While all tires are marked and stamped with obvious information regarding tire size, weight and manufacturer info, other information is sometimes unclear to the average person. In this blog we’ll explain one of the most commonly seen markings on tires that aren’t easily identified or understood, but play an important role in your safety and the ride quality of your vehicle. 

Imperfections and Irregularities

It’s an impossible task for tire manufacturers to produce a perfectly round and perfectly balanced tire. Because of this, slight imperfections and small irregularities are marked on the tires to ensure the tire is properly aligned and balanced when mounted onto a wheel. The way these imperfections and irregularities are marked are with two different colored dots, yellow and red.

Yellow Dots 

Yellow dots signify the lightest point on your tire or where the wheel weighs the least. The valve stem section of your wheels is the heaviest part, so placing the lightest part of the tire on the heaviest part of the wheel significantly reduces the amount of weight your wheel will need when it comes time to add weight and balance.

Red Dots

The Red dot signifies the flattest part or lowest point on your tires. The lowest point of the tire should always be adjacent to the highest part of the wheel which is usually indicated by some sort of marking on the wheel.

If there is only a yellow dot on your tire, you should line up the yellow dot with the valve stem of the wheel when mounting. If there are both red and yellow dots, the red dot should be lined up with the valve stem. The lowest point of the tire takes precedence over the lightest point of the tire in this case.

Proper Balancing 

Properly aligning the red or yellow dots with the valve stem is important for a number of reasons. Most notably, the proper amount of weight added to your wheels will prevent your vehicle from experiencing that annoying rumble or shaky feeling when traveling at a higher rate of speed. If improperly balanced, your vehicle handling and stopping distance can be negatively affected. Unbalanced tires can also cause excessive wear and tear and uneven spots on your tires, making the vehicle unsafe for travel.

Preventative Maintenance

If you happen to notice a vibration at any point while driving after ensuring these markings are properly lined up, it could be that a wheel weight has fallen off or that your wheel may be bent or damaged. In any case, it’s a smart move to head over to your local tire shop and get your tires checked out. Getting your tires checked, rotated and rebalanced may not only keep you safe while driving, but save you money in the long run. General rule of thumb is to have your tires rotated and checked as regularly as you get your oil changed. 

We hope this information was helpful whether you’re new to the service industry or just a curious auto enthusiast eager to learn the little details about the markings you see on your tires.

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What is a staggered setup? 

When it comes time to start upgrading parts on your vehicle, choosing the right wheels is imperative. You want to be sure that the fitment is correct and that your choice achieves the aesthetic that you want. Many people choose to run a staggered wheel setup. A staggered setup or fitment means running wider or larger wheels and tires on the rear of your vehicle than the ones on the front. For example, running 18×8.5 wheels up front and 19×10 on the rear. This is common with many rear wheel drive vehicles such as the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, BMW, Mercedes, Dodge and others.

What is a square setup? 

A square setup means that the tires are equal at all 4 corners of the vehicle and that there is no difference in tire width between the front and rear axles. While most vehicles, performance and non-performance come stock with a square setup, many who decide to upgrade to aftermarket wheels choose to keep a square setup to optimize the lifespan of their tires.

Photo provided by @indigo_sxt on Instagram.

Benefits vs Downfalls

Staggered wheel setups are more commonly associated with personal handling preferences/driving style, and are intended to accommodate performance vehicles. The wider tires provide balancing and handling characteristics while also providing adequate traction for high horsepower vehicles. 

One issue you may encounter while running a staggered setup if using the car for performance purposes, is understeer. Understeer is a vehicle’s tendency to “push” through a corner, which becomes negatively affected when running smaller width tires up front. Having less control and handling leads some drivers to prefer to go from a staggered setup to a square setup in order to reduce the odds of understeering in harsh driving conditions.

The second issue would be the inability to rotate your tires. Because you are running wider tires in the rear than the front, you’re unable to rotate your back tires to the front and vice versa. Due to this, the longevity of your tires may dramatically decrease, especially in a racing environment where burnouts and cornering cause major wear. You’ll be spending a pretty penny on tires if you like to burn rubber.

Fender Flares and Wide Body Kits

Many that choose to upgrade their wheel and tire setup are willing to go the extra mile to change the entire look of the vehicle. This includes adding fender flares or for some, a full widebody kit that dramatically changes the vehicle’s appearance. Both choices allow for wider wheels and tires to fit and look great.

Photo provided by @urfavrt on Instagram.

