Please bear with me as I am new to this site.

I just got rid of my G35 and bought a 350Z and am in the process of trying to decide on a set of rims to buy. Ideally, I'd like to pick up some 20s but my understanding is that it really affects the ride of the Z. As it stands with stock rims and suspension, it rides surprisingly rough, at least in comparison with my G35.

Also, for the time being, I am taking out my Eibach Pro springs and sways from the G and installing it until I install coilovers later on down the road, so I'm not sure how this is going to affect ride comfort.

I like how the 20s fill out the wheel well, but I've also seen some dumped rides with 19s that look pretty sweet.

Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

I was in the same boat as you but with 18's or 19's. Just go with the 19's dude.

 

You'll want 19's...

 

I'm thinking that but is there any particular reason why you recommend it?

 

I currently have 18's front, 19's back. I love it. lighter and looks the same lol

 

What if 5 members say 19, and 5 say 20. Then you are back to where you started.

 

Yes...thank you for making things easier.

 

19's look sexy'er and 20's look too big. I am guessing 19's will cost less too

 

24"s man for sure

 

 

i personally also like the look of 20s. most will say go with 19. i personally don't know how much of a dif the ride is between the 2 though

 

I had 20s on my G and dropped, it was a really stiff ride. I test drove a Z sitting on 19s and it felt like a much more comfortable ride, and although they are different cars, there was a distinct difference that my azz could feel.

At this point, I think I'm going to go with a set of time attacks so that pretty much makes my decision for me.

Thanks for your input guys.

 

19s are much better ,, lighter ,, more comfy on the road ,,

if u put 20's ur tire profile will be so low that u have to be very careful ! ,, tires will be more expensive and the wheels will be more expensive + heavier

19s with a good set of springs will do the job

 

Honestly, there isn't going to be that large of a difference in ride quality or weight between similar models of 19"s and 20"s. Having ridden in and driven lowered cars ranging from 15" to 20", once you get to about a 35 series tire ride quality will be adversely affected and you will experience more tramlining (I think that's what it's called, when your car follows ruts in the road). You have to go to a 35 series tire with either choice if you are lowered, and with 20"s you will probably need to go to a 30 series tire in the rear, which is what I have. The difference really is negligible.

It's a personal preference thing. If you go to the track, forget 19's and get 18's. But for the street, your butt dyno will not be able to tell the difference in 2 pounds and the guy next do you in a Ford Focus still won't be able to beat you no matter what your choice, be it 19"s or 20"s. You're talking literally about a fraction of a second here. Unless you live your life a quarter mile at a time on the street who gives a ****!

Just stay away from crappy wheels like Sportmax that are not only cast, but heavy as **** even for cast. There are better, lighter options for the same cost of these cheesy wheels. Their 18x8.5's weigh more than my 20x11 iForged wheels. Everyone gets real caught up with wheel size, when wheel weight plays the largest factor. Get quality wheels and go enjoy them. Sure, most 19"s will weigh less than 20"s, but that certainly isn't always the case. I'm not saying wheel size doesn't play a part, it does as it puts the weight further away from the wheel hub, but again this isn't something easily discernible on the street. You will not even know. That said, get 19"s if you want the "street cred" of being faster on the street, whatever that is worth. Buy quality wheels and you wont regret it no matter if they are 18"s, 19"s, or 20", and make sure they fit into the goals you have for your car because that is all that matters. I'm not building a JGTC professional race car so 20"s are fine for me for now and if I start going to the track I will buy some lightweight 18"s.

 

Oh and I agree with what bazooka said to an extent, tire and even tire mounting in some cases are a bit more expensive AND I'll also add that you're not going to be finding R compounds for 20" sizes if that is your adjective, then again as I said in my prior post, get 18"s if your desire is to live at the track.

As far as riding substantilly rougher and having to worry about your wheels, I've never had a problem. You have to drive careful regardless if you have 18"s, 19"s, or 20"s. I don't think you'll find too many guys that have 19" Volks that are saying they don't drive around carefully.

 

Go with 19's on the Z.

 

In any case, whether it's a 19/20, you can't go wrong... After you make your decision, what will be KEY is finding the right look, width and offset of the wheel that will compliment your ride. I am running 20's by the way on a fully adjustable air ride setup, no complaints here! Good luck with your build Bro...

 

I'm running 20's on my ZR and love it. I must admit, it did change the ride quality of my ride by a bunch....

Now that I need new tires for the front I'm back on my stock 18's and was amazed with the performance all over again. I am now considering to go with 19's but don't really want to give up the looks of the 20's in addition to getting new rims and 4 tires appose to just 2 new fronts tires.

 

Wait. I was thinking front 19 inches rear 20 inches. Dilemma is over.

 

+1 davidv