are 15" rims really worth risking your life for?
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Originally Posted by Sharpe
I agree. I like it when sponsors get on here and talk about their product. Shows they care, and is informative.
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Dumb idea... but how about getting smaller brakes? I know that it'll effect your stopping distance, but you could be running 14"s. Or, you could just shave the stock calipers a tad bit if you want to be safe. I haven't looked to see how possible that is, just don't take off much, or else you'll lose it during hard breaking.
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Originally Posted by Shock Hawk
Dumb idea... but how about getting smaller brakes? I know that it'll effect your stopping distance, but you could be running 14"s. Or, you could just shave the stock calipers a tad bit if you want to be safe. I haven't looked to see how possible that is, just don't take off much, or else you'll lose it during hard breaking.
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that sucks. i like c5 brake kits but ill def b gettin prostars. i dont need the most efficient weight combo ever, and im not made of gold. can always appreciate a sponsor showing he does more than just advertise on the side of the page
#25
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Thanks for your support guys. For the folks who think I was downgrading or stating everything else is sub-par to our Bogart wheels, I merely stated our benefits which answered the question and gave a solution.
KW4life, the C5 brakes are very nice and offer a good solution for stopping in comparison to the stock brakes (which I feel work very well). The issue with C5 brake setups is they will be too large to fit prostars on the car. Something I see/hear many times are folks want to stop better with drag wheels using these types of setups...main problem is the brakes aren't what hampers stopping, it is the small tire contact patch of the front runner. Unfortunately, for the most part, folks with alternative better stopping brakes will just skid more and hit ABS more often.
We do have a C5 wheel specific setup for Corvettes fwiw. They are a 17x5 and 16x10 combo.
KW4life, the C5 brakes are very nice and offer a good solution for stopping in comparison to the stock brakes (which I feel work very well). The issue with C5 brake setups is they will be too large to fit prostars on the car. Something I see/hear many times are folks want to stop better with drag wheels using these types of setups...main problem is the brakes aren't what hampers stopping, it is the small tire contact patch of the front runner. Unfortunately, for the most part, folks with alternative better stopping brakes will just skid more and hit ABS more often.
We do have a C5 wheel specific setup for Corvettes fwiw. They are a 17x5 and 16x10 combo.
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Originally Posted by SJM Manufacturing Inc
Always a smartass in the crowd. You're statements are incorrect and if you're going to state something, try to be helpful to the writers question or don't bother wasting bandwidth. Our wheels are a direct answer to the writers question. Your centerline wheels are the heaviest wheels out there, not to mention, the backspace that you have set is not correct for your car unless you've modified the axle length. Centerline wheels are also ~1000.00 for a set, which is getting close to our prices which we actually design for the LS1 specifically. So at that point, why would you ever want to purchase a set of wheels that are among the heaviest drag wheels out there, still have issues with fitment and are not made to fit the car regarding backspace requirements.
For every other person out there, if you're going to choose an economy wheel, in my professional opinion, choose a light economy wheel like a 10" prostar. You're going to have issues with fitment, BUT if you're on a budget, then you have to take the good with the bad. If you want a direct fit wheel and the lightest retaining benefits as I've described, our Bogart wheels are most certainly worth it.
To the folks trying to save money, then go out and spend 5-600.00 on a K-member to save weight, you would have been better off splurging on our wheels as you'd be saving more in the end AND you'd have a wheel that looks show-quality. From an appearance standpoint, since wheels have probably the largest impact on your cars appearance, why would you want to skimp in this area if you like your car to look best??
For every other person out there, if you're going to choose an economy wheel, in my professional opinion, choose a light economy wheel like a 10" prostar. You're going to have issues with fitment, BUT if you're on a budget, then you have to take the good with the bad. If you want a direct fit wheel and the lightest retaining benefits as I've described, our Bogart wheels are most certainly worth it.
To the folks trying to save money, then go out and spend 5-600.00 on a K-member to save weight, you would have been better off splurging on our wheels as you'd be saving more in the end AND you'd have a wheel that looks show-quality. From an appearance standpoint, since wheels have probably the largest impact on your cars appearance, why would you want to skimp in this area if you like your car to look best??
Now, I just need to get money saved again since I just got my H/C nonsense.
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Originally Posted by 1CAMWNDR
Is it possible to install LT1 rear brakes and have enough clearance to use the Weld or Centerline without grinding the calipers?
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u dont have to grind 4 DONKS either lol.
ya its a compromise ill just have to take 4 the wheels. ill just get some good pads and eat up my rotors, they r cheap neways
thanks 4 the input steve
ya its a compromise ill just have to take 4 the wheels. ill just get some good pads and eat up my rotors, they r cheap neways
thanks 4 the input steve
#30
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Originally Posted by SJM Manufacturing Inc
Our wheels are built to fit the car. Issues you've stated are a non-issue. Regarding smaller width wheels, do NOT use an 8" wheel for your F-body. They are too small of a wheel (width) for what the typical F-body runs...i.e. 275/50's are designed for a minimum of 8.5" wheel. That is the MINIMUM width recommended. 10" wide wheels are a very good all-around choice.
I'd like to read about these horror stories if anyone has a link.
#33
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I do know a member on here totalled his F-body when his calipers cracked and put his car into an uncontrollable situation. I do not know his name, but it was during a discussion we had on this board probably 6-12 months ago.
There is quite a bit that is necessary to grind off the calipers. Each person many times need to grind different amounts. For the customers who use aftermarket rotors or aftermarket pads, almost always, it is even worse of a grinding issue. Even OEM is quite a bit. Too much for my comfort level...but obviously not for others.
As one of the posters mentioned, he ruined his by going to far. Many times, if you see folks post pictures, they've gone into the caliper pins.
Some folks seem to feel that I despise other manufactures wheels, but that is completly far from the truth. Weld manufactures very good high-end wheels which are a direct comparison to our products (those welds also cost 1600.00 for a set). The economy wheels are not a comparison at all which don't hold a candle to our wheels nor welds high-ended wheels.
I do suggest that if someone is on a budget, you'll have to take the good with the bad. My personal suggestion for ECONOMY wheel is the prostar/draglite combo 15x10" which are best suited for an F-body due to backspace and weight considerations.
For the others who want the best, saving ~50lbs of converted static weight (for a set, ours are ~30% lighter) and having a show-quality wheel by using our Bogart LS1 designed wheels over a prostar/draglite combo is in my opinion the smartest move considering benefits of fitment etc etc.
I do understand that our wheels may not be in everyones budget. It's a shame when some folks think that I'm just trying to "push" our products with no backup or explaination of why our products are superior. Weld manufactures 1600.00 wheels also for a reason...they are nothing like their economy weld prostars.
There is quite a bit that is necessary to grind off the calipers. Each person many times need to grind different amounts. For the customers who use aftermarket rotors or aftermarket pads, almost always, it is even worse of a grinding issue. Even OEM is quite a bit. Too much for my comfort level...but obviously not for others.
As one of the posters mentioned, he ruined his by going to far. Many times, if you see folks post pictures, they've gone into the caliper pins.
Some folks seem to feel that I despise other manufactures wheels, but that is completly far from the truth. Weld manufactures very good high-end wheels which are a direct comparison to our products (those welds also cost 1600.00 for a set). The economy wheels are not a comparison at all which don't hold a candle to our wheels nor welds high-ended wheels.
I do suggest that if someone is on a budget, you'll have to take the good with the bad. My personal suggestion for ECONOMY wheel is the prostar/draglite combo 15x10" which are best suited for an F-body due to backspace and weight considerations.
For the others who want the best, saving ~50lbs of converted static weight (for a set, ours are ~30% lighter) and having a show-quality wheel by using our Bogart LS1 designed wheels over a prostar/draglite combo is in my opinion the smartest move considering benefits of fitment etc etc.
I do understand that our wheels may not be in everyones budget. It's a shame when some folks think that I'm just trying to "push" our products with no backup or explaination of why our products are superior. Weld manufactures 1600.00 wheels also for a reason...they are nothing like their economy weld prostars.
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Originally Posted by SJM Manufacturing Inc
I do know a member on here totalled his F-body when his calipers cracked and put his car into an uncontrollable situation. I do not know his name, but it was during a discussion we had on this board probably 6-12 months ago.
.
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#36
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FWIW... I just bought a full set of Weld ProStars. 15x10 7.5BS and 15x3.5's. I also ordered a set of 325/50 MT DR's and 26x4.5 MT Front Runners. All in all I spent about $1500 after I got the lug nuts and spacers and such.
I am not a fan of grinding the calipers. I thought about getting Bogarts. having a wheel/tire combo fit with out the hassle of grinding would have been worth it. They offer a superior product. However, I seen several times, the Bogart and High end Welds bend on the street. All be it a bad situation that could have been avoided it still happened.
Getting to my point. Bogarts are a amazing wheel for a drag car. I chose the Weld ProStars for my car becuae it see's the street alot. It is a heavier wheel. I will grind my stock calipers and run them until I have the $$$ to buy a drag specific front/rear brake setup. *Yes that turns into another probelm on the street, I know*
I am not a fan of grinding the calipers. I thought about getting Bogarts. having a wheel/tire combo fit with out the hassle of grinding would have been worth it. They offer a superior product. However, I seen several times, the Bogart and High end Welds bend on the street. All be it a bad situation that could have been avoided it still happened.
Getting to my point. Bogarts are a amazing wheel for a drag car. I chose the Weld ProStars for my car becuae it see's the street alot. It is a heavier wheel. I will grind my stock calipers and run them until I have the $$$ to buy a drag specific front/rear brake setup. *Yes that turns into another probelm on the street, I know*
#37
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That person that had the calipers fail, that was not the person that I referred to, so that is another person. This doesn't mean that no one should use it, you do have to be careful and take precautions knowing full aware that they are taking risks.
Wickedred, thanks for your positive comments. I'm glad to see you're happy with your setup thus far. When/if you're ever ready for our wheels, let me know, I would be happy to assist you.
An FYI, many folks think welds won't break...and they are safer to use then our billet series wheels....welds should not be used on the street , so be careful. Weld wheels are stamped "for drag use only" in bold letters. Another misconception is the fact that even though their rears are DOT legal, this does not mean it is a street approved daily wheel. They are not meant for daily driving or highway use.
Drag wheels are for drag racing:-). I've seen many of welds (prostars/draglites) setups fail. Tony, the board owner had both his fronts crack. He's now using our wheels on his car.
I've also heard many folks state that they've seen many of our wheels break. I keep track of failures, and I still can count on my fingers how many that we've seen damaged in going on 10 years of history since conception of these for the F-body. We do repair wheels at minimal cost as a service to our customers...even if it is down to if you curbed our wheels for example. There may be ones that folks don't turn in or call us, but that is probably a low number as most would probably call to either a) complain or b) want to see if we can repair it for them. These services ensures their investment doesn't turn into a large expensive paperweight.
All in all, some good discussions and answered questions from you guys. I'm sure the poster will be happy you guys have chimed in. Hopefully these discussions are positive to the author and they provide him with some answered questions.
Wickedred, thanks for your positive comments. I'm glad to see you're happy with your setup thus far. When/if you're ever ready for our wheels, let me know, I would be happy to assist you.
An FYI, many folks think welds won't break...and they are safer to use then our billet series wheels....welds should not be used on the street , so be careful. Weld wheels are stamped "for drag use only" in bold letters. Another misconception is the fact that even though their rears are DOT legal, this does not mean it is a street approved daily wheel. They are not meant for daily driving or highway use.
Drag wheels are for drag racing:-). I've seen many of welds (prostars/draglites) setups fail. Tony, the board owner had both his fronts crack. He's now using our wheels on his car.
I've also heard many folks state that they've seen many of our wheels break. I keep track of failures, and I still can count on my fingers how many that we've seen damaged in going on 10 years of history since conception of these for the F-body. We do repair wheels at minimal cost as a service to our customers...even if it is down to if you curbed our wheels for example. There may be ones that folks don't turn in or call us, but that is probably a low number as most would probably call to either a) complain or b) want to see if we can repair it for them. These services ensures their investment doesn't turn into a large expensive paperweight.
All in all, some good discussions and answered questions from you guys. I'm sure the poster will be happy you guys have chimed in. Hopefully these discussions are positive to the author and they provide him with some answered questions.
#39
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I didn't read the whole post, only a few sentences. If his calipers were in half, they failed. which is probably what locked his wheel up and prevented the wheel from turning.
This is also like our wheels...which came first the chicken or the egg when it comes to damage. I STILL see folks using metric or VW radial front runners which should NOT be used on a drag wheel. Most are meant for 5-6" wheels and are stuffed on a small 3.5" wheel creating more stress on the shells. To boot, being a radial makes it a very stiff tire futher creating issues with a drag skinny wheel. Front wheels take quite a great deal of stress. Those metric tires are generally not load rated and certainly not speed rated for the F-body.
I know we had a non-participating vendor pushing these tires on our GTO designs of which we had many of those fail. I attribute the failure from incorrect tire selection. The VERY limited number of F-body cars that I've seen damaged...some were using those damn tires too! Sometimes when you read posts regarding something breaking (all manufactures), you never really get the true story or what actually caused it. I will tell you this, IF you see any of our Bogart customers using a VW or metric radial and stuffing it onto a small skinny wheel...they certainly never got a recommendation from myself or any of our participating vendors authorized for resale.
Sometimes you never really hear/see the "true" story or what a person did with a manufactures product. Many times you see someone say "man, this/that part failed...I can't believe it"
This is also like our wheels...which came first the chicken or the egg when it comes to damage. I STILL see folks using metric or VW radial front runners which should NOT be used on a drag wheel. Most are meant for 5-6" wheels and are stuffed on a small 3.5" wheel creating more stress on the shells. To boot, being a radial makes it a very stiff tire futher creating issues with a drag skinny wheel. Front wheels take quite a great deal of stress. Those metric tires are generally not load rated and certainly not speed rated for the F-body.
I know we had a non-participating vendor pushing these tires on our GTO designs of which we had many of those fail. I attribute the failure from incorrect tire selection. The VERY limited number of F-body cars that I've seen damaged...some were using those damn tires too! Sometimes when you read posts regarding something breaking (all manufactures), you never really get the true story or what actually caused it. I will tell you this, IF you see any of our Bogart customers using a VW or metric radial and stuffing it onto a small skinny wheel...they certainly never got a recommendation from myself or any of our participating vendors authorized for resale.
Sometimes you never really hear/see the "true" story or what a person did with a manufactures product. Many times you see someone say "man, this/that part failed...I can't believe it"
#40
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Originally Posted by 1CAMWNDR
Is it possible to install LT1 rear brakes and have enough clearance to use the Weld or Centerline without grinding the calipers?