Hi all, I have been looking at maybe changing out my stock turbo wheels and the HRE P-40 style is a very nice choice. My question is, what are the pros and cons of a three piece wheel vs a forged one piece.

 

Taking aesthetics out of it, you could argue that a 3 piece wheel lets you service/replace the rim hat (curb rash, bend, etc.) which could make it less costly to own over time, though I doubt this happens all that frequently. Downside is you have the hardware which adds weight, even if it's Titanium.

Either way you want forged. Forged is stronger and so ultimately it's lighter. Light is good as wheels are unsprung (and rotating) mass. Saving unsprung weight works to your benefit more then saving sprung weight, but once you get into rotating weight (wheels and rotors), you get the concept of moment of inertia which brings in different issues.

Go light, go 3 piece if you like the look, once piece if you don't. Either way get something that's forged.

 

excellent, thank you..

 

Fordged wheels are definitely stronger than cast wheels but it's not like cast wheels are made of chocolate. The OEM lobster wheel is very strong and quite light for what it does and it is cast. IMHO 3pc. wheels are for bling while 1pc. wheels are more functional. The P40's are an excellent choice. Not only are they forged but they are also very strong with the mesh design. There are forged wheels that are actually weaker than the OEM cast wheels but that is due to the design of the wheel not so much the material.

Dave

 

I absolutely LOVE my C20's . They are three piece , lighter . and look amazing . I won't insult the P40 and even like the P43 too but if I had to choose one I want the one which adds maximum performace to the style .

 

[QUOTE][IMHO 3pc. wheels are for bling while 1pc/QUOTE]

This is incorrect . There are "bling" wheels in BOTH one piece as well as 3 . There are also "functional" wheels of BOTH too.

You can get function in either . A "competition" wheel is a 3 piece wheel.

 

3 piece wheels came about from racing due to that the teams could fix and or replace parts of the wheel that was stressed or damaged. For a street or track car this is all a moot point.

 

Good info. It's good to know a bit of the history of how/why they came about, makes dicision making easier. Thanks

 

babymd, I would not get hung up on 3 piece or solid forged as the final spec on what wheels I am buying. 1 pc forged...good forged wheels are fine. I tracked for 2 years with CCW forged wheels and plenty of race team race 1 pc without any problems. Plenty of guys track with stock Porsche cast wheels for years without any problems. It's not like it use to be.

 

[quote=yrralis1;2192891]
I do realize why 3 piece wheels were made, but on the street it's more for bling in my eyes. I knew about HRE wheels 20 years ago and why they were modular, but as they are used on the street now it's more for show.

Dave

 

[quote=Dave07997S;2193188]Does't everyone select an aesthetically pleasing wheel? I would so so with either 3 piece or monoblocks .

It's not always easy to dress up a car and I think most customize it to suit his taste . Some want an ostenatious look and others are more understated but I think they share in common that their choices reflect their style.

 

[quote=yrralis1;2194170] Not everyone selects wheels for aesthetics. I asked this question because I have taken an interest in possibly tracking my p-car, and wanted to ask why 3 piece vs forged one piece. The guys on this forum have answered my question and very well, may I say. It has given me a more educated decision making.

 

Which do you think you are going with babymd? I just ordered charcoal grey P40 for my P...but no real plans to track it.

 

[quote=babymd;2194309]Ruling out looks a "competition" wheel is actually made for the track . As Mdrums said (paraphrasing) people are tracking cars with cast wheels but if light strong and fast are what you are looking for you have a lot of choices comprised of BOTH (1 and 3 piece).

Have you looked at the Champion Magnesuim wheel too ? Nice!

 

I just got some brembo upgrades that I couldn't pass up front and rear. $2700.00, without install. Wheels may have to wait...was looking at the P-40 in powder matte black but the glossy also look good. Tracking car first time this coming wknd at Sebring.