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Author Topic: OZ Alleggerita's - Review....  (Read 53442 times)

Offline RedRobin

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OZ Alleggerita's - Review....
« on: October 10, 2009, 07:02:35 pm »
....

There are many reasons why people change their wheels. Most do so for cosmetic reasons and might even collect several different sets - It may be described as the male equivalent of the female desire to collect haute couture shoes. Others, probably the minority, do so for primarily functional reasons but, of course, cosmetic considerations will always be included in the final decision.

Personally, I absolutely love the design of the oem BBS Monza's and would not have changed them for simply aesthetic reasons. I totally blame friends on this forum for suggesting I consider a lighter weight wheel and subsequently encouraging me to part with even more money on modding my car.

I considered several manufacturers wheels but found it very easy to choose OZ and their Alleggerita for its straightforward stylish simplicity. I chose 18" although I realise that 17" would be slightly lighter and even better if I did lots and lots of trackdays or was chasing lap times. In fact I believe that the Alleggerita 17" are currently the lightest TUV approved wheel.




WHY A PERFORMANCE WHEEL?

Anyone who has studied Physics will probably be familiar with the 'F=mv2/r' formula and so an added benefit is apparently also an improvement which manifests itself in both acceleration and braking, but this is science in detail. In simpler terms, the lighter wheel reduces the unsprung weight significantly when in motion. A lighter wheel is kinder to the suspension and also improves grip. All these are reasons why motorsport cars ideally have lightweight wheels.



^ It's a nice touch that OZ label each rim leaving their factory with a label stating weight ^



The Monza 18 weighs ~12kg whereas the Alleggerita 18 weighs ~8kg, both without tyres. So the total weight saving is substantial.


FACTORS EFFECTING CHOICE:

There are literally hundreds if not thousands of wheels/rims/alloys out there to choose from and also replicas - Some replicas being better than others. Styles follow fashion trends but if it's function you prefer then you'll be looking at lighter weights but not so lightweight they aren't strong enough for everyday road use. Prices vary enormously too.

As you narrow down your choices you'll be faced with the fundamental question of whether that rim you fancy will actually fit your car. The Golf Mk5 has 5-stud fixings and the ET of the oem Monza is 51mm. 'ET' and 'Offset' both have the same meaning and value. The term ET originates from the German word 'Einpresstiefe' which translates as 'insertion depth' [No comment!].



The greater the difference of ET/Offset that your wheel of choice is from the oem ET51 value, the more you will need to make other adjustments such as to avoid wheel arch rubbing or to use spacers - It's very important to use hubcentric spacers on the Golf but opinions whether spacers are a good mod or not are somewhat split, so I don't currently favour their use. The OZ Alleggerita 18x8 has ET48.

There is also the important consideration of brake caliper clearance but this is easily checked with your aftermarket brake manufacturer. Mine, AP Racing, supplied me with a technical drawing to pass on to OZ in Italy for checking clearance.


WHY CHOOSE OZ?

Lots of reasons - Not in order of importance: Proven OZ reputation, Lightweight, Stylish, TUV and ISO 9001 Certified, Exciting colour range. Established in 1971, OZ are an experienced and dedicated Italian company specialising in designing and manufacturing wheels for both road and track - Their success in many motorsport categories at major international level means they are in the forefront of technological and design innovation.



^ The 8th colour Titanium isn't shown and is OZ's stock colour. The other colours are manufactured on order.



^ I think that the Matt Blue Alleggerita would look especially good on a white car ^



^ Black Alleggerita's ^



^ Quite a lot of Scooby owners choose OZ rims ^



^ Ultraleggera's are a popular design from OZ but they are nearly 2Kg heavier than the Alleggerita's in 18x8 size ^


LIGHTWEIGHT ALTERNATIVES TO ALLEGGERITA'S:

- Team Dynamics:
Unbeatable value-for-money but not the prettiest in my opinion. Having said that, they suit some cars better than others. They were my first consideration but I'm one of those guys who generally doesn't like black rims very much - It's just individual taste and many people love that look. Having said that, if the rim edge is picked out so it visually separates the wheel from the tyre then I think a black wheel is improved. Slightly heavier than Alleggerita's but still lightweight enough to make a big difference.  

