Sea Bass

iTrader: (1)

Hi, everyone. I'm a long time lurker, but I rarely post here. Anyhow, my '03 CS Z is finally looking to get some mods (FYI, bought her used last October), and since my Potenzas are looking about as bald as a newborn's ***, I think it's time to do the rims/tires.

I've been through this a thousand times, but my heart is set on Volk TE37s, due to their combination of lightweight, strength, and absolute stunning looks. I was always set on getting 18s instead of 19s, simply because of less weight and less rolling diameter. Problem is, it's hard to find them, and there are always people selling their 19s, and often for a good price.

So, I thought I put this out to the more knowledgeable people on these boards. Is it worth getting a set of cheaper, used 19s over slightly costlier new 18s? I know the 19s look banging, but I think 18s look just great, too. Does anyone regret going 19 (tires, not girls!)? Has anyone had problems with bending or curbing their rims on brutal city streets. I live in Vancouver, so there are occasionally bad potholes and such, but nothing like east coast cities with their frost heaves and such.

Thanks a million. I know this is ultimately my choice, but discussion is always fun, and I'm sure you guys would enjoy another chance to ***** pics of your Volks in someone's thread

Sea Bass

iTrader: (1)

Forgot to mention, I'm looking at Toyo Proxes T1Rs for tires, though I have considered Falken FK-452s as well. 18s would be 245/40/18 and 275/40/18 (possibly 35 aspect ratio instead for front and rear), and in 19s it would be 245/35/19 and 275/35/19. Thanks again.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

There’s a problem with used wheels. You cannot see any potential damage. If they are your wheels, you know if you hit a curb or pothole. When buying wheels used, you have no idea what you are getting.

For performance – go 18-inch wheels.
For bling go 19-inches.

noodleman

iTrader: (13)

19s all the way! I don't feel any lost of acceleration with my 19s (they're not TE's), and the ride comfort is the same, if not better, due to the Toyos.

I say go for the bling factor..since you're not really giving up performance for it.

wasuber

iTrader: (32)

I agree with everyone else here get the 19's , you will love them. Latest shots of mine, may be selling these soon

dkmesa350z

iTrader: (41)

I would prefer new 18s over used 19s. I would choose BFG KDW2 over Falkens or Toyos. You could do 265/35 295/25 with 18s or 255/35 275/35 with 19s

chewychew

i have le's in 19, they look better becus the wheel wells are so damn huge on the Z, 18s look a little small, however if u have an 18 with the exact same specs as a 19, lets say 18x10.5+22 and a 19x10.5+22, the 18 inch wheel will look more badass, bcus the spokes are more concave. id be happy with 18s on most any car, but for the z go 19. or go 18 with low offset and super concavity!

Chebosto

iTrader: (43)

imho, ride quality on 18 vs 19 is pretty significant. when i was swapping around wheels that both ran Toyo T1Rs (18" lmgt4s vs 19" te37s) with the 19s you always felt the road more, 18s were way more compfy.. for acceleration, even with my turbos the 18s still felt faster, another benefit were that tires are cheaper too.

no body really rolls on the 18x10.5" te37s on this forum... that would already set you above the rest...and ChewyChew is right. the concavity is really nice on those!

OffsetZ33

iTrader: (26)

True. I had a set of the 18x10.5s and the concavity was better than the 19s.

Sea Bass

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for all the input, peoples!

I think I'm leaning towards the 18s, because I personally don't think they look too small, but then again, so many of you have niiiice 19 inch Volks it's hard not to think about them.

Anyhow, FYI, if I were to go 18 inch, it would most certainly be with the x9.5 +22 front and x10.5 +22 rear, for exactly the reasons some of you already mentioned. Near flush, and that wonderful concavity.

Decisions decisions....

So, what do you guys think? Would mag blue look good on a CS Z? It's between that and gunmetal. I know what the gunmetal would like on my car (thanks to Elohite's photos), but I've yet to see mag blue on a CS (some pics floating around of them on a SS, though). DISCUSS

P.S. did I already mention I'm grateful for the suggestions/recommendations? 'Cause I am!

OffsetZ33

iTrader: (26)

Id personally go with the 18x10.5 +15 for max concavity and flushness. But it is true that the 19" does fill out the wheelwell more too (plus if you go with TEs, the 19 will give you lip compared to the concavity of the 18). Mag blue would be niiiice too

jadaniya

iTrader: (22)

I would suggest you look up cars with 18s and 19s and look up the suspension set up that they have. 18s look ok on dropped z's, but look absolutely horrible on stock height. 19s don't really need a drop and look nicer imo.

BloMyS14

iTrader: (7)

18x10.5 +15 265/35 all around


end thread/

Volk350Z

iTrader: (65)

I would do 18x10.5 +18 RE30 all around..

ppw350Zunit

iTrader: (14)

+1 who says you need to stagger?!?!

Alberto

iTrader: (14)

Go for the 18's man! I did 19" before I went turbo and I regret it now. Less tire choices for REALLY sticky rubber, tires are more expensive. 19's look great and handle well, but I regret not doing 18's in my situation. Thats why Im looking for a spare set of 18's to run as track wheels or for DR's...

wayneside

iTrader: (22)

either will work fine...

if money is an issue...look into the 18's if you are buying new. tires will be a little bit less expensive as well as the wheels. plus they will weigh less as others have said...or look into used wheels but be cautious as some used wheels have gone to shiet!

i have had both and i just got another set of volks...and looking to do a different set for the carshows i go to. good luck!

Sea Bass

iTrader: (1)

All great comments, folks. Thanks a bunch!

Alberto, I think your reply might have tipped me over, lol! I love the look of 19s, but I think 18s look about 90% as good (and there are many rims where I think 19s make them look to big, actually). Everything you said about the performance, cost, tire options... I'm on board with that.

I might still waver on size, but considering the rims and tires combined will run me about 300-350 less if I go with 18s (and 150-200 of that diff is in the tires!), plus less weight, plus less chance of bending a rim (yes, I'm paranoid, this is an expensive purchase!) I think 18s are for me.

My colour decision, however, is definitive. Mag Blue.... I think it will contrast the Chrome Silver of my Z nicely, especially during sunrise and sunset. Hell, there are so few people with them on their Zs, so that's a nice little bonus as well.

Alberto

iTrader: (14)

Mag blue is awesome. I wish my wheels were 18's sooo bad. Also one more piece of advice, roll the fenders in the rear for less than $100 and run a fat, meaty, aggressive 265/285 or even 295 combo, the car will have traction like you wont believe, I hate seeing 10.5" rims with stretched 275's....post pics when you get em!

yoichi

iTrader: (4)

Visually speaking, Some people have the TE-37 in 18s in this forum and i think 18" TE's are not meant for our cars. The sidewall looks too big and the wheel just looks to small for my taste. 18" TE's look great on Evo's, 240sx etc etc but not for the Z. There are lightweight 18's that look great on our cars. The advans and work CR-Kai are both lightweight and look amazing.

Performance wise, hands down the 18s are better. But again, its not everyday we track our cars

anyway, here's my TE-37 in 19