paradigmGT

There are a few sets of C5 Z06 wheels for sale in my area. Is there anyway I can tell the lightened magnesium ones from the regular ones by visual inspection? I remember certain later years of the C5 Z06 being offered with lighter magnesium wheels, ideally those are the ones I would like to get.

Kory

I don't believe GM ever offered a magnesium Z06 wheel, they were all aluminum. I know magnesium wheels were an available option some C5 models but not the Z06

SSCamaro99_3

iTrader: (1)

Correct. It was for abrief period as well. They are five spoke wheel with a funky goldish color. The 2001 Z06 wheels were forged, if I remember correctly. 2002-2004 were not. I think all were made by Speedline. if not, then the 2001 forged ones were.

paradigmGT

Okay, how would one be able to tell the forged 2001 wheels from non-forged 02-04 wheels?

I remember an article back in the day stating that the wheels were lightened on the later cars, wasn't sure if they were magnesium or not.

TechCam97

iTrader: (5)

Check for part numbers on the wheels. From a post over on Z06Vette.com:

Z06 OEM GM wheel part numbers:

If I list 2 numbers the first is off a wheel that was shipped from the factory on a Z06 and the second number is from the GM direct website.

What I have found in my research.

2001 to Early 2002 - Alcoa Z06 Forged Wheels
Front: 9593803 & 9593804
Rear: 9593805 & 9593806

Early/Mid 2002 to 2004 - Speedline Wheels Z06 Spuncast Wheels
Front: 9594808 & 9594809
Rear: 9594810 & 9594811
(I understand Bowling Green put on 2001 wheels onto early 2002 Z06's until they ran out of the 2001 Z06 wheels.)

2004 Z16
Part Numbers from GM Direct, If anyone can tell me what the part number of the Z16 wheels are that came from the factory on your Z16 I would appreciate it.
Front: 9595433
Rear: 9595434

breze84

Z06 wheels were never Magnesium... 01 Z06 rims were Alcoa's and were Forged Aluminum... 02-04 Z06 rims were Speedlines and were spun cast Aluminum... 01 Z06 rims spokes are a little thinner and have sharper edges then the 02-04's... The 01's are also a little darker in color... 04 Z16's were the only Z06 rim offered in a polish aluminum...

ALSO FYI... 02-04 Z06 rims are about 1.1 lbs lighter each but are not as strong as the 01's...

paradigmGT

Good information, thanks. Ideally I would like the forged 01 wheels.