Cast Wheels vs Forged Wheels: What"s the Real Difference

The automotive aftermarket is filled with a massive array of parts manufacturers, some of them much better than others. Of course, at Vivid Racing, we only offer products that we believe in and know our customers will be happy with; this is why popular wheel brands like Rota aren’t on our website. When it comes to aftermarket wheels, there are two major manufacturing processes: forged wheels and cast wheels. Almost all cheaper wheels will use a "cast" design while high-end wheels, such as Forgeline, strictly using a "forged" design. Unfortunately, many enthusiasts do not understand the difference between a cast wheel and a forged wheel, and they end up purchasing something not-quite-right for their needs.

Cast Wheels

A cast wheel is made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold where it is formed to the correct shape and sits there until it cools down. Once the wheel cools down, trimming and drilling are performed. Unfortunately, there is one massive flaw with this method of producing wheels: porosity. Porosity is the physical space inside the material once it has cooled, and it allows for weak points to form. The cheapest workaround for this problem is to use larger tolerances, ultimately making the wheel heavier. This method of wheel manufacturing is very quick and cheap, allowing for mass production of cheap wheels.

Contrary to what some enthusiasts will tell you, cast wheels are not terrible. A properly built cast wheel will indeed weigh more than a forged wheel, but the build quality is typically more than enough for street use and light track use. Heavy track usage is where you’ll see low-quality cast wheels (often replica wheels) fail, resulting in an ugly crash. A high-quality cast wheel will survive heavy track usage, but the heavier design it not ideal.

Forged Wheels

Unlike cast wheels, forged wheels begin their life as a solid piece metal which is referred to as billet. This solid piece undergoes massive amounts of heat and pressure to form it into the desired shape which is used for different wheel designs. Once this desired shape has been achieved, the forging is placed in a CNC machine where is machined into the exact shape needed.

As we mentioned above, cast wheels are inherently porous; forged wheels aren’t thanks to the heat and pressure they undergo. That strength allows for less material to be used to achieve the desired structural integrity, resulting in a significantly lighter wheel. Often time forged wheels use a “monoblock” design, but they can also use a two-piece or three-piece design which allows for greater fitment flexibility.

Flow Form Wheels

If you’re a wheel nerd like we are, then you probably know there is a middle ground between cast and forged: flow form/flow forged. This starts with a cast wheel that is purposely made narrower than desired. The wheel is then stuck on a machine that spins the wheel while pressing steel roller against the rim area, which compresses and stretches the barrel of the wheel, resulting in forged-like barrel strength and weight. As you may imagine, wheels built using this process fall between the cost of a cast and forged wheel.

Summary

Understand that this is a very brief overview of the topic and there is a lot left that we didn’t talk about such as load ratings and elongation. To summarize, remember that cast wheels are cheap but good enough for street use, forged wheels are expensive but will hold up to anything you throw at them, and flow formed wheels are between cast and forged.

Check out some of our most popular wheel brands

• Vorsteiner


• Forgeline


• HRE


• Titan 7


• BBS


• CCW


• ADV1


• Rotiform


• Work


• Volk Racing


• Advan

RolloFace RF GT3 Widebody Kit for the BMW M3 and 3-Series

Rolloface Performance USA Inc. focuses on aftermarket modifications, with a specialty in the area of big brake kits. Their product lines are designed to be eye-catching, as well as perform extremely well under heavy road and track conditions.

Rolloface Performance is proud to announce their latest product, the RF GT3 Widebody Kit. This kit was researched and developed in-house with their 3 solid years of track experience, which means it is not only attractive, but also fully functional. Aerodynamic function is the basic of this design, and it has been track-tested to ensure high stability during high speed. This product is made in the USA.

Scroll down to see the how the GT3 Widebody Kit appears on the M3. Be sure to also check out all of Vivid Racing’s Rolloface Performance products.

Each Kit Includes (FRP, CFRP are optional)

• RF GT3 Front Bumper


• RF GT3 Fenders


• RF GT3 Quarter Panels


• RF GT3 Rear Bumper add on Panels


• RF GT3 Side Skirts (Carbon Fiber)


• RF GT3 Fiberglass Hood Air Duct


• RF GT3 Fiberglass Trunk Spoiler


• RF GT3 Widebody Kit MSRP $7,800

Optional Parts

• RF ZR-1 3-Piece Aluminum Forged Wheels MSRP $7,200

Tire and Wheel Clearance:

For the front

You could use as big as 19 x 12, ET … 305/30/19 tires; there is no modifications needed with 285 series tires.

For the rear

You could use as big as 19 x 12, ET … 305/30/19 tires with no modifications needed or with 305/30/19 tires all around for the best balance and grip.

Applications of this Kit

Fits the BMW E92 M3, but also could apply to E92 3-Series.

RolloFace RF GT3 Widebody Kit for the BMW M3 and 3-Series

Audi RS5 Featuring New Rotiform MUC Wheels

Wheels are one modification that truly keep your vehicle different and unique.  With such a vast array to chose from, some companies have it nailed down to not what is trendy, but setting the trends.  Rotiform continues to knock it out of the park with their stylish and aggressive stance styles and finishes.  Both their 1 piece monoblock and 3 piece forged wheels keep setting the bar for the wheel industry.  Recently they did a photoshoot with this Audi RS5 that features the 4.2L V8 engine.  The Audi platform is one of the most popular for Rotiform and these MUC wheels in bronze are a perfect example.  Typically Audi owners will run 19 or 20 inch wheels with square sizing because of the all wheel drive Quattro system.  Audi tends to have a higher offset wheel with slim brake caliper clearance for those that want more of a concave wheel.  Rotiform gives you both function and form with their line up. See all Rotiform Wheels Here.

