' WHEELS & TIRES '!!!
Yeah, I'm hoping Nissan will follow tradition and maintain a 5x114.3 (most imports have this lug pattern) and around 40-45 mm offset. I really want to run a staggered settup as on my Lexus.
My Z would run: 245/45/19 front and 275-285/35/19 rear.
That should shave off some time thru the slalom. Actually it's just for looks. 
And believe me, no "burning rubber or peeling out" for me! For every foot of rubber you lay down that takes away @ 1,000 miles off your tires!!!
My Z would run: 245/45/19 front and 275-285/35/19 rear.
That should shave off some time thru the slalom. Actually it's just for looks. And believe me, no "burning rubber or peeling out" for me! For every foot of rubber you lay down that takes away @ 1,000 miles off your tires!!!
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 54
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From: usa
so tell us, what kind of rims you thinkin about getting? why such a big secret? its not like everyone will go out and get them before you and say that they were the first. besides, i was interested in what others had in mind. please share your findings on what will look nice on the Z.
Originally posted by AtlZ
so tell us, what kind of rims you thinkin about getting? why such a big secret? its not like everyone will go out and get them before you and say that they were the first. besides, i was interested in what others had in mind. please share your findings on what will look nice on the Z.
so tell us, what kind of rims you thinkin about getting? why such a big secret? its not like everyone will go out and get them before you and say that they were the first. besides, i was interested in what others had in mind. please share your findings on what will look nice on the Z.
A little history about me: I have been a member/moderator for and on several car-enthusiasts boards. Including 4 previous Mustang Clubs 1 Vette Club, the Lexus Club and here (My350Z) are my current interests. So it makes me a little more comfortable to actually fit my wheels on before I post the pic and or talk about my particular wheels. I hope you understand where I'm coming from. 
But, I will state for the record in my personal opinion having owned several aftermarket wheels form 16in-20in, without question the 350Z will look best with some type of a "5-Spoke Multi-Piece wheel". Hope that helps.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 109
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From: Orange County, CA
Damn TXSTYLE!
You are getting me excited now. I am looking for similar set up as yours also (5-spoke) and 235 (8.5) front, 275 rear (9.5).
I will probably do different offsets for the front and rear so that they both protrude out about half an inch more than stock, just so it almost flush with the fenders.
I might not go fast any more after that, but let's hope it looks fast.
You are getting me excited now. I am looking for similar set up as yours also (5-spoke) and 235 (8.5) front, 275 rear (9.5).
I will probably do different offsets for the front and rear so that they both protrude out about half an inch more than stock, just so it almost flush with the fenders.
I might not go fast any more after that, but let's hope it looks fast.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 38
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From: Northern California
While 3-piece wheels certainly look "racier" and may be lighter, they are much more expensive and susceptible to problems and need periodic upkeep as opposed to the 1-piece. The many small bolts which hold the pieces of the wheel together can come loose and the seals between the wheel segments can deteriorate and need to be replaced. I have owned about three or four sets of 3-piece wheels and while you cannot dispute their racing beauty, IMHO, a forged, super-light, one-piece wheel like the Rays are the best for the street.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Yeah, I prefer to keep my wheel choice secret, even though I doubt anyone will be getting the ones I'm looking at. TX knows which ones I'm talking about though. A certain 5-spoke model from Japan. 
I'd like to go 18x9, 18x10, but I suspect it may be 18x9, 18x9.5 at a maximum.
Here's a couple of lovely choices:
SSR Decolte
Work Equip
I'd like to go 18x9, 18x10, but I suspect it may be 18x9, 18x9.5 at a maximum. Here's a couple of lovely choices:
SSR Decolte Work Equip
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 982
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From: In a Village!
These look good and all but you get much better performance and weight from forged wheels don't you? I want a good balance/blend of weight/looks/performance. I already have a loaded down touring with all options - I don't need more wheel weight. 
Originally posted by Daytona
Yeah, I prefer to keep my wheel choice secret, even though I doubt anyone will be getting the ones I'm looking at. TX knows which ones I'm talking about though. A certain 5-spoke model from Japan.I'd like to go 18x9, 18x10, but I suspect it may be 18x9, 18x9.5 at a maximum.
Here's a couple of lovely choices:
SSR Decolte
Work Equip
Yeah, I prefer to keep my wheel choice secret, even though I doubt anyone will be getting the ones I'm looking at. TX knows which ones I'm talking about though. A certain 5-spoke model from Japan.
I'd like to go 18x9, 18x10, but I suspect it may be 18x9, 18x9.5 at a maximum. Here's a couple of lovely choices:
SSR Decolte Work Equip
I will admit, neither of them are what I'm getting, but if I did, those SSR's would be #2 on my list! Great selection! By the way, I have a buddy who has those same WORK EQUIPS on his LEXUS GS400, in chrome and 20inch! Speaking of WORK EQUIP, How about a set of these REZAX? Pretty damn sweet for a 'mesh' wheel!
Charter Member #84
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 120
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From: Bay Area, CA
Those ssr's are very very nice looking, guess you can't get those at the tire rack... anyone have any <b>good</b> places to look for performance wheels online?? I've been looking, but no luck so far with my search engine.
btw, we should keep this thread going, we need someone in 'the know' like ZISME to see it, so they can spill the beans about the pattern and offset.
btw, we should keep this thread going, we need someone in 'the know' like ZISME to see it, so they can spill the beans about the pattern and offset.
