Kamil's '03 350Z Journal
03-12-2016, 06:33 PM
#21
Thanks for all the feedback fellas. Sorry I'm just responding now, I work on the night shift and I sleep during the day. I learned a lot today from this forum 
So I was able to return the tires for a total of $28 loss (not bad). I ended up getting them in 265/40R18. I'm going to see how well these fit on my 240sx project since the bolt patterns are the same.
So I was able to return the tires for a total of $28 loss (not bad). I ended up getting them in 265/40R18. I'm going to see how well these fit on my 240sx project since the bolt patterns are the same.
03-12-2016, 08:12 PM
#22
Super Moderator
MY350Z.COM
MY350Z.COM
iTrader: (8)
255/40-18 all around is one combo I would consider. 255/40-18 front and 275/40-18 rear is the other I would want.
Stagger and RWD, for the most part, it sucks. It's the easier way to have an under steering car.
Stagger and RWD, for the most part, it sucks. It's the easier way to have an under steering car.
03-25-2016, 12:48 AM
#24
Alright, the tires will be getting mounted sometime mid-April. I still need to order a set of TPMS for all 4 corners. Anyone got any suggestions here on which brand to run with these wheels? I know that stock sensors might not work with these wheels.
Next up, I wanted to tackle the brake system. There is nothing wrong with the current system, but I doubt they'll resist brake fade as well as a big brake kit. I've decided that I'll run the 350z brembo package. I can get all 4 calipers for ~$850, which are used and usually need some work...
OR,
I could get a set from A1 cardone for ~$600:
https://www.cardone.com/Products/Pro...E+Metal+Piston
https://www.cardone.com/Products/Pro...E+Metal+Piston
EDIT: Wow, it seems that it's nearly impossible to get the rear calipers from A1...going to have to find a used set.
They come rebuilt with new seals and hardware and are also unpainted, meaning I could powdercoat them any color I want. I already have a sand blaster, PC gun and a bunch of different powders to choose from. I might go this route...
I'll need the torque specs for those allen bolts holding the two caliper halves together, other than that, it should be cake dis/reassembling them.
Here's a rear set I did for my 240sx project.
After some thorough blasting:
Finished product (2 coats of powder):
Next up, I wanted to tackle the brake system. There is nothing wrong with the current system, but I doubt they'll resist brake fade as well as a big brake kit. I've decided that I'll run the 350z brembo package. I can get all 4 calipers for ~$850, which are used and usually need some work...
OR,
I could get a set from A1 cardone for ~$600:
https://www.cardone.com/Products/Pro...E+Metal+Piston
https://www.cardone.com/Products/Pro...E+Metal+Piston
EDIT: Wow, it seems that it's nearly impossible to get the rear calipers from A1...going to have to find a used set.
They come rebuilt with new seals and hardware and are also unpainted, meaning I could powdercoat them any color I want. I already have a sand blaster, PC gun and a bunch of different powders to choose from. I might go this route...
I'll need the torque specs for those allen bolts holding the two caliper halves together, other than that, it should be cake dis/reassembling them.
Here's a rear set I did for my 240sx project.
After some thorough blasting:
Finished product (2 coats of powder):
Last edited by kamilitaryman; 03-26-2016 at 06:43 AM.
03-25-2016, 11:52 AM
#25
I've went ahead and ordered a set of the reman fronts from A1. Payed $290 shipped, can't beat that! I'll have to find replacement Brembo stickers and install them after the last base coat, then throw some clear PC after to seal it up. I still need SS lines for all 4 corners and a set of rotors.
Last edited by kamilitaryman; 03-25-2016 at 11:53 AM.
03-25-2016, 11:59 AM
#26
Did you get the mounting bracket and all that for the brembo calipers?
Cant really beat this deal if your in the market to upgrade.
https://www.z1motorsports.com/brakes...ge-p-2241.html
Cant really beat this deal if your in the market to upgrade.
https://www.z1motorsports.com/brakes...ge-p-2241.html
03-25-2016, 12:18 PM
#27
New Member
Those calipers came out beautifully. Nice work.