- Neuspeed:
Very similarly priced to OZ but greatly lacking that Italian elegance. Similar weights to OZ and TD's too - So performance will be similar. Easily available.

- Dymag:
The absolute king of all rims in terms of performance but also many times more expensive at about eight times the cost of TD's and four times OZ's. Would I want some? - Of course I would!

There are other lightweight alternatives of course but I think those I've listed are the main ones.



^ Team Dynamics ^



^ Dymag - Carbonfibre porn! But I don't think they are TUV approved ^




SOURCING:

I approached several suppliers as I wanted to try to obtain these alloys before a trip to Nurburgring and Spa. All except one were very helpful but Keith at Revolution247 in Gateshead had the edge and kept me fully informed of all progress. The listed OZ supplier closest to me is local and I still haven't even heard back from them over a month later!

Web: Revolution247

Phone: 0845 002 3000 - Keith Tyler (General Manager)

Email: keith@revolution247.com

Price: £1,220 inc vat and shipping. Other supplier's prices were closer to £1,500.


INSTALLATION:



Straightforward. Simply a wheel change. I always use a wheel assist bar to reduce the risk of damage - Available from Awesome in Manchester. OZ include a very comprehensive installation guide.


PLUS POINTS:

- Tangibly improves the feel of the steering. It instantly feels much more direct and responsive - Driving hard at La Source hairpin and the very tight Bus Stop chicane at Spa demonstrated that beyond any doubt.

- An important piece in the jigsaw of suspension components which improve handling and give tactile feedback to the driver.

- Good brake caliper clearance and very open 9-spoke design for brake dust dispersal and general brake ventilation.

- Very easy to clean.

- In Titanium HLT they make a car look more purposeful.

- The Titanium finish still looks good when they are filthy dirty. Back home after over 1,200 miles in Europe in bad weather : -






MINUS POINTS:

- May transfer more sound and vibration from the road surface to a level which some may find unacceptable in a road car - I don't know how the Alleggerita's would be on standard oem suspension or just with lowering springs. But I find the difference in comfort/sound levels between Monza 18s and Alleggerita 18s to be negligible when either alloys are combined with KW-V3 suspension.

Try as hard as I can, I can't think of any minus points. But, as always, a lot depends on what the individual wants and expects from a car.


SUMMARY:

Functionally, having lighter weight wheels is a subtle mod and is merely part of the whole suspension and handling package - It results in greater feedback which in turn encourages more spirited and enjoyable driving and it doesn't mean you have to drive at illegal speeds to have that fun.





To drive, the car didn't feel sloppy before but it now inspires even more confidence and exercise of that Quaife diff. In fact it's very difficult to see how you could further improve an aftermarket handling package of professionally setup coilovers, more powerful brakes, Quaife ATB diff, anti-roll bars, and Whiteline anti-lift bushes when you add lightweight wheels.



I think that nowadays with so many rim designs available, people's expectations are usually for something fancier or more visually distinctive. Plus the GTI's 'telephone dial' Monza is very distinctive and a hard act to follow. As a lightweight, these Alleggerita's are primarily functional and at first sight just a plain 9-spoke design. However, the detailing is superb and the Titanium colour stunning (in my opinion) and goes especially well with carbonfibre.

Like a good woman, LeggyRita's beauty is more than skin deep.




« Last Edit: October 15, 2009, 01:48:15 pm by RedRobin »


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Offline WhiteGTI

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Re: OZ Alleggerita's - Review....
« Reply #1 on: October 10, 2009, 07:10:13 pm »
Excellent review Robin! Glad to see that I got a subliminal mention in your review hahaha!!!

