live2ball

Hello, first off I drive a 2005 DB base model 350z, bone stock except intake and clutch/flywheel. I am looking to get new wheels, because I just dont like the look of the stock ones. Im going to be honest I dont know much at all about wheels/tires and their sizes, fitment and affect on driveability. I've searched the threads for a while and couldnt find much about stock Zs and wheel sizes.

Right now the wheels are 17x7.5 w/ 30mm offset in the front and 17x8 w/ 33mm offset in the rear. The tires are 225/50 front and 235/50 rear. I want to achieve a little less wheel gap, while not affecting street driveability. I also would like to avoid buying new tires for now (they are basically brand new on there). I'm not planning on doing any suspension or front end mods any time soon also.

So, my question is, what size wheel (including offsets please) do you all recommend for me? staggered or square (obviously eventually I'd go to all the same size tires as well) set up? wider wheels or just different offset? If you could explain why you recommend your answer I would really appreciate that, so I can learn as well. Thank you!

travlee

iTrader: (8)

Been asked a million times in the 13 years the car has been out

18x9.5 +15 on all corners ot 18x9.5 +15 front 18x10.5 +22 or +15 rear

travlee

iTrader: (8)

But you will need wider tires....even though user name is live2ball.....sounds like you are on a budget

SmoothZ

iTrader: (13)

Thread moved to appropriate section. This section is full of good and useful info. Try searching in this section. If you are looking at all the threads in the section, you can select Search on the right side of the screen above the listing of threads.

Also, this thread is a good read: https://my350z.com/forum/wheels-and-...t-novices.html

SmoothZ

iTrader: (13)

https://my350z.com/forum/wheels-and-tires-60/

In the red bar across the page just above the list of threads, you'll see "Search This Forum." I use that a lot.

Finally, if you're going to get new wheels, you're going to have to get new tires. Like you, I didn't like the stock 18" wheels on my 03 Touring. My current setup is 18x9 and 18x10. Tires are 245/40 and 275/40. It's pretty flush and looks awesome, IMO. You'll also want to think about lowering sometime in the future.

MicVelo

Not going to get into a lengthy reiteration of what's all right here in this section but will say this....

If you're keeping the same tires, NO different wheel will change the wheel gap. Only thing that will is lowering the car or running taller tires - a distinct no-no.

If you still want to get new wheels, recommend you go up to 18" even if it means saving money to get the new tires that you'll need. Simple reason, lots more choice of good tires - maybe some tenfold.

live2ball

Thanks for the response. Iive2ball is a reference to basketball haha definitely not balling as far as my budget goes.

live2ball

Thanks for the advice, I do want to go to 18s eventually I'm just somewhat broke and it seems like a waste to switch wheels and tires when my tires are pretty much brand new.

live2ball

Thanks for the help! I really don't know how to navigate the website yet, sorry for posting in the wrong section.

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

Correct, but a more aggressive offset does give the illusion of a much better filled out wheel well.

dcains

iTrader: (15)

IMO, wait until you can do this right. Better to spend the money once. I'd look for a nice used set of the Rays V1 Track wheels. Forged, super-light, 18", and very strong. Also, a nice-looking wheel that matches the Z well. The light weight will improve performance in a way you can feel, and there are many good 18" tires to choose from.

live2ball

So what's a good offset to run if I'm going with 8.5 or 9 wide wheels?

travlee

iTrader: (8)

already been answered. the lower the offset the better it will look cosmetically

rearranged

Look around and find a used set of wheels. With any luck you can find a set with tires that are still in decent shape that will hold you over til you can afford a new set. Also, in 18" there are several options for a good set of tires in the $500-600 range.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

if you want decent looking, but cheap wheels... you could do mb battles. i had them on my z and they are about 200 each. how they stand up to abuse, couldn't tell you personally... but i know that a buddy of mine drifts on them, and another buddy auto crosses on them. aren't the lightest, aren't the best

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/fil...=prca&toggled=

MicVelo

OK, check it out, if you are going for terrasmak's above referenced "illusion" (laff), at least do it scientifically....

Since you are running (and wish to keep) stock sized 17" tires 225/50, 235/50, the max wheel width you're going to want to run is about 8.5"-9.0" Front, ~9.5 Rear and that's based on the tire widths themselves.

225 = 8.85" - 235 = 9.25"

Ideal width would be 1:1, but you can run up/down a little so long as the tire is NOT less than 90% of the wheel width or 120% larger at the upper end. Outside of these guidelines (not absolute), performance gains drop off.

Now given these parameters, go on a website and shop for some wheels keeping these restrictions in mind. Then, use the tire calculator here: https://my350z.com/forum/tire_rim_calculator.php to see what you gain/lose in clearance for those particular wheels you like.

On a stock Z, you can safely move the tire outward as much as 30mm without tire-wheel arch conflict but to be safer, I'd only move it out maybe 25mm (1.0") in the event you have suspension issues (sag, camber, etc).

Since you're on a budget, recommend you check this place out for the shopping I mentioned above: http://www.wheelplususa.com/

No, not an endorsement as I've never dealt with them but they have tons of not-so-expensive wheels and when you see styles you like, they have an application for each wheel that allows you to "select" your desired wheel dimensions and it shows what's available by size, offset, and price.

Have fun and post pics.

dboyzalter

iTrader: (3)

If you need to get a 17inch wheel get 17x10+18 with 275+40/17 tire for the front, and 18x10+15 275/40/18 for the back... Ok enjoy

live2ball

Thanks for all the advice, I think I found some wheels I like! I'll go to 18 in wheels in a few years maybe when it comes time to get some new tires also.

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

Few years wow, mine as a street car would wear out a set of tires a year

travlee

iTrader: (8)