18 replies to this topic

[1STGEN-87-SI]

Hey Guys, I have a line on some Mugen CF-48 rims and the guy tried to tell me they where designed for the Crx. Can anyone verify this info?

Or if you can give me any info on the rims them self, love the look, just want more info.

The rims will be on a red 87 dx.

Thanks.

[AndrewSi]

no they weren't designed for the crx specifically. they were an accessory/option and could have come on any 80's honda/acura. maybe he was trying to say that the rims are only supposed to be on a honda since mugen only deals with honda and acura.

They say that cf-48's are designed for effective cooling of the brakes. Acts like one big heat sink.

[E-AT_me]

they were released when the 84 hondas debuted, and were an option at the dealer for some time. get 'em. i've got a set.

[Vicious]

me too!!!!!!! with aero disks aswell

[cbstdscott]

Let me speak as member of the loyal opposition-

CF-48 are an aquired taste. If you like'em, great. I think they look like something that fell off of a Transformer.

They are not particularly light and the 13" version is only 5.5" wide. As for being a "heat sink," by that logic all wheels can be considered a heat sink as heat will transfer from the disks/drums to the attached wheels. *Maybe* you could argue that the design of the CF-48 allows cooling air to be drawn to the disks/drums. But the 1st/3rd Gens are so light that over heating the brakes on the street is nearly impossible, even with a huge Hoonage factor.

So if you like'em, go get'em. But I prefer something lighter and wider.

Scott

[EuphoricBlue]

As for being a "heat sink," by that logic all wheels can be considered a heat sink as heat will transfer from the disks/drums to the attached wheels. *Maybe* you could argue that the design of the CF-48 allows cooling air to be drawn to the disks/drums.

All things aside, the design of the CF-48 is to increase surface area of the rim exposed to the ambient air. With the idea behind the covers is to reduce drag, but cover up the heatsink.

Is anyone likely to notice the benefits outside of a lab setting? Not very likely if you ask me.

I believe the most effective design of the rim for cooling is a "Fan" style, that draws air from the brake area and pumps it pumps it outside. Then you run a fresh air tube to the center of the disk and let the centrifugal pump of the vented disk do the rest.

[Lymitliss]

Let me speak as member of the loyal opposition-

CF-48 are an aquired taste. If you like'em, great. I think they look like something that fell off of a Transformer.


Scott

Definitely an aquired taste. I don't mind them so much, but I'm not crazy about them either, and for those who like rarer items on their cars they're great. I too wanted something wider.

[1STGEN-87-SI]

Thanks guys. Appreciate the info, the rim re actually a 14" is it safe to say there a 6" wide rim?

Are the 14" rarer than the 13"?

Thanks again

[cbstdscott]

Thanks guys. Appreciate the info, the rim re actually a 14" is it safe to say there a 6" wide rim?

Are the 14" rarer than the 13"?

Thanks again

IIRC the CF-48 14's are 6" wide.

Not sure if the 14" or 13" are more rare. 13" wheels will give you better acceleration and braking.

Scott

[ChrisF-dude]

The 14" ones are the most common, so don't over pay. They were sold here in the US as accessory wheels, and up until about a year or two ago, you could still get some at junkyards. The 13" s are supposed to be the rarest from what I've heard, but they SEEM to be the least sought after. I usually didn't give them a second look, and from what I've seen they are slow to sell. The 15" seem to be the hardest to find in my experience. And the priciest. I initially thought the CF-48 to be an ugly ass wheel. They kinda grew on me so I bought a set of 14" CF-48s, which I may sell if I can find 15"s. They definitely have a unique look. Usually crappy sellers strip the wheel emblems and center caps off to sell on ebay for more $$. I found a good seller and got a set almost complete minus the super hard to find aerocovers. I did also buy a set of 15" Rota Beat which I actually like better. They are new, and complete with new center caps, and aerocovers, AND black with polished lips. I did find that the Rota center caps fit the real Mugen CF-48s. All you have to do is pry the plastic Rota badge off the center cap emblem and get some 45mm embossed aluminum Mugen badges on Ebay if you get a set with no center caps and don't want to buy a set on ebay for $250 or so. Having both owned Rotas and Mugens, I actually prefer the Rotas. Cheaper, in better condition, and I don't fear them being stolen as much. They look much nicer too, being 15's, new, and black. If you are going to drive your car on a regular basis and just like the look of CF-48s, get the Rotas for less than $500 shipped. Otherwise, just be cautious buying used CF-48s. Good luck.
14" Mugen CF-48

Center caps

Rota cap on Mugen, and it didn't burst into flames

Rota Aerocover on Mugen, a little big though,may work on 15's

Rotas

[ChrisF-dude]

BTW, if you go to Rotas home page, click on contact us to inquire about caps and covers. Last I checked center caps were $40 per set of 4, and aerocovers were $60 per set shipped, IF They still have any. The Rota hex center caps look identical to the Mugen ones except the Mugen logo in the center. You just can't see the hex shape in the pics either because they are glossy black or my camera sucks. But they are identical copies.

[greasemonkeyreborne 5x1g's]

THnx Chris F for the time and pix. I thought they were ugly as hell over the past few years of seeing them and was considering getting some b/c they were growing on my as well. But now after looking at the detail and the difficultly in getting a complete set (expensive). I've changed my mind to go w/ a more modern aftermarket. I love period correct, but I love the car for what it is and keeping my phone dials on my restoration. Personally, I think they look better. BUt opinions are like noses....

I got a set of 1984 15" momos on my Straman that look similar to the 48's w/ the areo cap on them (from a distance). I'm just not diggin' the look. Plan on dumping them later.

Thnx for the details on rotas. This data should be WIKI material if its not already.

Great thread and discussion!

[1STGEN-87-SI]

Thanks guys, you all have been a great help with your opinions and discussion. I ended up buying them, 14" with 2 centre caps and no aero covers. Luckly all 4 rubber Mugen emblems are in nice shape. The rims are probably an 8/10 for condition, and the Potenza rubber is atleast 70%.

All in for $550 CDN.

Interested to know if you guys think I over payed? I tried comparing online, but I couldnt find a price, only on 14" Rota's.

Dont hold back Im a big boy In the end I like that the rim fits the time frame of the vehicle...and that most ppl arent sure what thier looking @!

Thanks guys, appreciate the feed back.

[ChrisF-dude]

I think $550 cdn is decent with tires. Just get some Rota cente caps and 45mm mugen wheel badges and you'll be good. I paid over 600 for my 14's just before the economy really tanked. I really didn't like CF-48s for a long time, but now I do. Maybe the period correct thing? 550 with tires is a pretty decent price. I have seen the 15" ones in various conditions going for between 900-1700 without aerocovers, and no tires.

[Xipher]

Given what prices I've seen while I've been around here, I'm sure at that price, more than a few people will be very full of envy