They look absolutely fantastic  :drool: :drool:

I'm really pleased that you're happy  :happy2:
« Last Edit: October 10, 2009, 07:35:15 pm by WhiteGTI »
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Offline MAT ED30

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Re: OZ Alleggerita's - Review....
« Reply #2 on: October 10, 2009, 07:21:03 pm »
Are your discs on the correct way robin?

Mods yes but way too many to stick in this little box

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Re: OZ Alleggerita's - Review....
« Reply #3 on: October 10, 2009, 07:27:31 pm »
Great Write up their Robin :happy2:

Offline RedRobin

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Re: OZ Alleggerita's - Review....
« Reply #4 on: October 10, 2009, 07:30:00 pm »

Are your discs on the correct way robin?


....Thanks for asking, Mat, in case they were the wrong way round but they're correct and I've been asked the same question quite a few times.

:drinking:


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Offline Greeners

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Re: OZ Alleggerita's - Review....
« Reply #5 on: October 10, 2009, 08:46:40 pm »
A great read Robin!  :congrats:

Offline dan.payne

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Re: OZ Alleggerita's - Review....
« Reply #6 on: October 11, 2009, 10:27:58 am »
A great read Robin!  :congrats:

Excellent read Robin :happy2: 
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Offline RedRobin

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Re: OZ Alleggerita's - Review....
« Reply #7 on: October 11, 2009, 10:42:56 am »

A great read Robin!  :congrats:


Excellent read Robin :happy2: 


....Thankyou, guys! I enjoy writing reviews and it's great to know when they are appreciated. :drinking:

In this one I've tried to include some general info on lightweight wheels and if anyone posts some additional info or corrects me, I'll revise my review accordingly.

I've just remembered that Peskarik has black LeggyRita's, so I'll add a pic of his. :happy2:


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Offline Gene Hunt

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Re: OZ Alleggerita's - Review....
« Reply #8 on: October 11, 2009, 12:30:02 pm »
Great read & i've changed my 17'' monza to  edition 30 rims.I must be one of the  few who is not a fan of the Monza alloys.Can't beat the classic BBS CH style spokes for my money.
ED35. Standard factory condition.

Offline RedRobin

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Re: OZ Alleggerita's - Review....
« Reply #9 on: October 11, 2009, 01:44:45 pm »

Great read & i've changed my 17'' monza to  edition 30 rims.I must be one of the  few who is not a fan of the Monza alloys.Can't beat the classic BBS CH style spokes for my money.


....I don't know for sure but I think that most of those who have changed from oem BBS Monza's have done so to give their car more visual individuality. I agree that BBS CH is an absolute classic design, though not especially lightweight.

I still love the Monza design but see no point in keeping mine now that I know I'm happy with the OZ Alleggerita's. If I hadn't been so happy with the OZ I'd have sold them now, although of course at a loss.


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Offline candy turbo

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Re: OZ Alleggerita's - Review....
« Reply #10 on: October 11, 2009, 06:27:30 pm »
brilliant review robin , bet your happy you took my advice now AND  they would look great on a red s3 !!!!!!

Offline Hurdy

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Re: OZ Alleggerita's - Review....
« Reply #11 on: October 11, 2009, 07:57:22 pm »
Excellent review as always Robin :happy2:

Still pee'd off that they looked clean after 1,200 miles abroad :driver:
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Offline john_o

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Re: OZ Alleggerita's - Review....
« Reply #12 on: October 11, 2009, 08:21:39 pm »
full , thorough and top notch  :happy2:
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Offline RedRobin

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Re: OZ Alleggerita's - Review....
« Reply #13 on: October 11, 2009, 08:39:24 pm »

Still pee'd off that they looked clean after 1,200 miles abroad :driver:


....They turned one of my water buckets black when I cleaned them. It's just that the OZ Titanium colour doesn't look dirty even when it is - They just look matt instead of shiney. The other colours probably show the dirt.

:happy2:


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Offline Tarmac_Terrorist

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Re: OZ Alleggerita's - Review....
« Reply #14 on: October 11, 2009, 11:20:23 pm »
Nice informative thread Robin. And the next mod is.......?  :smiley: