45 replies to this topic

[Steve Scheifler]

I think #1.
As I recall, someone mentioned that they were in the works before the offset bushings were approved, but have taken a long time coming to market. (as did the comparatively simple bushings).

[Jim Drago]

I'll take a stab....
 
1. Someone thinks the extended ball joint is a better mousetrap compared to bushings
2. There is an intent to make it more difficult for competitors to run events put on by the other organization.

I'll take a further stab or jab

During my tenure on SMAC and CRB we tried top avoid at all costs anything that was provided by a single source unless that source was Mazda or SCCA enterprises on plates. Single source providers are a terrible idea on many different levels... Monopoly can drive up price, can lead to supply issues so on and so on.

[davew]

I was against the offset bushings for multiple reasons, but that is behind me. I am against the ball joints for many of the same reasons, not available, untested, unknown consequences.

 

Personally, I think the ball joints MAY be the better idea. but until they are available, and tested, they should not have been legalized by NASA. Also the unintended consiquence may be the track width issue we are discussing. But until they are available and measured, we won't know.

 

All that being said, I have 2 sets of the ball joints on order for evaluation purposes. When they arrive, I will install them and measure track width before and after. Then we will know.

 

Approving any part or procedure without testing is a bad idea.

 

Just my opinion

dave

[Marc Cefalo]

I'll take a further stab or jab

During my tenure on SMAC and CRB we tried top avoid at all costs anything that was provided by a single source unless that source was Mazda or SCCA enterprises on plates. Single source providers are a terrible idea on many different levels... Monopoly can drive up price, can lead to supply issues so on and so on.

 
Just look at what's going on with the pricing on transponders and the "new" subscription based units....wafj....

[Tom Sager]

During my tenor 

Actually you might be an alto.  

[Jim Drago]

Actually you might be an alto.  

you got me! fixed
Jim

[949Racing]

Can we start a new thread for the ball joint discussion?

[Bench Racer]

Tangents are ok.

[Caveman-kwebb99]

The wheels look great by the way, and now that I know they will pass I may buy a set.


When I started asking questions it only had to do with the 24 offset. Glad we got that part straight.

[Steve Scheifler]

Tangents are ok.

And the topic will get more visits.

How close to 13lbs are the production run weighing in at?

Is that first outer "shelf", just inside the edge, flat (perpendicular to the axle) or is a bit sloped? Looking for a flat and true surface for camber and toe tools.

[Ron Alan]

you got me! fixed
Jim

Fixed...Soprano now?

[dstevens]

Fixed...Soprano now?

 

Only if the anti submarine belt is too tight....

[949Racing]

And the topic will get more visits.

How close to 13lbs are the production run weighing in at?

Is that first outer "shelf", just inside the edge, flat (perpendicular to the axle) or is a bit sloped? Looking for a flat and true surface for camber and toe tools.

Click the link in the OP for answer to both questions.

[949Racing]

First production wheel we pulled out of a box, 13.042 lbs. A small part of the cost of this wheel is the extra steps taken during production to match weight to a tiny +/- tolerance, much tighter than normal production wheels. We added about 2.5lbs to our standard 15x7 for the SM variant. Most of that mass went into the flanges, the rest into the barrel and spokes. Outer flanges get bent from contact, inner flanges get bent from falling off the track. Ready to be abused! Shipped the first sets out to racers today.

 

[Scott Krzastek]

Why is a set of the SM wheels $120 more than a set of the Spec E30 wheels?

[949Racing]

Why is a set of the SM wheels $120 more than a set of the Spec E30 wheels?

Different casting tool 

[Bench Racer]

I think #1.
As I recall, someone mentioned that they were in the works before the offset bushings were approved, but have taken a long time coming to market. (as did the comparatively simple bushings).

The bushings were as I recall available long before they were brought to and approved for use in the SM. I found some in Canada before Advanced Auto Sports and Mazda Motor Sports received them. ISC had their hard version forever.

[Steve Scheifler]

I was referring to the re-starting of production after Dave W. convinced them it was worth doing and committed to purchase the first run. Not only are the bushings simple compared to the ballpoint, they had made them before, so I can't see why it took so long. But none of that was really my point, much less relevant to this topic, so I'm sorry I even mentioned it.

[steveracer]

Is there a limited supply of these like the first time, or will they be available for the foreseeable future?

[949Racing]

Is there a limited supply of these like the first time, or will they be available for the foreseeable future?

Yes to both questions. We will make them as long as there is demand. We'll try to keep them in regular stock but that really depends on sales. Our website displays realtime inventory. If you can add to cart, it will ship. Delay ordering for a month and you may end up waiting for the next production run, or they might still be in stock. Can't predict the future