I'm looking for a new set of wheels but see the advertisements for 3-piece wheels, etc. and don't understand the difference.
Is one better than the other? lighter? stronger?

Along the same lines... Looks like I will expect to pay $2K+ for a decent set?

thanks in advance!

bob

 

The advantage of having a multiple piece wheels is if you ever damage the wheels, you can replace the damage parts(rim halves, etc.) instead of buying a new wheel. For multiple piece wheels, you're looking at $5k plus.

 

If you are only using them for street, it's overkill. Places like Wheels America can repair any damaged wheel for $129 flat rate.

They are typically lighter though.

 

A one piece wheel is cast or forged as one unit.

A two piece wheel has the center section that is assembled into a barrel section that is usually of spun aluminum. For some it reduces cost of production as the centers have no offset, so they are neutral castings/forgings.
A three piece wheel is the same as a two piece only the barrel is made up of an inner and outer section. After assembly the seal between the inner and outer barrel is airproofed and the wheel is complete.

The only real advantage to using multi piece wheels is that a): SOME, NOT ALL can be taken apart and repaired if damaged, and b): offsets can be tailored to your car by adjusting the size of inner and outer barrels.

I believe that the only real advantage in today's market for a multi-peice wheels is appearance. Some people like the way the perimeter bolts look. Some of our wheels are actually one piece wheels that look like a three piece for that very reason. With today's measurement methods and wheel repair techniques, there's no reason to take a wheel apart once it's built. It all comes down to personal tastes.