These are Z's, not Civics.

[DankZX]

Keep in mind though, we are modifying sports cars that the insurance companies only value at 4 grand and that is at the high end. So now your putting 4 g's of wheels on a car worth the same, so you shouldnt do anything to the car that is over 4 g because now you are losing money with every purchase there after. So none of us should technically be modifying anything. Im not trying to sound like a cheap a$$ but thats the real world. However since we are enthusiasts, yes, buy the good parts.

Wheels are wheels (well most are) if your not racing and check them regularly, you shouldnt have a problem with them unless there is a known fault in the wheel or the company etc. I agree with Ace though, if everybody had TE37's or Work Equips what fun would that be, yeah their nice wheels and look good but now your taking out all the individuality of the aftermarket scene and the personalization of YOUR car. Not my car, YOUR car.

[A Paratroopers 300zx]

My 2 cents... To each their own. As enthusiasts, we can do what we like with OUR vehicles. I do agree that quality parts will last longer in the long run (hence why I spent nearly 50k on mine lol!) I do not believe in saving a few bucks here and there on critical parts, but some people do. I believe that while I'm in there... do it right the first time. No sense in double work.

Enthusiasts are a wide form... My painter at work put 90k into his CIVIC!!! It is a damn beast and has a turbo the size of my head! On the other hand, I have seen people hack up an NSX or a Porsche or an S2000 or even the beloved 2JZ Supra. It all comes down to personal taste and opinions.

You are correct with the copies theory though. It's highly apparent in all of society. There are no original ideas anymore... movies for instance... when was the last time someone made and filmed a completely original story not from a book, TV show, game or remake of a movie? If an idea can be proven to be stolen, law suits will follow and royalties will be paid. So, in certain cases the innovators will receive their dues. Most of the time not, unfortunately due to loop holes. That's how 'Murica works. You can support the innovators all day long, but at the end of that day there will always be some cheap a$$holes that will do it for less.

wheels aren't cosmetic, i would argue having a stronger wheel is even more important than having quality manifolds (and i have msp's), for example.

the wheels have much more of an impact on your safety and the safety of others. so it's even more important to have a sound wheel.

For most situations they are cosmetic. Wheels (regardless of make or model) don't just fall apart due to normal LEGAL driving conditions. IF you are racing, street racing, tracking, autoXing or any kind of aggressive driving... then yes, your argument would be valid. However, those are all dangerous activities that present all kinds of hazards to you and the people around you.I would argue that faulty and poorly crafted engine components can damage your vehicle and potentially cause an accident under SAFE & LEGAL driving conditions. Therefore, posing a greater risk. Not too many people street race to and from work everyday.

I do agree on having a sound wheel. It is important. But for most... wheels are purely cosmetic. How many people who mod their cars actually track their cars? Very few. Now, how many people who mod their cars have aftermarket wheels? Most of them.

I see where you are coming from, but it is all circumstantial. To say that wheels aren't cosmetic... is just ignorant.

Anyway... I'm done. Thanks for reading!

[shannonferguson2000]

My cars are only worth 4 grand, damn i have 100 grand in labor AT LEAST.
For what its worth Z32s still look sexy and still have way more REAL value for REAL tuners and gearheads than cars costing 10 times as much to own and maintain that in 50 years nobody will give 2 sh1*s about.

[Z-owned]

Lol pretty much any car regardless of price once modifications start becomes money that wont be made back in general.

[DCaff300ZX]

I agree with Chris, to me a car isn't ever worth more than about $5K given depreciation, wear and tear, and personal opinions and such that will guide whatever "value" is there when/if you ever sell your car. I had to convince myself the twin turbos were worth $3K+ when I bought my TT
Personally I like to find after owning a car for a period of time that it cost me about $1K a year in total costs (price plus repairs/maintenance) which has only happened twice- with my NA, and a '85 twin cam Celica I put nearly 400K miles on in 6 years owning it.