Forged Wheels

Does every kilo of unsprung weight you save count in your project, or do your wheels need to handle hard track days? Forged wheels are pressed from a solid block of metal under high pressure, so they can typically be made strong with less material. They are for you if you want to combine low weight with high strength.

What forged wheels can do for your car

Less unsprung and rotating weight can give sharper response in steering, acceleration and braking, because the suspension and engine work against less mass. How much you notice depends on the wheel's construction, the tyre and the car's setup. If you mostly drive on the road, cast alloy wheels can also be a relevant choice.

How to choose forged wheels

• Bolt pattern: must match your car's hub, e.g. 5/100 or 5/114.3 as in the SSR Type-C series. Also check the centre bore.
• Width and offset (ET): together determine where the wheel sits in the wheel arch and how close it comes to the fender and suspension.
• Brakes: the inner shape of the wheel must leave room for the brake caliper, especially with larger brake kits.
• Tyres: the wheel width determines which tyre widths fit.

Widths range from narrow wheels such as Performance Machine 18x3.5 to wide ones such as SSR Type-C 18x10.5. Konig Forged F3S has a knurled bead seat that can help keep the tyre in place. If the tyre needs to be mechanically locked in place, beadlock wheels are available in a separate category.

Fitting and maintenance

Tighten the wheel nuts with a torque wrench to your car's specification, and re-torque after the first few kilometres. Clean with a mild cleaning agent to protect finishes such as Racing Bronze and anodised gold.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between forged and cast wheels?

Cast wheels are formed from molten metal in a mould, while forged wheels are pressed from a solid block under high pressure. This typically gives a denser structure, so the wheel can be made strong with less material.

How does offset (ET) affect where the wheel sits?

A lower ET pushes the wheel further out towards the fender edge, a higher ET pulls it in towards the suspension. For example, SSR Type-C 18x9.5 with +22 sits noticeably further out than the same size with +45.

Can forged wheels be approved for roadworthiness inspection?

It depends on the wheel and the car. Check the approval and documentation for the specific part number, and make sure that size, ET and tyres stay within the fender edge and the car's permitted dimensions.