Your Move

There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to a square or staggered set up. If your vehicle application allows you to install a wider setup, it will definitely look more aggressive and will perform better under most circumstances. In some cases trimming and modifications are needed. Yes, wider tires are heavier, understeer is a possibility and tire rotation is an issue, but for some, the aggressive look makes it all worth it. Keeping a square setup may be the way to go if you’re looking for a more neutral setting for your vehicle, in addition to maintaining  the ability to rotate your tires.

What is your ideal setup? Connect with us on social media with the links provided below and let us know. We’d love to hear from you!

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The post Standard vs. Staggered Setup: Which Suits Your Vehicle? first appeared on Factory Reproductions.

Know Your Bolt Pattern & Fitment

There are multiple variations of wheel fitments and not all wheels will fit every vehicle.  Knowing the bolt pattern of your vehicle and understanding your fitment will help narrow down your options from the get go.  There is no sense in scrolling through pages and pages of wheels that won’t fit.  

A vehicle’s fitment incorporates the bolt pattern, wheel backspacing and wheel offset.  Your bolt pattern consists of the number of wheel studs and the centerline measurement of those wheel’s studs.  For a more comprehensive discussion of fitment, view our “Calculating Your Fitment” blog.

Choose The Size & Material You Want

Now that you are aware of the proper fitment for the vehicle, you can determine the size and material of the wheels. There is always going to be a standard or recommended wheel size for any vehicle. There are other sizing options available, but they will sometimes require modifying your vehicle’s suspension or body in order to adjust to the width or increased diameter of the new wheel. Smaller wheels allow for larger tires and vice versa. 

Depending on whether your vehicle is a show car, a race car, or just your daily ride, the material used to construct the wheels can make a difference in your decision making process. The options available for single piece wheels include cast, forged and flow form wheels, with each having its own benefit. If you’d like to learn more about the construction process and see which wheels might be the right fit for you, check out this blog Lighter Weight Wheels: They Can Make a Difference. 

If you’re looking for something less common, which usually includes two and three piece wheels, your options are far greater than cast, forged or flow formed wheels. The only downfall is that two and three piece wheels can add additional weight with the pieces and parts used to hold the wheel together and are usually far more expensive.

Find A Design That Reflects Your Style

This is the fun part. Finding the wheel design that speaks to you provides the opportunity to distinguish yourself from the crowd and show off your personal style. There is no shortage when it comes to the options available in selecting the perfect set of wheels. With help from virtual wheel visualizers, catalogs and social media, it’s easy to compare which style wheels are popular, common, uncommon, the perfect fit or just not your style. You can go with the trend, or you can set yourself apart from the rest by choosing different fitment options, colors and styles.

Determine The Price You Are Willing to Pay

Quality is key in this stage of your search. With quality, comes cost. Not saying you have to break the bank, but if you’re looking to enhance your ride with new wheels, you want to make sure that you’re not going to have to reinvest in your decision every few months after hitting a pothole or going over a speed bump too quickly.

“You get what you pay for” is usually how it goes. However, there are lower cost but valuable options available in today’s market with the rise of flow form technology. The durability and toughness of wheels hold up, while the cost stays somewhat low due to lack of material used in construction.  Determining the price you want to pay for wheels might be something you want to do before you start your search.

Browse Your Options

If you’re on a general search and want ideas, we recommend browsing social media to find and discuss the options for your vehicle. There are most likely plenty of accounts dedicated to the vehicle you are customizing, with pictures and advice readily available. Reading the do’s and don’ts from others is always a plus and sometimes seeing what’s already out there can guide you during your search for aftermarket wheels.

For a more specific search, individual wheel websites will take you on a more vehicle precise journey, enabling you to narrow down your selections to meet your needs before you purchase your new set of wheels. With the Factory Reproductions configurator, you can change the vehicle color and the size and color of your wheels to get an idea of what the wheels will look like on your vehicle. With plenty of resources available to assist you in your purchase, you’ll be on the road in no time. 

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Application

To apply for the position, you must submit an audition reel explaining what makes you the right fit and why. Dodge is looking for charismatic, passionate and creative contestants to fill the high-horsepower position. Throw on your thinking cap and show them what you’ve got! Judges will review all submissions and pick 10 contestants to go head to head with one another.  It will be styled in a gameshow-like contest asking situational hot seat questions. The winner will then be chosen and deemed the “Chief Donut Maker”. This seems like a year filled with fun and a great opportunity to shine, meet and make new friends. We’re excited to see it play out!

