What wheels are these?...advice
Discussion
Which wheels are these and what years on they on?
http://lotusespritworld.com/EModels/V8.html
Also...Are the early V8 models (96-98) the same on the exterior as compared to the S4S and sport 300 models? Trying to find another esprit by the spring....I used to have a 88 turbo. Any opinions? I would love to hear your experience. Thanks!!!
http://lotusespritworld.com/EModels/V8.html
Also...Are the early V8 models (96-98) the same on the exterior as compared to the S4S and sport 300 models? Trying to find another esprit by the spring....I used to have a 88 turbo. Any opinions? I would love to hear your experience. Thanks!!!
) If I recall correctly, there was a defect with the early AWI's and Lotus recalled them all. Supposedly each and every one of them was said to be destroyed.
I've heard that the new good AWI's look the same, but have a green dot on the inside signifying that that are okay. I heard this in the states here, so I'm not sure about overseas.
Although I've never had personal experience with those wheels, a clubmember of mine told me that they were not very strong when two of the AWI's on his '98 split after he barely drove on the edge of the roadway. He now has custom HRE's on there to replace them. That thought always pops up when I hear AWI nowadays.
Roy Nakamura
I've heard that the new good AWI's look the same, but have a green dot on the inside signifying that that are okay. I heard this in the states here, so I'm not sure about overseas.
Although I've never had personal experience with those wheels, a clubmember of mine told me that they were not very strong when two of the AWI's on his '98 split after he barely drove on the edge of the roadway. He now has custom HRE's on there to replace them. That thought always pops up when I hear AWI nowadays.
Roy Nakamura
I have the AWI's (all of them confirmed to be the proper "non cracking" ones) and rather like them. I thought about going for the new Novas but decided against it.
The reason, to me, that the AWI's look so good is because of the way they configured the "dish" on the back wheels. The extra width of the backs is subtely hidden, wheras the Novas have the huge "dish lip" in the front...
(Hope all of that made sense)
ErnestM
The reason, to me, that the AWI's look so good is because of the way they configured the "dish" on the back wheels. The extra width of the backs is subtely hidden, wheras the Novas have the huge "dish lip" in the front...
(Hope all of that made sense)
ErnestM
dr.ian said:
So, where could I order the safe wheels from?
Your lotus dealer?? Alternatively there are often sets for sale second hand...
I also like the AWI's as i think the flat spoke suits the esprit styling more than the later 99 spec OZ Saturn Plus wheel.
Regarding the strenth of the wheel.. my 98 V8-GT has over 71,000 miles on it and i've clipped a kerb more than once in that time. No issues with strength from my experience. All manufacturers will do a lot of testing on the strength of the wheel, but its important to remember that the in an impact its better for the wheel to deform rather than the suspension as this is far cheaper to fix/replace. If you fit super strong wheels on your car which are not to manufacturer's specs then there's a risk that next time you clout a kerb you could break something that's more expensive to fix. I believe Audi RS4 owners have had exactly this problem - if i understand it right owners can have as many replacement sets of stock wheels as they want if they've bent a rim (soft alloy apparently) but if you fit stronger aftermarket wheels instead then your warranty for any suspension related issues is invalidated.
Rob
98 V8-GT
oh, and btw i've just swapped my AWI's as i've managed to track down some super-rare OZ Magnesio (sport 350) wheels. Woohoo!
I collect Esprit wheels, and I have a few sets of refurbed batch 2 AWIs and a set of Novas. I love the AWI shape, it suits the SEs all the way to the later shape cars. Shame Lotus stopped using it so soon. 
I like the Saturns, but didn't think it was right for the Esprit shape, so I haven't got them.
I'm still looking for a set of S4S Futuras...
I liked those S350 Magnesios but haven't managed to catch a set at a reasonable price.
Nicholas
I like the Saturns, but didn't think it was right for the Esprit shape, so I haven't got them.
I'm still looking for a set of S4S Futuras...
I liked those S350 Magnesios but haven't managed to catch a set at a reasonable price.
Nicholas
Ye Olde Esprit said:
I collect Esprit wheels, and I have a few sets of refurbed batch 2 AWIs and a set of Novas. I love the AWI shape, it suits the SEs all the way to the later shape cars. Shame Lotus stopped using it so soon.
I like the Saturns, but didn't think it was right for the Esprit shape, so I haven't got them.
I'm still looking for a set of S4S Futuras...
I liked those S350 Magnesios but haven't managed to catch a set at a reasonable price.
Nicholas
Do you have pics with the AWI's on an SE. I would love to see them. Actually I photoshopped them on an SE, there Chrome though but they look amazing! I would liek to see real pics though.
>> Edited by Lotusacbc on Thursday 6th November 18:44
Lotusacbc said:
Do you have pics with the AWI's on an SE. I would love to see them. Actually I photoshopped them on an SE, there Chrome though but they look amazing! I would liek to see real pics though.
Michael's Motosports has some great shots of an SE on track, with AWI's:
www.michaelsmotorsports.com/
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