When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I've never purchased new wheels before so I'm probably over thinking and over analyzing the whole thing. I just want to make sure I'm satisfied with my purchase and that I don't make a mistake. I've been reading the forum and a tremendous amount of posts over the past couple weeks only to think I found the answer but then find a contradicting answer or someone else's opinion a few pages later. I thought I should just make a profile and ask my question.
I have a 2006 350Z base on stock suspension. (Chicago roads are horrible so no immediate plans to lower the car).
I'm looking at Enkei Raijin wheels 18X9.5 + 15 According to the TireRack rep I just spoke to, he said these would likely rub on stock suspension. My goal is to go with widest wheel/tire combo on the front and rear that the stock suspension allows without rubbing. I can do a fender roll if necessary. I'd also like them to sit a little more flush with the fender if possible. My two questions are: what is the wheel size and offset you'd recommend for someone with a stock suspension setup and what tire size would you recommend to accommodate the aforementioned wheel?
Thanks in advance for the help!
Last edited by prickleypeet; 03-17-2015 at 11:08 AM.
I'm running a 255/35 front and a 285/40 rear. The shop did not want to install the 265/40 in the front since they said Im too low and it will rub nasty. I need to remove the liner and maybe a slight roll in the front to run a 40 at my height.
I just mounted Tenjin Tuning Wheels. No one on this thread seems to report on Enkei Tuning wheels (which are excellent wheels), so here goes...
My Configuration:
2003 350z Performance Model Suspension: Tein s-Tech springs (0.6” drop front and 0.7” drop rear), Bilstein B8 Shocks Wheels: 18x8.5”offset 25mm front and 18x9.5” offset 15mm rear Tires: 245/40-18” front and 275/40-18” rear
I deliberately chose black spokes with a polished rim (lip) to differentiate my 350z from the 95%+ modern cars that have silver or grey spoke wheels. The black spokes with a polished rim setup was used by Porsche in the 1980’s.
This is a retro look that will not appeal to everyone. Muscle cars in the 1970’s to 1980’s had wheels with “lips.” Enkei doesn’t manufacture many wheels that have a “lip.”
If you have been reading through this thread, you already know that Enkei is a wheel manufacturer providing a superior product with pricing that makes it a great value. The two Enkei wheel categories of interest to Nissan 350z owners are the Racing and Tuning series because these wheels are available in offsets designed for rear wheel drive cars.
Enkei Tuning wheels are heavier (typically 3 to 4 pounds heavier than a same-sized and similar-design Racing wheel) and are often not available in the wider Racing wheels sizes (10.5”). A typical maximum width for Tuning wheels is 9.5”. Although the Tuning wheels are heavier, less attractive, and lack larger widths; they are excellent wheels (typically far better than other wheels you can purchase for the same price), and are about $100+ less than the comparative Enkei Racing wheel.
I went with the Tuning wheels because they cost less. If you track your car, want a lighter wheel, and willing to spend another $500-$700 on the set, go with Enkei Racing wheels. I also think the Racing wheels are more attractive.
Tenjin Tuning Wheel Weights: The 18x8.5” weighed in at about 22+ pounds and the slightly larger 18x9.5” wheel is about a pound heavier.
Last edited by Spike100; 04-05-2015 at 12:31 PM.
Reason: To reduce picture size
03-17-2015, 11:06 AM
