Metal valve stems

[Bill K.]

I'm ready to mount and balance tires on my 16x6 and 16x7 Fuchs and want to have robust valve stems that won't leak at high speed or fail over time.

I'll get the Porsche crested caps with the o-ring in them to prevent the schrader valve from leaking at high speed. I've seen the stock rubber Porsche valve stems with the metal sleeve and the valve stem supports.

Picture from EagleDay.com

But I've read on the Pelican forum that metal stems are preferred.

Please share your experience with/knowledge of metal valve stems.

It is my opinion that with our cars' speed capacity there wouldn't be a problem with the use of any valve stem. If you under/over tighten the closure of the nut on the metal ones they'll leak. Some have used the rubber stems with the metal covers (as in your picture). Valve stems are like belt buckles, it's to your taste; well unless you have an F1 racer or something then it would really matter because of the centrificul force. My personal taste is the full metal ones that bolt to the wheel.

[boygenius]

My bike has rubber valve stems and it goes 190mph... I like the look of the rubber stems in my rims with the aluminum covers on them. They almost dissapear into the rim.

[Bill K.]

Thanks Superman, but I don't wear belts -- I'm into the CrackLook...

Boygenius -- Do the aluminum Porsche OEM ones pictured above have a rigid feel like the all metal ones? Or do they tweek over when you push on them? The 6" wheels don't have room for the support piece like the 7's do.

What size hole is in a Fuchs wheel? Does anyone have an online source for all aluminum stems? I don't want to put any chrome on the car

[boygenius]

Mine wiggle just like normal rubber ones do but the stem is recessed into the rim so mine can only push over about 3/16".

The holes are an industry standard, they are all the same regardless of manufactuer. I don't wear belts either except with my uniform.

Originally Posted by Bill K.

Do the aluminum Porsche OEM ones pictured above have a rigid feel like the all metal ones?

Never had them (OEM Porsche) ones in my cars but have seen them on cars before, so I can't really answer that one. The non-Porsche ones I have held don't seem too strong or at least not as strong as the solid metal kind. They are just thin covers.

[GRMNLK]

Originally Posted by Bill K.

I don't want to put any chrome on the car

What do your fuchs look like? are they powder coated?
I work with tires and valve stems, I think if you put a short black stem with a porsche cap it would look fine.

[Bill K.]

The Porsche stem covering caps are a good choice to blend into the anodized lips of the Fuchs. I wanted a stem that doesn't deflect when using air line/gauge so I went with Ferrari stems per Weidman's (wheel refinisher) recommendations. They are aluminum and blend in nice. Wheels are refinished with painted centers and anodized lips. This is the 16x7 on the rear. The 16x6 on the front has a tighter fit for the base of the stem, but Weidman made it work.

[GRMNLK]

I guess a black stem would not be the best choice for your set up. The bolt ins blend in good with the rest of the wheel...I like the center color!!

[MattKab]

That's a nice wheel!

What is the name of that blue (If you don't mind telling)? It's stunning.

Matt

[Bill K.]

Thanks. I'm glad I went this route. The color is Porsche Lapis Blue Metallic (2004). Check out your local Porsche dealer. It morphs from purple in the light to dark blue in the shade.

[MattKab]

Thanks Bill, a mate has an '04 996 that colour. The camera sure brings out the best, good choice.

Matt

[Pillow]

Nice ride Bill!

The wheels fit perfectly with the offset!