Quote:
Originally Posted by bipp
From very anecdotal investigation, it seems that someone on Rennlist reached out to BBS and was told to not powdercoat BBS E88 centers: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-gt2-gt3-forum/1306887-bbs-e88-barrels-any-colour-options.html#post18238262
Then again, this could be because of liability reasons from BBS's end or because Rennlisters need permission from Jorg Bergmeister before farting in their $9000 LWBs mid lap.
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You can powdercoat technically, but it is not recommended, especially for something like the E88 centers.
The issue is not that aluminum cannot handle heat. It is that forged wheels like the E88 have a specific grain structure and strength profile from the factory heat treatment. Reheating to powdercoat temps, usually 375 to 400°F for 20 to 40 minutes, can slightly reduce the strength because the metal starts to relax or over-age.
Note: Typical powdercoating cure temps are around 350°F to 400°F, depending on the powder type. Most wheel coaters use ~375°F to 390°F for about 10 to 20 minutes at temperature (plus ramp-up time). Some powders can cure as low as 325°F or as high as 425°F, but 400°F is usually the upper safe limit.
BBS faces, including the E88, are produced using a die forging process similar to what Rays Engineering uses. This process creates a very dense, directional grain structure optimized for strength and light weight. Once you reheat the metal, that grain structure can start to relax, especially in designs that prioritize minimum weight like the E88.
On heavier street wheels, it is usually not a big deal. But on lightweight racing faces like the E88, which are already known to crack occasionally even straight from BBS, any loss of strength is a risk. Plus, BBS will not back you up if a refinished face fails and the face cracks.
And it is not like you need approval from anyone to powdercoat. You are just doing it at your own risk if the wheel gets damaged.
So you will hear mixed opinions because some people have done it without issues. But technically, the concern is valid