Whats better? I really like how the monoblocs have that classy oem look.

 

Neither are better than the other, they just offer different things. Usually monoblocks are lighter and have less customizing options. 3-Piece are just as good but a tad heavier and have more customizing options.

 

Biggest advantage to the Monoblock wheel, No SEAL issues! they will not leak as a 3 piece allways has the possibility for a leak. Also Monoblocks, are stronger than a 3 piece wheel and lighter.

 

What do you mean by less customizing options? Like no big lips?

Are monoblocks more expensive?

 

That's why I am trying out the HRE P40's from Jon at Wheels Boutique!!!!! I had 3 piece wheels on almost every car. Never really any seal issues for me, but I know it was always a possibility.

 

Usually a monoblock wheel is the same color or finish inside and out. A three piece wheel can have different color schemes as well. For example, you can have the face powder coated in black, while the lip can be done in chrome. You can do that on a mutli piece wheel because they are separate pieces and can be painted, poweder coated, polished, chromed, or whatever without affecting the other pieces of the wheel. That's whats meant by customization options.

For the most part, monoblocks do not have any lip. Most multi piece wheels have a lip.

 

What GotBoost? said.

 

It is actually quite easy to make a forged monoblock wheel with a lip. We make thousands of them. Most of today's premium monoblock wheels are without lips because that is the current fashion trend.
Several of the other posters on this thread are absolutely correct. A well-engineered monoblock wheel will always be lighter and stronger than a comparable 3-piece wheel.
Three piece wheels do have the advantage of being easy to repair and it is rather simple to offer finishes in a variety of combinations. Seal leakage is actually not very common.
In our opinion, the two biggest drawbacks to 3-piece wheels are far more important. First, almost all 3-piece wheels made in the USA lack a safety bead on the outer rim. This is because the rims are spun from sheets of cast aluminum. This is true of both 6061 alloy as well as 5000 series alloy rims. Lack of a safety bead can allow the tire to come off the rim if you have a flat tire. Thats not much of a problem at 40-50 MPH, but could be a big problem at higher speeds, causing a loss of vehicle control and potentially a trip to the ER. It will also do serious damage to the wheel.
Wheels without safety beads may not be homologated by TUV or JWL, no exceptions.
Second, almost all 3-piece wheels, except those with a step-lip, suffer from water retention. This phenomenon results from an inherent design issue where water is trapped in the area behind the center during rainy weather.
This causes mild to severe vibration. It is not dangerous but is VERY annoying.
Sorry for the long post.

 

Yes, you couldn't be more correct. Back in the 90's there where many forged one piece wheels by European tuners that had a wide lip. But they were for applications that did not require the caliper clearance of today's cars. They were mainly for race or tuner applications. It is no problem whatsoever to make a wide lip monoblock wheel cast or forged.
BTW,there are even more advantages to a monoblock wheel over a straight lip 3-piece wheel... like ease of use with TPMS sensors, and mounting and dismounting tires, and placement of balancing weights. Especially at a track where you don't have access to the latest wheel mounting and balancing equipment, and haste may be more important to you.

 

well how about the c97's i have are they lighter, or heavier? thank you....

 

Your c97's are probably around the same weight as the monoblock or lighter. Did you weigh the c97's before you put them on your vehicle?

 

The C97 is an exceptionally light 3-piece wheel. It is assembled with GENUINE aerospace titanium fasteners and is a really nice wheel!
However, there are monoblock wheels around that are lighter, and quite likely stronger (resistance to road hazards) than your C97.
For example, our Tech1-210 in 19x8.5 weighs 7.5 Kg (16.5 lbs). But our own 3-piece wheels are heavier than the C97.

It is just a matter of the technology. The flanges and bolts, and some required shapes of 3-piece wheels simply add mass that cannot be eliminated.

 

they came out to be 18.5. and 21.5 in the rear 11.5 width

 

they came out to be 18.5. and 21.5 in the rear 11.5 width, they were so light when i compared the stock vs c97's they were worth every penny....

 

Those are very light. It all depends on how the monoblock is created and what weight shaving techniques are used.