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Differences:
Spoke design dimensions and shape
Lug holes (mag/shank on oem vs conical on replica)
Weight and weight balance
Stamped information
Barrel design and drop center
Valve stem hole
Center cap hole
Rim contour
I have plans to send these to Smithers for testing. Trying to see which test to perform. Depending on total cost, may also do metallurgy.
That's a pretty amazing comparison. What prompted you to do this?
3 pound difference... is it a fair assumption that the replica isn't forged?
I've been personally curious. I love doing comparisons and sharing the information.
If these wheels end up being as good as OEM, I may be looking to buy more Alibaba wheels. I'm such a wheel *****. lol
The wheels are advertised as forged and I think it can still be. The additional weight might be from the difference in design where the OEM removed material, or it could be the type of aluminum difference between use, I am not too sure, its just my guess.
These are still very light for a 19x10.5 +23 at 25 lbs. The Gramlight 57CR in 19x10.5 +22 is 29 lbs.
Yep, 25 pounds for a 19x19.5 wheel is lightweight, all things considered. The OEM wheel does have less material in the cut-out between the lug holes, and a thinner inner edge.
For a personal comparison, my 19x10 Vossens are 29.5 pounds. Cast, not forged. They're piggies, LOL.
Very cool what you're doing. I've always thought these wheels were some of the best looking OEM Nissan rims, so a reasonably priced replica could satisfy most people for sure.
Yep, 25 pounds for a 19x19.5 wheel is lightweight, all things considered. The OEM wheel does have less material in the cut-out between the lug holes, and a thinner inner edge.
Very cool what you're doing. I've always thought these wheels were some of the best looking OEM Nissan rims, so a reasonably priced replica could satisfy most people for sure.
Yea, and since most the reviews I have seen about Alibaba wheels were people just street driving on them. I wanted to take it a step up and do standardized testing on them.
I've been personally curious. I love doing comparisons and sharing the information.
If these wheels end up being as good as OEM, I may be looking to buy more Alibaba wheels. I'm such a wheel *****. lol
The wheels are advertised as forged and I think it can still be. The additional weight might be from the difference in design where the OEM removed material, or it could be the type of aluminum difference between use, I am not too sure, its just my guess.
These are still very light for a 19x10.5 +23 at 25 lbs. The Gramlight 57CR in 19x10.5 +22 is 29 lbs.
Minus the painted letters, which I don't prefer, I would challenge anyone that isn't intimately familiar with the Z to notice the difference. The Factory sport Duckfeet 18"s are 24-25lbs, so I agree that the replicas are still relatively light.
What does a metallurgy test run? How is it performed? Curious.
As Americans, we tend to throw shade on Chinese manufacturing, but sitting in the front row within an industry heavily integrated with China, I can attest that their manufacturing capabilities are some of the best in the world. From a raw materials perspective, they have the formula down.
Outside of the unwarranted stigma, I would not shy away from the replicas. Maybe we can convince someone to knock off the iconic G35 19" Rays?
Happy Veterans day.
Last edited by socketz67; Nov 11, 2025 at 10:38 AM.
Yea, and since most the reviews I have seen about Alibaba wheels were people just street driving on them. I wanted to take it a step up and do standardized testing on them.
Most likely it'll be SAE J2530.
You are a born engineer Panda. Your curiosity is intoxicating.
Minus the painted letters, which I don't prefer, I would challenge anyone that isn't intimately familiar with the Z to notice the difference. The Factory sport Duckfeet 18"s are 24-25lbs, so I agree that the replicas are still relatively light.
What does a metallurgy test run? How is it performed? Curious.
As Americans, we tend to throw shade on Chinese manufacturing, but sitting in the front row within an industry heavily integrated with China, I can attest that their manufacturing capabilities are some of the best in the world. From a raw materials perspective, they have the formula down.
Outside of the unwarranted stigma, I would not shy away from the replicas. Maybe we can convince someone to knock off the iconic G35 19" Rays?
Happy Veterans day.
From my understanding, metallurgical testing at Smithers covers the following:
Tensile measurements in rim and disk
Hardness measurements at the surface and at the midline (Brinell, Rockwell B and C)
Material chemistry
Macro-structure (grain orientation analysis)
Micro-structure (particle dispersion)
Crack initiation location
its about $400 per wheel so $800 total. I wasn't sure if I would be able to afford this in conjunction with the other tests.
So change of plan. I just sold this set of Alibaba wheels and was suggested to purchase the replica wheels from Maining Forged Wheels as they are the better company.
Their replicas are appearantly 1:1 to oem. I will be placing an order with them soon.
It's all good. I look forward to seeing where this thread goes. As it's likely I'll never find the wheels I want (Volk G50's)... watching others toss around wheel options will have to whet that appetite.
Last edited by ILM-NC G37S; Nov 19, 2025 at 10:14 AM.
