I am finally gonna break down and get true race tires for my track days. Decided against the Hoosiers as they are shot after only a few heat cycles and that's too rich for my blood. What I really want to go with are the Michelin Pilot Sport Cups sized 285/30YR18 (rated for a 10" to 11" wide wheel) rear and 265/35YR18 (rated for a 9" to 10.5" wide wheel) front.

What wheel choices are out there for these tires with the proper offsets that will clear the track Brembo's?

 

OK.... have you priced the Michelin Pilot Sport Cups. they are as much as the Hoosiers. Granted, they probably last longer.

I'm a fan of Yokohama AO32R. Used up two sets of them over about 10 track events in my Audi A4. Fun tire, not too expensive.

As for wheels, I'm hoping OZ will make a one-piece Superleggera for the Z in 18".

I have also been eyeing 17" SSR Comps. They have 8.5 and 9.5 widths. Nothing yet showing for the Z, but I'll bet they arrive soon. Also, the SSR GT1 in 18" would make a great track wheel.

The Volk TE37 is also a good choice, but you are getting into a lot of money at that point.

For the tire sizes you want to run, you probably won't find an off the shelf one piece wheel. You are treading on two-piece or three-piece wheel territory.

If I were going to build a dedicated track wheel, I'd go to Fikse first, then Kinesis, then Forgeline. Any of these will allow you to specify the width, offset, center bore, backspacing and caliper clearance. You will spend about $1k per wheel, bet they are guaranteed to fit!


Hope that helps.

PeteH

 

Don't see why you couldn't use the good old TE37s or CE28Ns. Either that or you can get Lowenharts

 

Yeah, I think I am really gonna have to go 17". What would be a good wheel that was strong, relatively light, could clear the Brembos and at least 8.5" wide front and 9.5" wide rear. I have already heard that there will be a set of SSR Type C's (Competitions) that will fit the Z. Any other suggestions??

 

There is an SSR Comp fitment for the 300Z, so the chances are good it will be available for the 350Z. If that's the case, I'd go with the SSR Comps.

Also, the OZ Superleggera and the OZ Crono Evo are strong, lightweight wheels. I'd bet they will soon be available for the 350Z in 17" (and larger).

PeteH

 

Now just going to have to find the right 17" wheels. Gonna go with the Toyo RA-1 race tire. Size 255/40/17 rear and 235/40/17 front.

 

i really like the Toyo RA-1s for my last set. but i was itchiing to try the Victor Racers from Khumo. have you ever tried those out?

as for rims, what about FN10R from 5zigen? those are pretty light, and i have a friend working at 5zigen that would help you out for pricing, he's in so cal...

--Cheston