 

Audi RS5 Featuring New Rotiform MUC Wheels

Understanding Wheel Load Ratings with Forgeline Wheels

Harrop Engineering’s Heath Moore discusses with Forgeline president Dave Schardt the importance of load ratings and how the choice of tire compounds can dramatically affect that rating.

Forgeline Motorsports manufactures the world’s finest custom made-to-order lightweight forged aluminum street and racing performance wheels for the most discerning enthusiasts and the most demanding applications. Their wheels are chosen by top professional motorsports teams as well as the enthusiast club driver that loves to get out on the track on the weekend, but still drives the car on the street Monday-Friday. Their technical innovations and pedigree in motorports are what makes Forgeline not just another wheel company in the industry.

Click here to view all Forgeline wheels

If you have question or would like to custom order a set of Forgeline Wheels for your vehicle call 1-866-448-4843

 

 

Understanding Wheel Load Ratings with Forgeline Wheels

Everything Vorsteiner Compilation Video - Car Porn

If you are into refining the styling and look of your car, then you want to watch this Vorsteiner compilation video we put together.  This video gives you a inside look of what Vorsteiner can do to to some of the hottest cars on the road.  Glamourizing cars such as the Mercedes C63, Ferrari 599, Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren 12C, and the Porsche 997 Turbo.  Vorsteiner’s carbon fiber aero kit upgrades have been part of the Vivid Racing Project Cars for years and the only reason is because of this attention to detail.  Along with their stunning exterior enhancements, Vorsteiner has a new Flow Forged Wheel line which gives you the latest look and styling your car needs at a fraction of the cost.  Check out the video and leave us your comments!

Shop all Vorsteiner Wheels and Aero Kits Here

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Everything Vorsteiner Compilation Video - Car Porn

Mercedes CLA250 with New 19 inch NICHE Wheels

On our mini Project Car Mercedes CLA, we just showed off the complete H&R Spring installation.  With the car now lowered 1.2 inches front and rear, it was time to get rid of those sucked in wheels and put some stance to make this car dance!  The wheels are the Niche Targa 1 piece monoblock forged wheels.  Niche wheels, house brand of manufacture MHT Wheels, has this awesome lineup of forged designs including the Targa.  Very similar to the wheels we used on our 997.2 Turbo, its split spoke design is very popular,  The front wheels are a 19×8.5 +42mm and the rear are a 19×9.5 +50mm.  The wheels have been finished in a brushed double dark tint which gives it a different look depending on the light and angle.  Needing more rubber, the wheels were wrapped with 235/35/19 and 265/30/19 tires.

Next on the plate is a fresh Agency Power exhaust system and dyno tests so stay tuned here to our blog!

Mercedes CLA250 with New 19 inch NICHE Wheels

HRE Releases Photo Recap from 2013 SEMA

HRE set out to prove a point this year at SEMA. Not only did they have one of the largest and most interactive booths at the show, but it was filled with HRE eye candy. But their booth was only the first frontier. SEMA was riddled with HRE wheels, you find them on a ton of different make and models. You saw them on everything from foreign to domestic, to new and old cars. They have wheels for cars with the daring, more unconventional style, and wheels for those who rock the more traditional look. No matter what your style is, HRE’s got you covered.

Yesterday they released a gang of photos from SEMA. We looked through them and grabbed all the pictures we thought proved our point.The pictures below are just a sample of all the pictures we have, check out all our pictures from SEMA HERE. Check out HRE’s Wheels selection HERE. Shop all HRE’s HERE. We want to know what you think of the selection do they not have something for everyone? Or tell us what you think is the best pairing? You can tell us in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

HRE Releases Photo Recap from 2013 SEMA

Ferrari F12 Modified with Novitec NF4 Wheels and Lowering Springs

The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta may have stole my fanatical love for the 550 Maranello as the coolest front engine touring coupe from Ferrari.  Having been obsessed with the 550/575 Ferrari’s looks and functions, it was definitely on my must have list.  When the 599 came out, yea it was incredible, but was kind of like you were driving a 430 or 458 sitting backwards.  The F12 however is a whole different ball game.  The styling of that hood vent, deep headlights that draw you in like eyes, and then the rear shape coming in towards the middle saying simply, “game over”.  The 730HP V12 engine is no joke.  With more road-legal power than any other Ferrari to date, it is also extremely efficient.  Like all other Ferrari’s, Novitec Rosso has got their hands dirty with performance and styling of the new Ferrari F12.

This particular customer has sent us photos of his F12 equipped with some new Novitec parts.  The car has been lowered with a set of Novitec springs which work with the OEM nose lift system.  In addition to the lowering spring kit, he has also added a set of the Novitec NF4 forged wheels.  These 1 piece forged aluminum wheels feature a unique design to Novitec while extremely lightweight and functional.

 

Ferrari F12 Modified with Novitec NF4 Wheels and Lowering Springs