03-25-2016, 12:56 PM
#28
Administrator
iTrader: (25)
^^^ This.
Just to mention it again, there is something called the "1.2 Factor" which is a general guideline for proper performance tire-to-wheel sizing.
It says that the tread width can be up to 1.2x the size of the wheel before performance starts falling off due to sidewall slippage and tread squirm.
Example:
In this case, you have a 9.5 inch wheel (241mm). Applying the 1.2 Factor (241mm x 1.2 = 289mm) you can run up to a 285 tire on it safely.
Note: It is physically possible to run as much as 1.3 to 1.4x but performance is diminished.
And conversely there's another unwritten "law" that says you technically shouldn't go UNDER tire width/wheel width ratio of 0.9:1. But it's done all the time on stretched applications. You just have to find a tire installer who is willing to accept the liability.
Just to mention it again, there is something called the "1.2 Factor" which is a general guideline for proper performance tire-to-wheel sizing.
It says that the tread width can be up to 1.2x the size of the wheel before performance starts falling off due to sidewall slippage and tread squirm.
Example:
In this case, you have a 9.5 inch wheel (241mm). Applying the 1.2 Factor (241mm x 1.2 = 289mm) you can run up to a 285 tire on it safely.
Note: It is physically possible to run as much as 1.3 to 1.4x but performance is diminished.
And conversely there's another unwritten "law" that says you technically shouldn't go UNDER tire width/wheel width ratio of 0.9:1. But it's done all the time on stretched applications. You just have to find a tire installer who is willing to accept the liability.
03-25-2016, 07:56 PM
#29
Did you get the mounting bracket and all that for the brembo calipers?
Cant really beat this deal if your in the market to upgrade.
https://www.z1motorsports.com/brakes...ge-p-2241.html
Cant really beat this deal if your in the market to upgrade.
https://www.z1motorsports.com/brakes...ge-p-2241.html
Thank you!
Yea for sure. I hope I didn't offend anyone by not taking their advice and going with the 265/40 on all 4. I wanted to be able to rotate the wheels for now. I do have my eyes set on 18x10.5s +15 of the same wheel for the rear and then getting them wrapped in a 275/40.
Last edited by kamilitaryman; 03-26-2016 at 12:27 AM.
03-25-2016, 10:06 PM
#30
Ok, after some research, I ordered the following:
Stoptech Stainless Steel Lines
PART#: 950.42004 (FRONT)
Stoptech Stainless Steel Lines
PART#: 950.42503 (REAR)
Also purchased the Z1 Performance Z26 rotor & pad kit. As soon as we get a nice break in the weather, I'll powder coat the calipers and install it all.
Seeing how the suspension is stock and has over 100k on it, I think it's time to replace / upgrade the struts and springs. I was thinking about getting a set of these:
https://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-...ic-design.html
Looks like a great bang for the buck. I'll order a new set of top hats from KYB as well.
Stoptech Stainless Steel Lines
PART#: 950.42004 (FRONT)
Stoptech Stainless Steel Lines
PART#: 950.42503 (REAR)
Also purchased the Z1 Performance Z26 rotor & pad kit. As soon as we get a nice break in the weather, I'll powder coat the calipers and install it all.
Seeing how the suspension is stock and has over 100k on it, I think it's time to replace / upgrade the struts and springs. I was thinking about getting a set of these:
https://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-...ic-design.html
Looks like a great bang for the buck. I'll order a new set of top hats from KYB as well.
Last edited by kamilitaryman; 03-29-2016 at 10:50 AM.
03-30-2016, 01:31 PM
#31
Some of the big brake components arrived today, along with some hub centric rings I noticed were not present on the car.
Thinking about going with either a gold caliper, leave the bolts black and red brembo text OR metallic red, with bolt caps powder coated gold and white brembo text.
I also noticed another PO derp. He used standard lug nuts on these wheels! Had to order a thin-walled impact socket to get them out. Fking idiot...
Fixed it real quick with some AutoZone tuner lugs.
Before:
After:
Thinking about going with either a gold caliper, leave the bolts black and red brembo text OR metallic red, with bolt caps powder coated gold and white brembo text.
