Spike100

Is it wise to pay $600 or more for one aftermarket wheel when you can buy an entire set for this amount?

The real question is why we buy aftermarket wheels. The simple answer is to accommodate a larger tire and provide better appearance. Past this question/answer is a plethora of reasons 350z owners elect to purchase aftermarket wheels.

If you did purchase a set of aftermarket wheels and tires: Why did you decide to do this, and tell us about the experience (glad you did it or not, research and problems, unexpected costs, etc.).

--Spike

2004Black350z

iTrader: (37)

W.....t.......f.......

beezee

iTrader: (19)

For the same reason why some buy mercedes and others settle for KIA. They both serve the same purpose but costs different. A walmart Jeans and one from Nordstrom. My first rims were Ruff racing. I now have Volk-GTS. Different level of excitement at least. I cleaned my Ruffs complete once every 3 months. I clean my Volks once a week. Comes down to owning what you love IMO.

Spike100

Hmmm… I didn’t think understanding my question is that difficult. But this appears to be the dreaded and boring Failed Thread. If that's the case, please forgive me for wasting your time.

Ok… Allow me to elaborate. Expensive wheels and tires cost thousands; you expect the best results when spending that amount on something that most car owners never notice.

Here are examples that could diminish the experience:
1. Long waits for wheels after making an order.
2. Disappointments when seeing the wheel mounted on your car (offset, color, etc.)
3. Discoloration and/or clear coat separating soon after mounting the wheels.
4. Scraping new wheel (I’ve done that and it really bothers you with an expensive wheel).
5. Damage to rim after storing the wheel at your tire dealer (I’ve experienced this).
…etc.

I am inquiring about the pitfalls that some members here have experienced when buying wheel and tire setups. I realize that perceptions of what is expensive varies, depending upon what someone can afford, so mentioning cost was unwise on my part.

--Spike

2004Black350z

iTrader: (37)

So r u n the market for wheels?

Spike100

Yes. You are perceptive (and that is meant as a compliment since you figured it out).

I’m trying to determine where to start. I use two sets of wheels/tires (winter and summer wheel/tire setups).

I don’t worry much about my winter setup (17”x7.5” wheels and an all-square setup with 225/55-17” tires) since the wheels are inexpensive and the tires balloon enough to prevent scuffing when the wheels/tires are stacked while in storage.

I would like to improve my summer wheel/setup (which is stock: 18x8” wheels all around with 245/40-18” front and 245/45-18” rear). I like the handling here (all square tread width that mitigates under/over steer), but I would like testing a different setup… nothing too extreme… maybe 245/40-18” front with 275/40-18” rear.

My concern/question: Is spending thousands on wheels worth the benefit?

--Spike

ALO8

iTrader: (5)

If you daily your car and font track it
Your better off getting replica wheels that look good
Or if you can't find any get the higher end wheels for more $$

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

For just a little over $1k you can get some great wheels. The RPF1 and NT03 are my favorites. Both wheels are less than 20 pounds ( stock V1 18's are 26 pounds) so that's a noticeable difference in weight. Then of course the added width to run wider tires.

Worth it, was to me. First I hated the looks of the V1 18's , wanted to run wider tires and I knew I would get my use out of them since I planned to keep the car for a long time. Depending on the wheel you buy, they also have good resale value.

Spike100

^^ Thanks for the advice and help! That sounds good. I'll investigate your suggestions.

_____________________________________
EDIT: Just finished the Enkei thread… It takes awhile to read through these long wheel threads! There’s lots of good info there.

Waiz

iTrader: (57)

My reasons are the following (my Z originally came with 17" wheels)

-Wider tires
-Bigger wheels
-Lighter wheels
-Forged vs the cast design of my OEM wheel
-Better selection of tires
-Better color (has to be black)
-NISMO!
-I am a self-professed wheel ***** and need to be running aftermarket wheels no matter what

Spike100

Thanks Terrasmak and Waizzz for replies.

My Z (purchased in 2003) now has 90K + miles so I can finally justify replacing the scuffed and stained OEM wheels, and the worn suspension. New wheels usually mean BIGGER (wheels and tires) and BETTER (size, offset, etc.). And replacing suspension components often means DROP.

The research is consuming… especially for someone (like me) who does not track the car.

I spent last weekend reading some Wheel/Tire and Suspension/Brake threads here in their entirety. Wow is that a time consuming task. I did gain considerable insight and knowledge though. The most help comes from the owners here who track their cars. They really understand the relationships existing among tires, wheels, and suspension. Our moderators (you guys) have a lot of knowledge.

Questions:

1. RPF1 and NT03 wheels are very attractive and they are very lightweight. But, they also look “delicate.” Is the Enkei Racing wheel set (or any lightweight wheel) OK for street use where potholes are prevalent?

2. Is there a difference between the strength of forged wheels vs. cast wheels?

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Answers:

1) After racing a 350Z in SCCA (T2/T3) and NASA (PTB and Spec Z) for the past six seasons, I've used the Enkei RPF1 and PF01 wheels because they're lightweight, decently strong and affordable. Enkei's MAT Process does create a better cast wheel, even if it doesn't match a true forged wheel.

2) There is a significant difference between cast and forged wheels- they're stronger, lighter and way more expensive. I purchased a set of used BBS Rg-Rs on this board almost 11 years ago and still think it's one of the best purchases I ever made.

pyshin

iTrader: (14)

+1 vote for Enkei RPF1's in 18x9.5 +15f 18x10.5 +15r

-Affordable
-Lightweight
-Very durable coating
-No lead times
-Timeless formula-inspired design
-Perfect fitment for Z's

There are many enthusiasts that daily-drive with RPF1's with little to no issues. Honestly I do not speed around in my Z and do mostly have time to completely avoid potholes but I do hear where you're coming from. If that rare, unavoidable, devil pothole comes out of nowhere it can honestly ruin most wheels.. Not just Enkei's. As long as you have a proper spare, it wouldn't be hard to just order another single RPF1.

I bought my 18x10.5 +15 square RPF1 setup because I have wanted a set for years and a friend gave me a great deal on them. I like the lightweight factor and the amount of meat I can fit on them for the track. Mine have some minor curb rash... Nothing major. And for the price, I honestly don't really care.

Good luck on your search I hope you pick up some RPF1's and join the club

Also for your suspension question: I would highly suggest Tokico D-Spec spring/shock combo (much better than running lowering springs with stock replacement shocks, D-Spec springs and shocks are made to complement each other). It is an affordable, reputable option for a non-tracked Z and gives a solid 1" drop all around. mr. sparco runs them on his Z and I'm sure many members would agree that his Z is one of the cleanest on these forums.

Spike100

^^ Thanks for the great reply, loaded with valuable info. I've put your reply in my archive. I'm definitely proceeding with tires/wheels and a drop. --Spike

___________________
EDIT: Check the Enkei thread for a recent and I hope interesting post I will add in the next few minutes.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

+1 on d-spec spring combo... However I did the eibach pro-kit

Spike100

Other than engine modifications… I think the one of the most confusing things for new (or even established) 350z owners is coordinating aftermarket wheel/tire setups with new suspension components. So many people ask questions about offset, drop, and brake and fender clearance.

There is a ton of great information here (my350z.com), but the wheel and tire threads are very long. I suspect people do not read through the entire threads. I say this because of the questions asked by new members.

After reading a bunch or very long Wheel and Tire threads here, I think the Enkei thread here has a great amount of useful information.

Enkei thread: https://my350z.com/forum/wheels-and-...hread-104.html

--Spike

beezee

iTrader: (19)

I run the d - spec shock and spring combo too. Highly recommend