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[sawzall]

So, i've been helping a friend who is a mechanical engineer set up a new machine shop. As a part of the deal, he's agreed to machine some parts for me, so I thought i'd see if the community here would like to help out.

As many of you know, the TE37SL does not accept centre caps. I was thinking of creating a centre cap adapter ring that would fit in the TE37SL, and allow you to then fit different Volk centre caps onto the wheel. It would be made of extruded aluminum, and most likely anodized. Any one interested in such a solution, or have suggestions on how to improve something like this?

I going to go to the shop late next week to start on the part, and will post pics as the work progresses.

Oh, and before the flames start, I know this is purely cosmetic, and defeats the weight savings of the SL.

Update:

Here is the non-anodized version:

[rjd598]

I'd be interested in this. Maybe I don't know anything but why would center caps defeat the purpose of the sl? I don't think they weigh that much to seriously make a difference

[sawzall]

Originally Posted by rjd598

I'd be interested in this. Maybe I don't know anything but why would center caps defeat the purpose of the sl? I don't think they weigh that much to seriously make a difference

The SL was designed to be as light as possible. They machined out the centre, and in particular the centre cap 'mount', to save weight over the regular TE37. I agree with you that the savings in the centre were probably minimal. And a centre cap adapter will barely weigh anything.

[persian54]

well one thing is that you're not suppose to run center caps on the track (depends on the organization from what I've heard)

so this way, without caps, you don't have to take anything off lol

This could be a sick idea

caps for the street, no caps on the track

[LateBraking]

I know some track event organizers ask that you don't run center caps or any loose items, in order to reduce risk of objects flying off and causing damage. I don't know if this applies to all, but it has applied to the ones I've been to.

[sawzall]

Originally Posted by LateBraking

I know some track event organizers ask that you don't run center caps or any loose items, in order to reduce risk of objects flying off and causing damage. I don't know if this applies to all, but it has applied to the ones I've been to.

The same rules apply to a few of the tracks i've been to. I'll have this factored into the design by having some sort of opening to insert a pry to take out the adapter.

I'm planning on doing some heat cycle, speed and g force testing to make sure this won't come out during emergency manoeuvres, but even I'll take these off before hitting the track

[persian54]

Keep us posted

As long as it's reasonable, I don't see why it won't work

Cause what I know some people do is they clean the hub and paint it black :P

[E90///M3`]

sounds like a good idea. subbed

[sawzall]

Alright, progress has been made. The first prototypes have rolled off the line.

The adapters are milled out of billet T6061-T1 aluminum, and currently is not finished. The plan is ultimately to have them anodized black, but for now, it's easier to test them without any paint. They are designed to work exclusively with the BMW TE37SL Bore of 72.6mm (this is the Volk measurement, not BMW), but can be changed to fit any other TE37SL bore.

They've been designed to accept the GT style Volk centre cap but it should fit any of the o-ring Volk centre caps.

I'm going to be away the next few days on business, but over the weekend, I plan to do some testing (e.g. hard braking, highway cruising) to make sure these things don't just pop off. I'll be the first to say this though, these should not be left on when tracking your car. I'll take more pictures over the weekend with the adapters and caps on the car.











PS. Sorry about the picture quality, I was using my iPhone.

[persian54]

oo good update

[sawzall]

Here it is. The TE37SL *with* centre cap. Testing has almost been completed, it has stayed on at highway speeds, brake pad bedding procedures and some time on the skidpad.

Next step is to anodize the adapter ring black and we're done!

[nolan12]

Looks good!

[robspec]

interested

[Brucewonder]

looks good, makes me want to buy a set of te37SL

[rjd598]

perfect timing! hopefully ill be placing my order for te37sl's in the next few weeks. DEF want these!

[sawzall]

Thanks for the interest folks - i'll definitely let you all know what we end up doing after the prototype testing is done.

[Johan@WSTO]

Looks great! Can't wait to see the car with the wheels in person

[persian54]

Are those the standard pressed graphite?

they look different

[sawzall]

Originally Posted by persian54

Are those the standard pressed graphite?

they look different

They're the standard pressed graphite ones. I find its a really complex colour. Some days it looks like bronze, other days like a shiny gunmetal. And when covered in brake dust, flat grey . It's one of the things I like about it.

[reesy_csl]

Subscribed. These look great, in the UK and interested. Keep us updated

[persian54]

hmm instead of black, do you think your guy could color match the rims?
either way it looks great

[sawzall]

Originally Posted by persian54

hmm instead of black, do you think your guy could color match the rims?
either way it looks great

That was my original thought, but my friend said it would be next to impossible for him to match because the colour is not just the result of paint but also of their machining process. Apparently, the forging process causes their paints to layer in a different way.

We're going to do one set in black, and try to match the red of the valve stem on another. I'm hoping the final set will be ready early next week.