Dozer42

First pics after she was lowered and the new wheels added. (Enkei PF01 wheels, 16lbs each, 17x7.5", w/permachrome. Road magnet springs).

asaulo1

how's the ride with the new springs?

Dozer42

Honestly I thought the ride was too rough when I first had them installed last week. But after a few days things seem to have settled down a bit and I'm enjoying it.

Yesterday I took the wife's parents and her up to the Dragon Boat Festival on Treasure Island, and none of them could tell the difference, even when asked directly.

So if it's good enough for grandma, it's good enough for me! ;]

Francis

Looks good! Do you use stock shocks? The chrome rims only weight 16lbs, wow that's great!

Dozer42

Yep, still using the stock shocks.

The wheels didn't come chromed, they were just a regular silver finish from the factory.

I had them 'permachromed', which adds almost no weight to the wheel, doesn't use toxic chemicals, and they even warranty them against pitting/corrosion for 5 years/100k miles.

jimmyc13

I see you went with the OEM rubber. Good move keeping the low rolling resistance tires. How much has your mileage gone up?

How much to permachrome the wheels?

Dozer42

$200/wheel from RiteWayWheels in Walnut Creek.

Haven't been able to detect a mileage increase directly from the wheels. I also lowered it the next day. Time will tell. =]

jimmyc13

Holy smokes...

Dozer42

Hmmm, I didn't feel it was unreasonable at all. The wheels were also about $250 each, so with the Permachrome it's well under my budget of $500 per wheel.

I wanted super-lightweight, strong, and chrome (polished would be fine too).

I didn't find any wheels that fit my needs, so I went with these and had them permachromed.

The Permachrome process is a lot better than regular chrome. It's far lighter in added weight, doesn't pitt, crack or corrode like chrome, and even comes with a 5 year 100,000 mile warranty to that fact.

I know the chrome wheels on my old 2003 Lexus SC430 had very significant deterioration after a few years, I'm betting that won't happen here. =]

Still don't know how much the lighter wheels will affect mileage, but I was showing an indicated 52.5mpg today after over 100 miles of mixed driving.

jimmyc13

If it's within your budget then that makes sense. I paid the same price for wheels as you, and that was my budget, so almost doubling that cost to me is a lot. Good for you, getting the chrome finish w/out the added weight.

I hope your happy w/ the finish and it holds up for you.

Dozer42

I'll get back to you in 5 years. ;]

jimmyc13

I can't see why it WOULDN'T hold up, as you're in CA and likely never encounter any road salt!