240z, wheel help

[glacier985]

Need some help here, I currently don't like the wheels on my z. They're XXRs, and I like them like I like poo. I've been looking at getting some new wheels and I think I've decided on what to get. Go ahead and call me a band-wagoner, but I want to get some diamond racing wheels with a chrome lip. I love the stepped lip and if I don't like them on the Z, I'll just throw them on my 240sx.

Now the issue I'm having is with the backspacing. I plan on getting 15x8 PRO Wide-5 Series wheels. I'm just not sure what backspacing will make them flush on the Z. I do know that 4" BS is a zero offset, however I was thinking that maybe a 3.75" to 3.5" backspacing might look better on the rear. I'm just not sure and am looking for suggestions only on what backspacing to get. I could even drop down to 15x7 in the front to make steering a bit easier.

So any advice for my cheapass?

And for reference here is the current wheels, I think they are 15x8, 0 offset, but not 100% sure since I didn't buy them. I am also looking to lower the front some more in line with the back.

[evildky]

are you trying to fit under the stock unmodified body? if so I think a zero offset on an 8" sheel is as far out as you can go, any wider and I'm pretty sure you will have contact, unless you plan to run a narrow tire stretched I'd stick to the zero offset (even them it might be an issue), keep in mind a reverse offset as you are contemplating makes for a further increase in scrub radius and if you plan on driving this car ont he street much it can be a real pain

also I'm pretty sure the "wide 5" refers to the bolt circle, you're gonna want your in the correct 4x4.5

[glacier985]

I was planning on running 195/55 or 185/55, both are close to the stock tire size according to the tire size calculators. And the body will be stock, so I'll stick to a zero offset then and I'll make sure I get the right bolt pattern. I feel like a such a noob

EDIT: I found a site that changes backspace to offset, a zero offset is a 4.5" BS and a -12 offset if a 4" BS. So I was wrong there as well. I'm thinking since they will be custom ordered and will be driven on the street I'll be getting a 4.5" BS. I don't want to order them and then they don't fit.

[evildky]

4.5 bs might not clear, most zero offset cast or forged wheels will fit, theri bs wil vary slightly form wheel to wheel

the thing to remember about bs is that it varies form wheel to wheel, my ccw's have more total width tham most wheels their size, I think anythign with a spun shell is going to be wider than anything cast for forged

also the larger the wheel diameter the more bs you can have due to the angle of the strut, but diameter can be a limited by the spring perch unless you have coil overs

I would shoot for a 4.25 total bs if I were you, most people will tell you 4" is max but that does leave a bit of play room

and a 195 series tire on a 8" wheel is gonna be VERY stretched, a 185 I'm not so sure you can make it hit the beads

[glacier985]

I guess it would be wise to go and do some measures this weekend, just to be sure.