Lately I've seen a lot of threads started looking for aftermarket wheels that are decent quality but without the high price tag of the ever-popular Volks. The replies they have gotten have been one of two things: 1. Ridicule for even considering putting anything 'less than the best' on the Z. 2. Ugly, low-quality wheels that no one in their right mind would consider on any late-model car.

Personally, I would like to get aftermarket wheels for my Z at some point. However the price has to be right. Could I afford to pay 3k for a new set of Volks? Absolutely. Are aftermarket wheels worth 3k to me? Nope.

Think of it another way: I wanted a high-performance sports car. A Porsche 911 is one of the best of the best. Is the Porsche worth every penny of its price tag? Absolutely. Is it worth it to ME? Absolutely not. Instead I got a 350Z which has near the performance at a fraction of the cost.

Is it not possible to find this balance with wheels? I have to believe that there is a happy medium somewhere between quality and price - a company that makes good-looking wheels that are reasonably priced. Please someone tell me I'm not mistaken.

 

You are correct, sir. Don't be put off by the wheel snobs. Enkei, for one, are lightweight, good looking, high quality, and inexpensive.

 

no problems here with low cost rims, (as long as they look good. not that looks are subjective )

but it rolls both ways. Ive seen those with the low cost rims say there is no benifit to the rays or other high cost rims and they are worthless.

something for everyone.

 

It's really a matter of preferance. If you like a wheel and it cost $200, so what.... as long as you are happy with it.

Same goes for people how spend $1k for one wheel... as long as they are happy with it.

Check out Tirerack.com for good wheels, not too expensive. Consider the SSR GT3, SSR GT1 and OZ Superleggera 1-piece.

PeteH

 

there are plenty out there, just look around, what styles do you like???

 

Perfect - thanks!
Certainly there is a benefit to having the 'Porsche 911' of wheels. Obviously Volks are the performance benchmark in the wheel industry. But who makes the '350Z of wheels?'
But are there wheels that cost $200 that are high quality? Or light weight?

Thanks for the wheel recommendations - I'll check them out. So would you say SSR and OZ both produce high quality wheels?
While I'm interested in getting wheels for my Z at some point, I'm more concerned with the number of people looking for wheels on a budget. So I guess I'm looking more for brand recommendations than a particular style, since looks are so subjective.

 

enkei

 

Modern Wheels are made to a "quality level" now that they will not leak, wobble, or fail. (as in too weak)

One of the big factors is the weight of the wheel. The lighter the wheel and tire, the better it is for the ride, handling, and performance of your car!

How? Each wheel and tire because of it's mass, acts like a big "flywheel". It takes energy to spin them up, and to slow them down. Just going to lighter wheels and tires is a excellent performane gain. Also in ride and handling, as the tire and wheel can follow the road better, which means more grip, and light wheels and tires disrupt the car less as they move. (smoother ride)

The Volks wheels are known for being one the lightest wheels on the market. (the forged models anyhow)

I would encourage anyone to look for "lighter" wheels before heavier, and make sure they fit properly, in terms of offset and hub center. (hub center should fit to keep wheel centered and not cause run out)

Get the wheels you want. Keep in mind the weight "penalty".

Scott

 

2003z, do you know whose car that is with the RPO2s? I've about decided on them but the available offsets look a little high. I would love to have some feedback from someone who has already put them on a 350z.
Thanks,
Eric.

 

It's my car. I am running race rubber on them. I got 17x9 +35 all around and the offset is not a problem. I had 18x8 +35 rpm2s originally on the front and they sat too far in, but in a 9" rim, a +35 is fine.

 

mmmmm... this is all very interesting... unfurtunately i wouldn't spend money on wheels ( although i love the look of them) since I have to deal with lots of potholes and speedbumps on the streets and I would hate it if I ruined a $1000 wheel.

 

I look at it this way, the 350Z track model uses Ray's forged rims, which is hte same manufacturer of Volks, this should tell you somethin.

 

Just stay with the stock wheel if you don't want to go bling. the stock wheels on the Z are nice IMO.

 

I agree with you! The stock wheel do look good, BUT people are changing rims because it looks even better. Honestly, my reason of changing rims (in the future) is because I want to look different. I see too many Z's and all are stock so far. Changing the rims would make me different

 

The SSR Competition is a lightweight forged wheel. I had these in 17x8" on my Acura CL. At that size they weighed in at 14 lbs. I bought mine for $360 through a local speed shop, I think larger sizes that fit the Z can be bought for around $500. Don't know how that compares to TE37 pricing, though.

 

I think a good inexpensive upgrade from stock rims would be a used set of Track rims. I saw a set on sale for $1800, I think.