I also noticed another PO derp. He used standard lug nuts on these wheels! Had to order a thin-walled impact socket to get them out. Fking idiot...
Fixed it real quick with some AutoZone tuner lugs.
Before:
After:
Last edited by kamilitaryman; 03-30-2016 at 07:02 PM.
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KingBaby (07-26-2016)
03-30-2016, 06:25 PM
#32
New Member
I don't think anyone is offended you went for 265/40 all the way around. It's your car, you can do as you please with it. It was just suggested that 255/40 would be better all the way around mainly because the 265/40 is too tall for the front.
03-30-2016, 07:00 PM
#33
I think the best solution here is to sell the rims with the tires I just got and go for a staggered set with the cash I recoup from that. I've been looking at the popular wheel combo of 18x9.5 and 18x10.5 et22 all the way around. Thinking about getting a a concave style or something with a nice lip. I'd really love a set of Rays or Work wheels. I'll do some wheel shopping tonight and see what I can find.
03-31-2016, 12:09 AM
#34
Well, they're no Work or Rays wheels, but I like them!
http://mirowheels.com/type-398/
Looks like a few members here are running these. Was able to find their weight too:
Front wheels are 21 lbs and the rear wheels are 23 lbs. Not bad! If my current setup sells, I should be able to pick these up and a new set of tires and pretty much break even.
http://mirowheels.com/type-398/
Looks like a few members here are running these. Was able to find their weight too:
Front wheels are 21 lbs and the rear wheels are 23 lbs. Not bad! If my current setup sells, I should be able to pick these up and a new set of tires and pretty much break even.
Last edited by kamilitaryman; 03-31-2016 at 12:11 AM.
03-31-2016, 06:43 PM
#35
I've decided to ditch the idea of cast rims for track use. I just don't trust them. I'm currently looking at getting these bad boys:
Volk Racing TE37V Mark-II - 18x9.5 & 18x10.5 et15
At least they'll hold value if I decide to sell them down the road. Now, the only issue now is what color to choose: bronze or gunmetal?!
Volk Racing TE37V Mark-II - 18x9.5 & 18x10.5 et15
At least they'll hold value if I decide to sell them down the road. Now, the only issue now is what color to choose: bronze or gunmetal?!
Last edited by kamilitaryman; 03-31-2016 at 09:10 PM.
04-01-2016, 07:16 PM
#36
Update:
I ended up returning those Pole Positions again (lol) and posted the RPF1s for sale on CL and local forums. As soon as the refund comes through from TireRack, I'll be ordering a set of Firehawk Indy 500s in 255/40 and 275/40. The reason why I'm not going with a track tire just yet is because I'm still learning to drive the car up to it's limits. I was advised by my driving instructor to stick with street tires until my skills improve. I'm still fairly new to the track and racing so I think I'll listen to his advice.
I'll be ordering the Mark-IIs sometime next week! I'm so pumped about them!
I ended up returning those Pole Positions again (lol) and posted the RPF1s for sale on CL and local forums. As soon as the refund comes through from TireRack, I'll be ordering a set of Firehawk Indy 500s in 255/40 and 275/40. The reason why I'm not going with a track tire just yet is because I'm still learning to drive the car up to it's limits. I was advised by my driving instructor to stick with street tires until my skills improve. I'm still fairly new to the track and racing so I think I'll listen to his advice.
I'll be ordering the Mark-IIs sometime next week! I'm so pumped about them!
04-02-2016, 08:06 PM
#39
After checking countless threads, I'm completely in the wrong. It looks like I measured the wheel width incorrectly! I measured outside lip to outside lip instead of inner lip. Well, I feel like a dumbass! 
They are 18x8.5 et40...
Can't believe at the last few derps of mine. 1st the wrong size tire wall and now this....smh at myself
They are 18x8.5 et40...
Can't believe at the last few derps of mine. 1st the wrong size tire wall and now this....smh at myself
04-03-2016, 06:56 PM
#40
New Member
Report back on those tires after you get them broke in. I saw them on tire rack and they don't have any reviews because they are a new tire. Curious to see how they will perform.