Fox Cobra wheels real vs. replicas

[keel]

I've been looking for a set of genuine 1998 Cobra wheels for my Fox since converting to SN95 brakes all around but it's been really tough to track down a complete set for a decent price. Seems like they are a lot less available than other SN95 Cobra wheels.

I see that LMR has replicas for sale that are pretty affordable and look basically identical to real ones so I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with how they compare to the OEMs beyond just the specs and pictures on the website.

 

[AeroCoupe]

You are to make us work for this aren’t you?

1994-2004 SVE 98 Cobra Wheels - LMR.com

Bolt on the stylish and timeless look of the revered 1998 Cobra to your 1994-2004 Mustang with these SVE 98 Cobra style wheel!

lmr.com

17x8 or 17x9 or staggered?

 

[keel]

I'd probably go for the 17x8s.

 

[General karthief]

I would get the replicas and ride, high priced originals... Break or crack or scuff one and you're on the hunt again.
"Drive that junk" my new advice.

 

[keel]

So are the originals only valuable for their collectability? Or are they actually better than the replicas in terms of weight, strength, etc..

 

[Qtrhrse23]

Wouldnt think there would be "much" difference in strength or weight. Seems like stuff that was ORIGINAL on a almost 20 year car is being taxed, especially Stangs.

I like the 99 Cobra wheels on a Fox myself, BUT thats just me.

 

[Qtrhrse23]

Just a pic, she AINT MINE.

 

[keel]

Just a pic, she AINT MINE.

I do see those come up way more often than the '98s, probably since they were in production a little longer. They do look nice, especially the polished ones.

 

[rednotch]

They both pop up, some times reasonable but ppl flip them so they get bought fast or hoarded. There's a polished set of the 01 svt cobra/ Premium gt wheels by me with some pretty bad curb rash that needs to be sanded out and a full repolish, has old shot tires yet he has them up for $1200. Been up for months.... He beat me to them from the original seller for $150 and he didn't even clean them. This is why I can't stand alot fox guys or influencers now, there just parts flippers. No clue on the reps though. Missed out on a bunch of 98 cobra wheels, see a few sit when priced above $500 since most need refinished.

 

[keel]

Yeah same thing happened to me with a set of '95 Cobras, tried to buy a set for a couple hundred bucks and someone beat me to it. Same exact set of wheels were listed a day later for $550, which I agree is probably closer to market value but at least use them or put in some effort to restore them before reselling...

 

[2000xp8]

First off, let me say this, i would absolutely rather have an original set of wheels than replicas.
If it's what i truly wanted long term i would spend whatever i needed to spend.

With that said, aren't 98 cobra wheels 8 inches wide?
If you want the tires to fit and look good, they are going to have to be fairly narrow by most standards.
The optimal tire for an 8 inch wheel is a 235-245. Which is probably fine for the front, but if you are going to go for like a 265, you will want the 9s in the rear.

 

[keel]

I've got 17x8 tri-bars right now and I don't mind having the narrow rear tire, I like being able to do tire rotations. And with a 2.73 rear gear and only basic bolt-ons it's not like I'm hurting for traction anyway haha.

 

[2000xp8]

Then i would hold out for real wheels and pay what you have to pay.
I also feel like you may need to have one or all refurbished too, there aren't that many sets of used wheels out there that come from cars that have been driven that are mint condition.
And if you have to have one refurbed, when you see how much better it comes out than the other ones, you will probably need to have them all done.