124 Spider VX replicawheels (DJ?) on Monte

[Otto-valvole-per-tutte]

Hi all,

Is there a company in the States selling those wheels?

Any info on the dimensions?

Think of getting me a bargain since dollar is low vs. the euro.

Cheers, Pieter

[Darren]

Hi Pieter,

I think the wheels came from Spider Point and they're this side of the pond - http://spider-point.com/framework.php/mode/catalogonline# But looking at their catalogue I think they've changed the wheels slightly, and not for the better:confused:

They are one of the best styled wheels you can put on a Monte/'Scorp - in only my opinion of course!:D

Cheers

[DJ]

I purchased mine at Bruce' Parts Bin (http://fiatparts.com/closeup.htm) in New Jersey.

Specifics are:

Intra SP10-F
15x7
21 mm offset
Approx 15 lbs.
Comes with Abarth center cap and new wheel bolts (smaller head than Scorpion/Montecarlo bolts)

[cstorry]

What do you think has been changed about the wheels ?

Its the same catalog and picture I've seen on their website for quite some time.

I have original and the replica wheels and they are very close (aside from the multipiece construction, of course). They make a set for VX spiders which is slightly different to clear the front brake calipers.

My idea of wheels to die for as the MonteHospital put it is their 037-like ones but at 369 pounds a wheel it will be along time before I could buy 4 : (

I'd post a link but the MH seems to be in some sort of ISP change state. I found the wheels in the performance section for uprated suspension systems.

very nice.
Chuck

[Otto-valvole-per-tutte]

Thanks all.

Seems that buying nearby (Germany that is) it will be 282 Euro per wheel.

In the States it is 261 Euro per wheel. Apart from post and importduties. So that seems like a bad idea.

Pricewise the best option: Ronals A1 as used on Alfa's.

Expensive option: 037 Replica from Montehospital.

Other option: 5 Spoke Compomotive. They look nice on a silver Monte but on a red one?

http://lancisti.net/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=869&ppuser=

Mmmmm.

[Darren]

Hi there Chuck

Not sure where my head was earlier, but you are of course correct and the wheels are the same! In my defence I was looking at the other catalogue, which has a different pic of the same wheels!;o) You are right about the MH split rims though, they are fantastic, but an awful lot on moola!;o) I'll stick with the Compomotives I have for now!

You can also find them just under wheels on the MH site!;)

Cheers

[Darren]

Pieter,

I would also consider these ones, which are also stunning

http://lancisti.net/photopost/data/869/thumbs/Gr-A-2.jpg (http://lancisti.net/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=6795)

But if you're looking at compomotives, why stick with silver, especially on a red car, why not these?

http://lancisti.net/photopost/data/531/thumbs/DSC09470.JPG (http://lancisti.net/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=6618)

I bought them like this

http://lancisti.net/photopost/data/531/thumbs/DSC07987.JPG (http://lancisti.net/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=284)

Good luck whichever way you go!

Cheers

[SubGothius]

I would also consider these ones, which are also stunning
Those on the black Scorpicarlo pictured appear to be early Maserati Biturbo wheels; IIRC, they came in a 14x6", seem to remember some were 0.5" different but can't remember if it was 5.5" or 6.5", all of course with our proper 4x98 bolt circle, not sure of the offsets...

BTW, interesting thing I learned recently in re: wider wheels/tires: the contact patch area is a function of vehicle weight and tire pressure alone, so going wider will not put any more rubber to the road; it will only make the contact patch broader and, thus, shorter longitudinally (i.e., circumferentially WRT the tire/wheel). Having a wider patch gives better cornering grip, but at the expense of... erm, whatever parameter patch-length corresponds to. Braking and/or acceleration, I reckon? Or would those be the same for an identical patch area? Ride maybe, or directional stability? The tech blurb I'd read didn't address that aspect, alas...

EDIT: Did a bit of research. The short/broad patch of wider tires produces better cornering grip and cornering responsiveness, but with a choppier ride and increasing tendency to tramline, as the short patch follows every warp in the road surface. The long/narrow patch of narrower tires give more predictable handling, directional stability and smoother ride, but are less responsive and less grippy in the bends. On a FWD car, changing the width can also increase torque steer by changing the centriod of the patch WRT the steering geometry (esp. strut/balljoint rotational axis).