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hey txstyle..........i have been on this board for awhile and i have read several of your posts.........it appears that u know your tires and rims........this will be my first addition onto my 350 when it comes in.......i have a couple of questions that i would like 2 ask u..........1st....do u think 20in will fit?.......2nd...and with the staggered setup u r thinking about doing, is there a pic that u can put on the board so i can see for myself what it looks like?........3rd r u going chrome with your wheels?..............sorry so many questions, but i feel like u know your stuff about wheels(as where i just know what looks good).........hey man i would really appreciate it......sorry its so long!!!.............thanks
Originally posted by ninepoint5
hey txstyle..........i have been on this board for awhile and i have read several of your posts.........it appears that u know your tires and rims........this will be my first addition onto my 350 when it comes in.......i have a couple of questions that i would like 2 ask u..........1st....do u think 20in will fit?.......2nd...and with the staggered setup u r thinking about doing, is there a pic that u can put on the board so i can see for myself what it looks like?........3rd r u going chrome with your wheels?..............sorry so many questions, but i feel like u know your stuff about wheels(as where i just know what looks good).........hey man i would really appreciate it......sorry its so long!!!.............thanks
hey txstyle..........i have been on this board for awhile and i have read several of your posts.........it appears that u know your tires and rims........this will be my first addition onto my 350 when it comes in.......i have a couple of questions that i would like 2 ask u..........1st....do u think 20in will fit?.......2nd...and with the staggered setup u r thinking about doing, is there a pic that u can put on the board so i can see for myself what it looks like?........3rd r u going chrome with your wheels?..............sorry so many questions, but i feel like u know your stuff about wheels(as where i just know what looks good).........hey man i would really appreciate it......sorry its so long!!!.............thanks
1. 20in.? My instincts tell me that would be pushin it (without having to modify the wheel openings/roll fenders!)
2. I have not 'photochopped a staggereed look yet, but give me a day or 2!
3. No chrome on my 350Z. Since mine is Silver, I have really put great effort in observing appearance of Silver Cars with CHROME wheels, particularly 'sports cars'. It is my most humble opinion that for silver cars you need a Silver paited/polished wheel with a chrome lip! BUT!!! On any other color I probably would go with good ol' CHROME!
And just so you guys know, I'm pushin' for a "WHEEL" Forum do to I believe it's a pretty hott topic!
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thanks for the response txstyle........i am getting the silver as well.........is there ne wheels that u can direct me 2 that u were talking about(silver, w/chrome lip).......just so i can get a feel of what they look like..............thanks man.......
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Sorry for the long post, but here's something to think about for those planning on 19" wheels.
Due to the reduction in sidewall height when going from 18's to 19's, you may want to think about lowering springs. I'm sure many visiting this site already know the following rule of thumb when upgrading to plus size wheels and tires. But for those who don't...
The wheelwell clearance (visual space) between the bottom edge of the fender lip and top of the tire should not exceed 50% of the of the tire's sidewall height.
For example, on a 245/40-19 the overall diameter is 26.6" compared to the 350Z's rears of 245/45-18's which have an overall diameter of 26.7". The sidewall of the 19" tire is 3.80" vs. a sidewall of 4.35" on the 18" tire.
Applying the rule of thumb for fender lip-to-tire clearance...
A 245/45-18 with a sidewall of 4.35" should have no more than 2.17" of clearance between the top of the tire and fender lip.
A 245/40-19 with a sidewall of 3.80" should have no more than 1.90" of clearance between the top of the tire and fender lip.
Conclusion, since these two tire sizes have virtually the same overall diameter, going with the 245/40-19 will require a minimum 0.25" drop to maintain the correct visual relationship between sidewall height and fender lip-to-tire clearance.
IMO...all cars, even the sportiest examples, always look better when lowered 0.75' - 1.25". When going to a plus size wheel/tire combo, that has the same overall diameter as the stock set-up, lowering the car is a must if you want it to look "right".
Disclaimer: The 350Z may have less fender lip-to-tire clearance than commonly found on other cars. So, moving up to 19's may result in the fender lip-to-tire clearance rule of thumb being met without lowering the car.
Excellent visual example of this concept can be found here...
www.tirerack.com/suspension/lowering/328.html
Due to the reduction in sidewall height when going from 18's to 19's, you may want to think about lowering springs. I'm sure many visiting this site already know the following rule of thumb when upgrading to plus size wheels and tires. But for those who don't...
The wheelwell clearance (visual space) between the bottom edge of the fender lip and top of the tire should not exceed 50% of the of the tire's sidewall height.
For example, on a 245/40-19 the overall diameter is 26.6" compared to the 350Z's rears of 245/45-18's which have an overall diameter of 26.7". The sidewall of the 19" tire is 3.80" vs. a sidewall of 4.35" on the 18" tire.
Applying the rule of thumb for fender lip-to-tire clearance...
A 245/45-18 with a sidewall of 4.35" should have no more than 2.17" of clearance between the top of the tire and fender lip.
A 245/40-19 with a sidewall of 3.80" should have no more than 1.90" of clearance between the top of the tire and fender lip.
Conclusion, since these two tire sizes have virtually the same overall diameter, going with the 245/40-19 will require a minimum 0.25" drop to maintain the correct visual relationship between sidewall height and fender lip-to-tire clearance.
IMO...all cars, even the sportiest examples, always look better when lowered 0.75' - 1.25". When going to a plus size wheel/tire combo, that has the same overall diameter as the stock set-up, lowering the car is a must if you want it to look "right".
Disclaimer: The 350Z may have less fender lip-to-tire clearance than commonly found on other cars. So, moving up to 19's may result in the fender lip-to-tire clearance rule of thumb being met without lowering the car.
Excellent visual example of this concept can be found here...
www.tirerack.com/suspension/lowering/328.html