Mopar Community

We wholeheartedly support the Mopar community and are thrilled to see one lucky winner fulfill his/her dreams and land this position with Dodge. It’s exciting to witness a community that continues to grow and be presented with awesome opportunities such as Chief Donut Maker. It shows appreciation for the ones who support the brand and lifestyle that embody the American muscle spirit. Share your thoughts on our social media pages below, where we highlight many of the people whose lives are filled with all things Mopar and are proud owners and contributors to the ever-growing scene. 

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The post CHIEF DONUT MAKER: DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? first appeared on Factory Reproductions.

C1- In 1953, Chevrolet introduced what has now become one of the true collectible cars of our time. The C1 Corvettes were produced featuring a 235 cu. in. (3.85L) inline six engine, with an output of 150 HP and a two-speed Powerglide transmission that got you 0-60 in 11.5 seconds. The C1 was constructed with a “Polo White” fiberglass body, red interior, and a black canvas soft top and was predominantly hand built in a factory in Flint, Michigan. Only 300 were made and about 200 are still in existence around the world today. The C1 run lasted from 1953-1962.

C2 – The introduction of the “Stingray” was a game changer. Production occurred from 1963 until 1967. The first and only year in which a split window convertible would be offered was 1963 and it remains one of the most popular vehicles among collectors today. 

C3 – The C3 remains a heavy collector’s item with its “shark” shape. Production began in 1968 and lasted until 1982.

Fun Fact: Just over 40 1983 Corvettes went into production; however, none were ever sold. The one and only Corvette from 1983 that remains, was retired and is now on display at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It is listed as #23. 

C4 – The largest production run for GM would be the C4 and would stretch from 1984-1996. Redesigned and more practical, the C4 was equipped with a glass hatchback for storage and an electric dashboard displaying RPM’s, speed and other engine functions.

C5 – Production of the C5 ran from 1997-2004. The C5 has a long-standing reputation for value, performance and low maintenance costs. 

C6 – From 2005 to 2013, the C6 Corvette was the choice model and would be the first Corvette with exposed headlights since the 1962 C2 model. Production variants included the Z06, ZR1, Grand Sport, and 427 Convertible. 

C7 – The 2014 Corvette was the first Corvette to bear the name “Stingray”, since the 1976 C3 model. Production of the C7 lasted from 2014-2019 and featured an aggressive and angular appearance, with a squared-off rear end and non-round, trapezoidal tail lights.

C8 – Introduced in 2020, the C8 is the first mid-engine Corvette since the model’s introduction in 1953. It features all-new aluminum architecture and coil-over springs in place of leaf springs used on prior models and features aggressive body features. The latest is the 2023 C8 Z06 and features a hand built, flat plane crank 670 HP V8, detuned version of the C8.R racecar engine and runs 0-60 in 2.6 seconds, redlining at 8000 rpms. The C8 Z06 is equipped with wider fenders and quarter panels, a replaceable spoiler wicker bill, rear brake cooling ducts and a removable front fascia panel.  In addition, it has front underwing stall gurneys to increase downforce, keeping you tucked and tight as you make your rounds on the road or track. The 2023 C8 will feature 6 trim levels including the 1LZ-3LZ convertible and the 1LZ-3LZ coupe.

Reviewing the Corvette’s history and its success through the years, we can see how and why the brand has built its successful reputation. The combination of elite handling, acceleration and speed, accompanied by its aggressive appearance keeps us wanting more. Whether you’re seeking out a classic model or the latest edition, there are numerous options available for any auto enthusiast to choose from. Thanks for taking the time to check out a little bit of Corvette history!    

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The post The Chevrolet Corvette: An American Icon first appeared on Factory Reproductions.

2023 C8 Z06 Corvette – We checked out the anticipated 2023 C8 Z06 Corvette and we were impressed. With its hand built, detuned version of the C8.R racecar engine, this flat plane crank V8 pushes 670 HP, running 0-60 in 2.6 seconds, redlining at 8000 rpms (2000 rpms faster than the stingray). The small block engine is made up of aluminum and is connected to a stainless-steel exhaust system, alongside an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle co-developed with Temec. The C8 Z06 is equipped with wider quarter panels and fenders, rear brake cooling ducts, replaceable spoiler wicker bill, a removable front fascia panel and front underwing stall gurneys to increase downforce, keeping the Z06 grounded as you make your rounds at the track. It will be available in 6 trim levels including the 1LZ-3LZ coupe or the 1LZ-3LZ convertible. There’s already a huge waitlist for this top notch vehicle, so if you’re thinking about getting your hands on one, make that reservation.

Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak – One of our favorite reveals at the LA Auto Show 2021 was the 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Jailbreak. This 807 HP beast makes it the most powerful SRT Hellcat around, with 10 HP more than the previous output of 797 HP. Aside from a performance upgrade, Dodge wanted to focus on the customizable aspect of the Hellcat giving customers multiple options for seats, stripes, wheels, brake caliper colors, exterior badging finishes, choices of steering wheel, seat belt color, and floor mats. Dodge will also have some preset combinations including Old School and Brass Funky. Old School has an F8 Green exterior with gray accents inside and out, as shown on the Challenger the below. Dodge has announced that ordering is now open for the Jailbreak model, so go on and check it out! 

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning – With electric vehicles (EV) becoming a bigger part of our everyday lives, most of the big-name companies have introduced their player into the game. We had the opportunity to check out Ford’s latest model, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. Equipped with two electric motors, the Lightning’s electric 4WD powertrain generates 426 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque, with a battery pack that delivers a range of 230 miles. The Ford Lightning will also come with a fully independent rear suspension, which will improve handling and offer a more comfortable ride compared to the regular F-150’s traditional solid-axle rear suspension. Its sleek and spacious interior consists of a fold-out center console table, front seats that recline nearly flat, a lockable storage bin under the rear seat and an upgraded 15.5-inch vertically aligned touchscreen. Trim levels will include a base model, followed by the XLT, Lariat and Platinum. 

In this article we have highlighted a few of our favorite vehicles at the show, but would highly recommend that if you have not had a chance to check out the LA Auto Show, you add it to your list of things to do next year. With plenty to do and see, you can participate in attractions such as a ride along course, vehicle obstacle courses, vehicle strength and durability tests, speed tests and much more. Food, drink and gear vendors are present in every hall, with lounge areas if you need to take a break from sight-seeing. Vehicle reveals and information regarding future plans make for an exciting experience at the LA Auto Show. 

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Finding Your Measurement – A common bolt pattern ranges anywhere from a 4 to an 8 lug on most vehicles these days. A bolt circle of 6×139.7 would indicate a 6-lug pattern in a circle with a diameter of 139.7mm. There are a few variations of measuring a bolt pattern. A measuring tape is always a handy choice, but we recommend using a Bolt Pattern Measuring Tool to get the most accurate measurement. If your vehicle is equipped with an even number of studs, measure from the center of one wheel stud to the center of the opposing wheel stud. When measuring a 5-lug vehicle, measure from the center of one stud to the outside of the farthest stud to calculate your measurement. 

Millimeters or Inches? – Figuring out your vehicle’s bolt pattern can be confusing for some. A common question asked is “Will these 5×114.3 fit on my vehicle if the bolt pattern is 5×4.5?” or “Why does this wheel description say 5×139.7, but my vehicle requires 5×5?” The short answer is yes and there is a quick explanation for the unit differences being used in the description: millimeters vs. inches. The metric unit is the most commonly used term to describe a bolt pattern, although some may provide the measurement in inches. In earlier years, the US provided the measurements in inches for classic cars and still do so today for some of the newer cars and trucks. Conversion charts and information are readily available online or by calling your local shop.

Fitment Assurance- Understanding your bolt pattern may be the first step in your journey of outfitting your vehicle with some new wheels. We’d like to remind you that there are a number of other factors that go into wheel fitment and sizing other than your bolt pattern. Tire size, wheel size, offset and backspacing are all incredibly important things to be aware of in order to achieve proper fitment of a wheel onto your vehicle. Check with a fitment specialist, research online, or call a local shop to get accurate details about the fitment for the wheels being purchased and installed on your vehicle.

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The post How to Find and Measure a Bolt Pattern first appeared on Factory Reproductions.

The winner of the 2021 Factory Reproductions “All Charger Challenge” is Alex S, known on Instagram as @alexs_premier_autodetailing. His 2019 Dodge Charger Scat Pack made it through four battle rounds, claiming the title of Best Charger of 2021 by Factory Reproductions. He’s riding on our FR73 Demon Replica wheels in Gloss Black, with a staggered fitment of 20×9.5 in the front and 20×10.5 in the rear. Be sure to check out his ride, Instagram content and his auto detailing business. 

FR73 Demon Replica Wheels – Gloss Black – 20 x 10.5 in the rear.  

FR73 Demon Replica Wheels – Gloss Black – 20 x 9.5 up front.

@alexs_premier_autodetail

The post Factory Reproductions: All Charger Challenge first appeared on Factory Reproductions.