the wheel changes, the offset also changes numerically. If the offset were to stay the same while you added width, the additional width would be split evenly between the inside and outside. For most cars, this won't work correctly. We have test fitted thousands of different vehicles for proper fitment. Our extensive database allows our sales staff to offer you the perfect fit for your vehicle."


Is that a stab or an honest question? If a company used TUV as a positive aspect in a sale here in the US they would get shot down.Answer, no.

 

should alway so some due diligent and do some research before blowing your wad.

 

Kinda tough when you are told specifically that you do not need them.

 

you really don't NEED them. that look is kinda growing on me.

there's a reason why Sportec isn't popular with the TT crowd.

 

OT

German Driver - SPORTEC use a twin MAF design for the higher power engine kits, don't they?

 

German Driver,

I agree- You are not the enemy and this is not a fight. The essence for having a board like this is to educate, share experiences and voice opinions. As a consumer and Porsche owner I expect products purchased for this brand of vehicle to exceed the normal "run of the mill" marketing and manufacturing.


[quote=German Driver]Before you read on note that I am not picking a fight but rather just clarifying our differences. I am not coming on these boards as a know it all and certainly do not want to start a war. As I mentioned I'm just here to get products from them to you. I hope you don't see me as the enemy.

Quote:

Simply put, if you do not like the way the wheels are offered then just check out the other options out there. There are hundreds if not thousands of options. For any of you passing through Switzerland any time soon you will experience some of the highest pricing in all of Europe. I would assume this has something to do with why they seem bit high here as well. In addition, no searching is needed, I have the solution to his dilemma and have solved it within 30 minutes of his email. His post explained the sale went through Brandywine, one of our dealers, and finished with us. How was I to know Jon didn't already have a set of spacers ready for the car... I did not correspond with him over the phone for the sale, I merely imported the goods from Switzerland so that he could get them on the car. If anything just make sure you are clear and ask the proper questions when purchasing the wheel from whoever and where ever.

My opinion really has nothing to do with this current issue. I just cannot justify my dollor for value for a product of this caliber.

Quote:

From our experience modular multi-piece wheels, although great for repair, are not exactly a wheel we feel comfortable selling. Reason being is that the structural integrity is in most cases lesser of a one piece forged. Molecular structure and the way they are arranged on a one piece wheel forms a much stronger bond allowing for a stronger wheel. Same goes for why we do not offer a large lip or dish on our wheels (integrity). I'm not saying multi-piece wheels are bad just that we feel that a one piece wheel more appropriate and is what we decide to offer. SPORTEC's mentality is very similar I would imagine. European companies usually are. Maybe drop them an email and suggest it. Now, before anyone comments on my opinion feel free to contact any of the sales reps at Champion Motorsport, who are all respected, and I am sure you will hear a very similar tune come out of their mouth regarding the modular process and forging. I'm not drawing swords, just letting you know I will not be following up with a dissertation on this rebuttal. Simply put, it is our mentality as a retailer.

I think the debate on which type of wheel construction is still in the air. You can find experts that state that properly constructed multi-piece wheels are every bit as strong as an one piece forged wheel.
As to your Champion reference, yes they offer a great one piece and multipiece products. But they also offer that product in the correct offset to truely the driver the widest possible range of customization for their application and at a acceptable price.

Quote:

Here you go, http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/...jsp?techid=101 If you are calling me out here maybe you can clarify your understanding in the last paragraph.

I'll pull a quote for the lazy "If the offset of the wheel is not correct for the car, the handling can be adversely affected. When the width of the wheel changes, the offset also changes numerically. If the offset were to stay the same while you added width, the additional width would be split evenly between the inside and outside. For most cars, this won't work correctly. We have test fitted thousands of different vehicles for proper fitment. Our extensive database allows our sales staff to offer you the perfect fit for your vehicle."

Thanks for the link, but no info on the specific effect of ET'S on suspension and handling.

Quote:

Is that a stab or an honest question? If a company used TUV as a positive aspect in a sale here in the US they would get shot down.

Quote:

Answer, no.

This is an honest question. If the TUV has not approved Sportec spacer kits for use on a Porsche, then what assurence do we have here that the application is safe and well engineered? I only mention this because on Sportec's website it actually has many Porsche spacer applications are not TUV approved.
Thanks
-z