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18" Wheel or 20" Wheel - Opinions

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Old 04-09-2013 | 09:36 AM
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Default 18" Wheel or 20" Wheel - Opinions

I got my Z a week ago, and getting insurance tomorrow.
But as a graduation present for myself I wanted to get new wheels.

Im mainly stuck on XXR 521's but also considering the the 527's and 530's (Im very indecisive)

But my real question is Rim size. I want 18 x 8.5. due to the fact that tires are cheaper. But I feel that they are just a tad too small. personally.
As i feel 20 would be a better fitment just tires are a bit more.

Tires for 20'
275/40/20
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/sea...Tires=1&cs=275

tires for 18'
225/40/18
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/sea...Tires=1&cs=225

Can I have some of your guy' opinion on this please.

**Dont want to get 19' because the fact that tires tend to be more expensive for odd numbers
Old 04-09-2013 | 09:38 AM
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18" is for race car, while 20" is for "balling"

Personally, I think 18" looks way better on a 350Z. This is a sports car, not a old Buick you throw Dubs on.
Old 04-09-2013 | 09:43 AM
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I would first refer you to the Top 100 FAQ thread

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...questions.html

Specfically post #8

https://my350z.com/forum/2487452-post8.html

Q: What wheel sizes and offsets do I need?
A: Generally speaking, there are a LOT of different combinations that people are running on their Z or G.

Let's get the basics out of the way first: You need a lug pattern of 5x114.3, width between 8 and 11 inches, and diameter of 17", 18", 19", or 20".

Here are some of the more popular wheel and tire sizes (for good reason) that people put on their Z's. There is no "RIGHT" answer but there is a limit to how big or small you can go.

18" combination:
Front 18" x 8.5" , Offset +15 to +25, Tires 245/40/18
Rear 18" x 9.5" , Offset +15 to +25, Tires 275/40/18
(lower offset such as +10 in rear is possible but may require rolling)

Front 18" x 9.5" , Offset +25 to +30, Tires 255/40/18
Rear 18" x 10.5" , Offset +28 to +35, Tires 285/40/18 or 295/35/18
(lower offset such as +23 in the rear is possible but may require rolling)

19" combination:
Front 19" x 8.5" , Offset +15 to +25, Tires 245/35/19
Rear 19" x 9.5" , Offset +15 to +25, Tires 275/35/19
(lower offset such as +10 in rear is possible but may require rolling)

Front 19" x 9.5" , Offset +25 to +30, Tires 255/35/19 or 265/35/19
Rear 19" x 10.5" , Offset +23 to +32, Tires 285/35/19 or 295/35/19
(lower offset such as +23 or wider tires in the rear is possible but may require rolling)

From this, you get the idea of what is required to go with smaller wheels like 17's, (typically lighter, faster acceleration), or bigger wheels like 20's (bigger, heavier, usually makes you feel slower).

Get to know how to use the following tools and you will be able to figure out for yourself the correct offsets and tire sizes you need:
Tire size calculator (click)
Wheel Offset Calculator

Certain combinations of LOW OFFSET and/or WIDE WHEELS will require what is known as "fender rolling" or "fender cutting".

If you are not familiar with the term "fender rolling", here is a quick but useful lesson you can learn in a couple of minutes: Go outside to wherever your Z is parked. Run your fingers along the inside edge of a REAR fender just above your tires. You will feel a sharp edge and a flap of metal sticking inward towards the car. Now, go up to the FRONT fender, and feel the inside of the fender again. You should notice that the flap of metal has been "rolled" upwards on the front fenders. This is exactly what fender rolling is all about. The rear fenders will need to be rolled to make room for wide wheels or low offsets, or else your tires may rub on the metal when you take hard corners or hit bumps. Any experienced wheel/tire shop should know how to roll a fender. If you go to a shop that does not seem like they know what they're doing, get out of there.
As shown, the more desired combo is either a 18x9.5/18x10.5 or 19x9.5/19x10.5 in +12 or +22

If your only requirement is price might I suggest you look in our used marketplace rather than trying to buy new.

18", 19" or 20" all have their benefits and drawbacks but it all depends on the wheel
Old 04-09-2013 | 10:09 AM
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so 18 x 8.5 up front and 18 x 10 in rear would be good then??
I want to avoid the 19'

^^^^alot of help...sorry for not finding earlier
Old 04-09-2013 | 10:25 AM
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that would be fine thats the set im looking for or you can try 18 x 9 upfront and 18x10 in the back
Old 04-09-2013 | 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Neeko94
so 18 x 8.5 up front and 18 x 10 in rear would be good then??
I want to avoid the 19'

^^^^alot of help...sorry for not finding earlier
If possible try to go for 18x9.5 up front but 18x8.5 definitely will work

Worst case scenario you can always add a spacer to the front if not satisfied with final fitment

You need to make sure you factor in offset too as I listed in the quoted post, it is just as important as width
Old 04-09-2013 | 11:00 AM
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If you are making decisions on your car because you want to go the cheap
route,in the end ,you'll be sorry.Go ahead with the 18's.
19'S really are better.No 20's unless you have a full body kit and want a wild
looking car.Don't cheap out the tires too.
What is your budget?
Old 04-09-2013 | 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by SQuaLZ
18" is for race car, while 20" is for "balling"

Personally, I think 18" looks way better on a 350Z. This is a sports car, not a old Buick you throw Dubs on.
I agree, go with 18".
Old 04-09-2013 | 11:50 AM
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Originally Posted by JCITY
If you are making decisions on your car because you want to go the cheap
route,in the end ,you'll be sorry.Go ahead with the 18's.
19'S really are better.No 20's unless you have a full body kit and want a wild
looking car.Don't cheap out the tires too.
What is your budget?
better at what? handling worse? looking donk? 18's are what people are running when using the car correctly. also the car can have a 10"+ wheel and a 275 up front without rubbing. the wider the better, and safer, traction wise. have you launched this car on a 245? its spin city.
Old 04-24-2013 | 04:48 PM
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Don't do 20's. 19's are PERFECT for the z IMO and the 530's come in 19" if you preorder them (not currently out yet). But with the choice of 18's or 20's definitely do 18's! All my opinion though.
Old 04-25-2013 | 04:36 AM
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"Rims" go on doofy Escalades. Wheels go on our Z's. Not 20" wheels.
Old 04-25-2013 | 09:03 AM
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I vote for 19s.
Old 04-25-2013 | 09:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Phenom
"Rims" go on doofy Escalades. Wheels go on our Z's. Not 20" wheels.
This!!

Z's do not belong in 'tha hood' either
Old 04-25-2013 | 11:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Deteria
I vote for 19s.
2012 up Sport package and Nismo have 19s>>>





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