APEX Flow Formed Wheels For The C5, C6, and C7 Corvette

APEX Race Parts was founded over 12 years ago to develop and sell high-quality, race-proven, flow-formed, and forged alloy wheels. Apex identified a need among C5, C6, and C7 owners for affordable, lightweight, and durable track wheels that accommodate OEM and aftermarket brakes. The new APEX EC-7 is exclusive to Narrowbody fitments while the APEX SM-10 wheels are dedicated to Widebody applications.

APEX SM-10 Wheels for Widebody Corvette

When evaluating a wheel for use on the track, widebody Corvette owners consider several things. Things like weight, load capacity, style, and price, along with the wheel’s ability to clear the calipers of the OEM Carbon Ceramic Z07/ZR1 package and aftermarket big brakes, are all part of the puzzle.

As the greatest availability of track-focused tires is in 18-inch wheel diameter, APEX Wheels focused on creating wider 18-inch wheels for widebody owners. The process began with precision laser measurements of OEM and aftermarket big brakes to determine the wheel barrel specifications.

The wheel center design, composed of I-beam spokes, was developed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to reduce weight while achieving a higher load rating than many competitors, an important consideration given the massive power of the Corvette. Further, a beefed-up inner lip, the most vulnerable part of the wheel, helps resist damage.

More consideration in the design process was given to wheel widths and offsets, creating a set of optimized sizes for track use and not just to look good and underperform. That’s not to say that styling isn’t important as the APEX SM-10 wheels were designed to complement the Widebody Corvette’s appearance, with details like accommodation for factory center caps.

The APEX SM-10 wheel for C5, C6, and C7 Corvettes is available in the following sizes and load ratings:

18×11.0” ~23.0 lbs. 1,600 lbs.

18×12.5″ 23.6 lbs. 1,600 lbs.

19×10.0″ 24.6 lbs. 1,650 lbs.

19×11.0″ ~24.5 lbs. 1,650 lbs.

19×12.5″ 25.8 lbs. 1,650 lbs.

APEX EC-7 Wheels for Narrowbody Corvette

Owners of narrowbody Corvettes that intend to track their beast needs wheel choices that allow for the widest tire fitment that will fit in the fender wells. The APEX Wheels EC-7 has been specifically designed to accommodate wide rubber and clear OEM and most aftermarket big brake kits.

For narrowbody ‘Vettes, it’s difficult to develop wheel sizes that clear big brakes as interference with wheel spokes is often a limiting factor. That’s where careful laser measurements of OEM and oversized brake packages allow APEX to design wheels that can accommodate the wide, track-oriented tires most drivers seek.

The APEX EC-7 wheels for Corvette have been specifically engineered to offer 18-inch track wheels. There’s even a size-specific for the Spec Corvette racing series.

The curved spokes of the APEX EC-7 deliver both form and function. The split “Y” spokes were developed to ensure lightweight and remarkable strength. FEA also allows APEX to reduce center pad material.

The lack of a deep front lip and spokes that connect directly to the barrel’s lip, along with the reinforced outer lip, produce a rigid wheel with even load distribution.

The APEX EC-7 wheel style was selected to complement the design of Narrowbody C4, C5, and C7 Corvettes, with signature details like accommodation for factory center caps.

The APEX EC-7 wheel for C5, C6, and C7 Corvettes is available in the following sizes and load ratings:

18×10.0″ 22.1 1,600 lbs.

18×11.0″ 24.7 1,600 lbs.

19×11.0″ 24.6 1,650 lbs.

Big Brake Friendly

Extensive laser measurement sessions ensure APEX EC-7 and APEX SM-10 wheel designs clear both factory brakes and many aftermarket brake kits, including AP Racing, Radi-Cal, StopTech, and Wilwood. Further, the APEX SM-10 wheels clear the OEM Carbon Ceramic Z07/ZR1 package.

Strong and Light Construction

Tracking a high-performance car like a Corvette fitted with sticky rubber requires strict attention to a wheel’s strength and weight. As part of our design process, APEX Wheels conducts extensive Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to reinforce high-stress areas while at the same time removing material from areas where it’s not needed. The result is a wheel with an ideal balance of strength and weight.

Flow Formed Strength

Flow Forming enables APEX Wheels to create high-performance wheels without the premium price of forged units. Flow Forming improves the wheel’s barrel’s mechanical properties and grain structure, increasing its strength and stiffness. This process reduces the amount of material in the wheel, which cuts weight and offers a higher load rating than other forged wheels.

Proof of Performance

Many Corvette owners seek wheels that meet or exceed stringent, globally-recognized JWL standards. The APEX EC-7 and APEX SM-10 are manufactured to exceed these standards using FEA design tools, and APEX has the independent testing results to prove it.

Attention to Detail

Every APEX wheel has been designed to meet the needs of demanding track drivers, making them an excellent choice for the street as well).

With no spokes to support the inner lip, it’s the most vulnerable part of a wheel. This high-impact area is reinforced with additional material on APEX Wheels, adding extra protection against track berms, potholes, and whatever else the road may throw at you.

All APEX wheels accommodate over-sized race lugs and impact sockets to make swapping wheels lightning fast.

The APEX EC-7 and SM-10 are finished using a multi-stage liquid paint over a powder-coated base coat. This coating process leaves lug holes, center bores, and mounting pads untouched, ensuring proper fit and torque values. Further, both wheels are sized to accommodate oversized race lugs and impact gun sockets.

Service

APEX Wheels understand that customers are concerned about after-the-sale support, which is why they created the following programs to assure your long-term satisfaction.

All APEX wheels come with a lifetime structural warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, plus a one-year finish warranty. Exchanges are fast, easy, and hassle-free.

We’ve all scraped wheels on the street or struck a curb on the track, which is why APEX Wheels offers 50-percent off replacement wheels, no matter the cause of the damage. Check out the APEX Wheels website for full terms and conditions of its warranty and replacement coverage.

For nearly 15 years, APEX Wheels’ mission has been to provide weekend track warriors and competitive club racers with lightweight, durable wheels that look great and are affordable. The new Corvette EC-7 and SM-10 wheels testify to the company’s continued adherence to its principles.