OEM V Aftermarket Wheels
 

After buying my 2005 S2000 last Fall, I realized that the wheels were not all OEM; the wheels on the left side are OEM (shame on me for not paying closer attention, although the only obvious difference, from the outside, is the lack of a casting stamp opposite the stem); the wheels on the ride side are aftermarket Chinese made replicas. I have an opportunity to pick up a set of OEM rims for about $400. My question is, does it matter if the rims are mismatched? Is there a market for aftermarket rims? Pardon if this is dumb question...I spent the 5 years before S2K ownership trolling with the Porsche owners where authenticity is king (some pay serious money for tool kits no better in quality than what you can get at Sears for pocket change).

Thanks.

Mike

You are getting a full set of OEM rims? Or just two?

As far as aftermarket rims, yes there is definitely a market for them if you don't want OEM ones.

The seller has a full set of OEM rims, although he said 1 is pretty chewed up. using his 3, I can make a good set of 4. His asking price is $400; I am good to go at $300.

Mike

You aren't going to spend much less than $700 for a good set of rims that are as light as stock (and these are only the TR Motorsports wheels, other than that are Enkeis which are about $1000+) so you may as well go with that deal.

I would weigh the rims and if they are all close in weight, I would just keep them. The OEM wheels are cast aluminum and are hardly cutting edge technology. The way most people drive (casual street), it won't make too much of a difference. If you are racing your car, then having identical wheels is definitely a good idea.

^Good point though. As long as the wheels balance and the tires mount ok, no need to worry that much for street driving.

Rear OEM wheel and tire weigh 49 pounds while the aftermarket wheel weighs 50 pounds. I cannot imagine 1 pound difference makes much of a difference