EMPI offered 5-spokes for Volkswagen, Porsche 356 with added clearance (the bolt that keeps the rim halves
together touches the Porsche drum) for larger drum and Porsche 911 (see the photo below) version with later
model Porsche bolt pattern. Original wheels are called split rims since they are in two parts and
have to be splitted in order to change the tyre. This also means that the tires are tube-type.
EMPI style 5-spokes (copies) are probably the most common custom wheel today. Copies are
manufactured by Rocket, Midland Wheel Supplies and American Eagle.
Originals can be quite easily spotted from fakes by the shape of the spokes, shape of the outer rim and the center caps are attached with 5 screws. Also the cooling
fins inside the wheels are somewhat visible to the outside.
Original 5-spokes are known to crack around spokes and lug holes if they have been abused or over tightened.
On the other hand these cracks can be repaired professionally and they are still quite strongly constucted
but they were manufactured over 30 years ago.
Center caps are quite close to American
Racing center caps, so these can be substituted if originals are
missing. Reproduction center cap decals are available from Matt
Joy.
