Hey all! First post here. I picked up a sunset lemans base model 04 350z that has horrible spray painted 17 stock base wheels. This car has a salvage title and I'm trying to keep it on the cheap as a play car. Found this set on Facebook and bought them without doing much research: Avid AV-27 17x8 et35 front 18x9.5 et38 rear. Tires are Dunlop Direzza Z3 215/40/17 and 255/35/18. Came off an MR2. $500...why not try em...?

I really don't like how the front is only 17x8 et35 but plan to run a 20mm spacer. Rear being 18x9.5 et38 should I run a spacer also? Front tires look way too small and both F & R I don't like small sidewall. What sizes do you guys recommend for this set of wheels on a stock 350z? (I do have BC coilovers ready to put on if that'll help fitment).


Stock chipping spray painted base 17's

Side view of base 17's

 

crap wheels, crap offsets, I would have spent that money to have original wheel painted or powdercoat. .... or even better, set it aside and save more for proper wheels

 

I know...but it's a sub $3k car so with a salvage title so not going to put $2k in wheels and tires. I still haven't made up my mind if I'll sell these as is. But seriously are these not better than the stock track wheels. Offsets are nearly identical and at least the rear has more width. Can someone tell me if this would be a good choice and will fit: 245/45/17 and 275/40/18

 

No idea on wheels. Just sayin, the idea of you only spent 3k n that everything should now be way less than that for upgrades/repairs is a bad mind set. You don't have to spend 2k on wheels n tires. If you look at common wheel options, you can search for used wheels (reps) with decent tires for good prices. Could even respray and add spacers for the time being for $100.

 

Let's set a few things straight (not trying to talk you out of it, just facts).

- NOT stock Track wheels, not by a long shot; so don't compare these Avid wheels with them. Tracks are forged, strong, lightweight in the neighborhood of 17-18lbs. These cheap CAST wheels aren't even in the same league. Cheap knockoffs. Track wheels are 8 & 8.5 +30, +33 and the rears of this set are 1.5" wider so your stated offsets aren't relevant; without width as a factor for fit.

- As for size, makes little sense to go with a double stagger 17-18 when you can't take advantage of lower profiles to increase steering response. BUT, I've seen people do stupid things that make this set look like they were almost made for a..... MR2. Laff.

So, with the clarifications (negatives) out of the picture.... you CAN make 'em work. Not optimal but they'll suit your salvage needs. Haha.

That all said, the tire sizes you mention will work just fine considering diameters are fairly close to stock Z 18s.

Spacers: 20mm front works and recommend 15mm spacers for rear to bring the offset down to a respectable +23mm (could even go 20mm for a +18 but not needed.)

Don't expect performance levels up with a Track version or at least the wheels if you don't put on good tires. Tires are THE most important item on your car. Everything performance wise is set up around tires. Don't cheap out here.

Pics up when done.

 

Thank you for addressing my questions and giving me some insight. By "track wheels" I was simply referring to what I thought meant the base 17 alloys, sorry wrong terminology on my part. I was at least hoping the Avid set would have some advantage over the spray painted crap that I have on there now. Basically I just want to get this thing registered which meant new tires and see what they are all about. Yesterday I was off work so I snagged those crappy Avids. I just stepped into this platform to have as a winter beater, but I do like to drive hard and don't want to sacrifice handling geometry. Here's the plan: I have a lead on a set of Project Kicks 25mm spacers (4) and then I'll go 245 45 17 front and 275 40 18 rear.

 

I don't know about your area, but near me, you can get OEM rims blasted and powdercoated for $100/ea. I'd spend $400 cleaning up the stockers before buying cheap aftermarket rims for $500. Especially since the tires aren't usable.

 

You would need 255/45r17 in the front to keep it the same diameter as oem. Rears would be correct at 275/40r18
I would get spacers for the stock wheels, sand/repaint than buy something just as bad at factory 17's

 

Days ago I went ahead and ordered some UHP tires in 245/45r17 and 275/40r18 after Mic Velo confirmed fitment above, and picked up some used Project Kicks spacers 25mm front 30mm rear. I initially wanted the 255/45r17 you mentioned but with 17x8" wide I thought it might be too stretched. For clarification when I posted this thread I had already bought the Avid wheels. My stocks are curbed to hell and spray painted multiple times by PO. Anywhere around me wanted $200 per wheel to sandblast and powdercoat. IMO with what I have as stockers it's not worth spending $800+ for some curbed up factory base alloys, and I like the way the Avids look even though they're crap offsets and not high-end. So I now have rears 18x9.5 +38mm on 275/40r18 is (26.7" OD) and fronts 17x8 +35mm on 245/45r17 (25.7" OD)

 

If anybody cares how these turned out here's an update: No spacers installed yet, but I'm actually very happy with the fitment overall. Still planning on spacing the front when my Kics hub centric adapters come in.

 

looks amazing ! love it

 

lasik is pretty affordable now days, might see about making an appt

 

Opinions are even cheaper. Good thing is I like it and I own it. Not even 3g's into this and laughing all the way to the bank.

 

oooooooohh, aaaaaaaaaahhh, wow

 

You've provided nothing to my thread 3x now, why even bother posting? Obviously you're envious or something to keep coming back haha

 

envious of what? it surely isnt the teeny tiny wheels, or even the car

 

His huge... (Assuming. Maybe it's her huge...)

 

Think I'll go burn the crap tires off it now to start my day. That's what I bought it for. What brings you here? Yay trolls circle jerking over a 20 year old platform

 

dont dugan it.... or maybe do dugan it

 

How bout that z3 tho