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20” forged wheels

Discussion in 'Model S' started by Flyguy, Feb 5, 2021.

  1. Flyguy

    Flyguy Member

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    Unbelievably, this has been a decision years in the making. After reading A LOT on this subject, I decided to go with a square set of VS forged wheels in a 20”x9” with 32mm offset wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ in 245/40/20 to replace the OEM 19”x8” 40mm offset slipstreams. My decision was driven by a compromise in aesthetics, tire durability, and handling. Tire durability meaning that 21’s suffer significantly more cracked rims and bubbles (pinched) tires. Better handling through reduction of unsprung weight, lower profile and slightly wider offset offering more poke. Overall I’m very happy with the decision I made. I had originally bought some referral Arachnids and had them powder coated, but wound up selling them before installing them on my car. I really didn’t want 21’s or a staggered set on my RWD S75. I would not be able to rotate them, and if one was damaged I would have to keep two different spares for front/rear, and I was worried about destroying tires and having to deal with the cost/hassle of replacing them.

    I bought my new wheels through “get your wheels” and overall had a very good experience. The one down side is they took a LONG time to be produced (covid didn’t help) so I had to wait almost 4 months. But, once getyourwheels received them they mounted and shipped immediately, I got them two days later. I also bought a spare with matching tire, so they shipped 5 all together. Now, if one is damaged I can install a new one in about 10 minutes. I can also bring one with my on trips and change a flat if needed. Lastly, I can rotate the 5th wheel into the rear where more wear happens because it’s a RWD and I have a led foot.

    Since I got the wheels delivered mounted/balanced I could not weigh them separately, but did weight them as a package. They came in at 49lbs 12 oz, which is great. The OEM slipstreams with the same tire (at about 5k miles) were 56lbs 12oz. So, I got larger wheels and dropped almost 30lbs in unsprung weight.

    I think custom forged are great because there are many different styles/colors to choose from. As you can see, I am a fan of gray wheels. I LOVE the color of my new wheels. And, VS forged were actually cheaper per wheel then some aftermarket forged 19" wheels I was looking at on some of the regular Tesla after market sites.

    front forged.jpg
     

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  2. Flyguy

    Flyguy Member

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    Here are the weights
     

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  3. Flyguy

    Flyguy Member

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    and a close-up
     

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  4. pabla

    pabla Member

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    Those look great! 20s are the best of both worlds for these cars. Did you paint your brakes yellow?
     
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  5. beatle

    beatle Member

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    Good choice on the size/offset and tires. I have the same tires and wheel size, though my offsets are +35. I always say 20" wheels are the sweet spot for handling/comfort/range/durability.
     
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  6. Flyguy

    Flyguy Member

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    Thanks!

    I had the calipers painted at MUM motorsports in the SF/bay area. they powder coated my OEM slipstreams at the same time.
     
  7. Flyguy

    Flyguy Member

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    Thanks. I've seen you in many of the same threads that I lurk. getyourwheels suggested the offset and its great. One front just slightly rubs in reverse. I don't even worry about it.
     
  8. beatle

    beatle Member

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    The rubbing might even go away. Technically my +35s are closer to the inside than yours and may be more likely to rub. I got just the slightest amount of rubbing initially, but it is quiet now.

    Even after break in, I still have a range penalty of maybe 7% with the new setup vs. the stock MXM4s, but the handling is much, much better - a compromise I'm willing to live with.
     
  9. FutureShock

    FutureShock Member

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    Sigh. If only Tesla had an option for 20” grey Arachnids on the MS... :(
    .
     
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  10. SoCal Buzz

    SoCal Buzz Supporting Member

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    Wow, those look fantastic! Nicely done on the style and color.
     
  11. Hayseed_MS

    Hayseed_MS Member

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    If the rubbing goes away, doesn't that mean something wore away?
     
  12. Hayseed_MS

    Hayseed_MS Member

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    What did you do about the vehicle setting on size?
     
  13. IslandHydro

    IslandHydro Member

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    'repositioned' ;)
     
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  14. pabla

    pabla Member

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    Get your fender liner pushed in a bit and the rubbing will go away! I did this for my S with 21s and 20mm spacers
     
  15. Dukeybootie

    Dukeybootie Member

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    As a fellow white S owner with grey 20" VS Forged wheels...I say great choice!

    (also square setup in 20x9 with same size tires)
    (also through Get Your Wheels)

    FYI I did have a chance to weigh mine (style VS08) before mounting and they came out to 21.8 lbs.
     
  16. Flyguy

    Flyguy Member

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    Likewise, I’m a little disappointed in the range hit. I didn’t fully realize that reducing the “face” surface area of the wheel has the largest impact on range. My 30k mile average is 329 kw/mi. For the first 800 miles it’s been 360 kw/mi. Granted, I installed these mid December so that doesn’t give an accurate “year round” average. Still worth it though.

    if there were after market aero-caps that would clip on to them for road trips I’d buy them!
     
  17. Flyguy

    Flyguy Member

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    The new Tsportline TS5 is close! I would consider those if doing this again. Especially since you can just buy another if you crack one.
     
  18. Flyguy

    Flyguy Member

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    Much appreciated! I was going to do Matte black until I saw the machine gray. It’s perfect
     
  19. Flyguy

    Flyguy Member

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    Left it on 19 inch and it re-calibrated the TPMS. No problems.
     
  20. Flyguy

    Flyguy Member

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    I had it done at MUM Motorsport. Cost about four or five hundred. Next time I’ll just buy a kit and do it myself. Many people on this forum have.
     

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