At work today I saw a black Z with 19" Volk Racing wheels. Hot! I am considering 19"s when my stock tires wear out (I am at 8k now and have a ways to go).

Some questions:

1. How different is the handling and comfort with the 19's ?

2. Do the tires last as long?

3. I noticed very little clearance between the tire and the fender. Is that a problem?

Jim (04 red roadster)

 

Jim come by the meet next Saturday on the Westside and your questions will be answered in person.

 

In the meantime Jim...

1.) Your ride will be somewhat stiffer because you're riding on less sidewall, so you have less cushion over bumps. Handling in theory will be better because you will have less sidewall rolling and with a larger contact patch, you will have more grip. Also interesting to note is that with 245/35 fronts and 275/35 rears, the rolling circumference of the tire is actually a fraction of an inch LESS than the stock 18" wheels (either performance or track model).

2. I believe that the tread block is about the same height, but depending on the compound/treadwear rating, you will get similar tire life.

3. The tire/fender clearance will vary based on tire size and wheel offset, but there are MANY combinations that will go on with no contact issues or the need to roll the fenders. A competent wheel reseller should be able to tell you what is safe and what is not.

 

wanted to add if the 19's are heavier overall it'll worsen your suspension response (unsprung weight) and hurt acceleration.

 

I have 20's, where the fronts actually weigh less than stock, and the backs wiegh the same after my 285 30 20 tires. Ride is a little stiffer, and there is plenty of clearance.

 

i have sf winnings and toyos and they weigh as much as the stockers to within a pound or so, no real ride difference becuse im riding a 35 sidewall, handling went up, along with the body roll that comes with running a 275 in the back. no rubbing issues, trick is to get the right offset and you have nothing to worry about. the guys at discount tire hooked me up, they do a good job there. toyos say they last 20,000 miles, i hope to get 12. hope this helps...

 

dont get 19's if your planning on doin autox drag and drift.....i think 18s are just right

 

If you get 19's with the 35 sidewall do you need to drop the car as well? Is the wheel gap simlar to stock? Just wondering cause I've seen some cars with aftermarket wheels and they look like 4X4's.

 

i think 350z is one of those cars that somewhat "keeps" the original gap with 19s w/ 35 series.

i am planning on doin 19s w/o droping.

 

You're absolutely right. If you look at the circumference (distance around the outside of the tire) of a 245/45-18 (the size of the rear tires on the Perf. and Track models) it is actually just a smidge LARGER that the circumference of a 275/35-19, which is the recommended size for 19" wheels on the Z. This is because the 10% drop in sidewall height on the 19's more than makes up for the 1" increase in rim diameter. Dropping is not a requirement, and in fact, depending on your body kit, if you have one, it may be a hinderance. My car with Eibach springs and the Vizage body kit is low enough that speed bumps are scary, and getting out of my driveway is a delicate operation. I do love my car though!!!

Hope this helps.

 

Hey kcobean....I see you'r getting 19" Milanos....Great choice.

Did you ever consider the Hiroes ???? they also look great.

 

Yeah, I did look at those, but I'm getting the Milanos at a price I just can't refuse