Expensive Dymag's on an otherwise stock street NSX.. to save corner weight.. that is just ridiculous IMO, if not the very definition of bling.
If there is member interest in Dymag's or other composite wheels, I'd recommend first searching around on the noble forums, as there is a good recent discussion below. A few had attempted to setup a group buy awhile back unsuccessfully, and other owners have been down this path.
http://nobleforums.com/showthread.php?t=1704&page=3&highlight=dymag
A few key points:
- Carbon Composite wheels like the Dymag's for production sports cars are expensive, often in the range of $1750-$2000 per wheel plus depending on model and sizes.
- Just because a few have managed to obtain DOT certification means little... carbon composite wheels are not set and forget... they will require far more extensive maintenance; often in the form of entire replacement to maintain safety, as any delamination can result in catastrophic failure far under rated stress loads. Even for club road race or casual street driving applications, few could afford to properly maintain them. No off the shelf parts or quick fix solutions either when your in a pickle.
- Catastrophic failure can result in entire disintegration of the wheel at speed, as opposed to a bent rim half. Often, this can be the difference between driver and vehicle recovery on track.
- The FIA and other sanctioning road race bodies do not allow them due to concerns on their integrity.
- Carbon while having a higher tensile strength, does not have the same hardness, malleability, and integrity under high thermal loads as modern forged materials.
- For all these compromises, the corner weight savings is frankly negligible relative to other comparable standard offerings in this price range, like high end BBS 3pc magnesium road race wheels when considering standard 18X10 sizes. Comparing savings to the stock single piece cast wheels is completely retarded.
- FEA analysis shows that wheel stresses are exponential by load, so these composite offerings are still more appropriate to bikes... whereas the loads from weight, heat, and mechanical grip are far lower than on heavy production cars.
- While a few have dabbled with them, my personal conclusion is at this time... they are best left mounted on the Mosler 900S looking sly at SEMA, or on a future episode of Unique Whips; promoting the brand. There is a reason their size chart is dotted around 19 and 20 inch plus sizes.
