300zx brakes... Now what wheels?

[Lavondyss]

Alright. I'm a newbie to 240sx's, but not to building a project car at all. I've read all the FAQ's on all the forums and websites I can find, and have made a concious decision as to my car of choice, and list of mods to begin with. But I've run into a small delima that I would like to get some suggestions... Let me start with the car of choice, and go from there...

91-93 240sx se coupe 5spd (Gray would be Nice!)SR20DET Red-Top SwapS-13 Silvia Front End (both sets of headlights to switch between)JDM TaillightsVLSD (If not already equipped)HUD (If not already equipped)

This Should be a good base start. After this, it will just be doing a restore of the car to make sure everything is as OEM quality as possible, before moving on to larger turbo, and aftermakrket EFI, or opening the motor up.

Here come the questions:1. After the 300zx brake upgrade. What wheels? I've read about people putting the 300zx wheels on, but I'm not a fan of spacers. I would prefer something that is Lightweight, meaty, and has the correct offset, and clearance for the rotors/calipers. I'm not extremely picky on what they look like. I'm more of a function before form guy, but the spacers don't settle well on my stomach. On that note, if someone could make a suggestion in the direction of a mesh wheel with a polished lip that will work for this, I will be VERY happy!!!

2. HICAS. I've heard mostly bad about it, but my roomate is the mechanic, and he practically insists that I get it considering we're not straight line kind of racers... I'd like to hear some pro's and con's... not just that it sucks... Anyone?

3. Anything I should know about the choices I've made that people do not suggest doing? Please note, this is my daily driver, and I have no intentions of doing anything insane to this car, clean and simple is my taste. Handle, then power, then cleanliness... And I'm pretty realistic when it comes down to it... this will be my 3rd or 4th project car, and this time I'm going to be even more anal retentive.

Thanks for listening to me rant!!!

Charles WellerHouston, Tx[email protected]

[Movingviolation240]

The Infiniti M30 wheels fit with no spacers, and their 4 lug (depending on what you need).

[MikeS14240sx]

Just go with an aftermarket wheel. I believe any 17" wheel well give you the clearance with out the need for a spacer

[MasterMan]

i have HICAS and i love it.. but if u wanna drift it sux.. but i can take on/off ramps and 60MPH no problem.. and its never givin me a problem.. so.. i like it

[90240sx]

thats a lot of questions for a newbe. frankly, you'll have to choose from the hundreds of aftermarket wheels we have to choose from. some guys have swapped 5 lug hubs on. you don't NEEED them.

if it's a daily driver, i understand you not wanted to get 10 mpg driving all day, but personally i would spend the money on the engine, instead of silvia body components. i think the s13 looks pretty cool with just small stuff done to it. you could have a body shop do some very subtle details to the body and it would look awesome. if you don't want to make it fast, i understand, but don't cross the line into the ricer zone. we would have to flame you for that.

[Lavondyss]

Ok, let me refrase some of what i was saying. I will not redrill. We've done it on ITR rotors for a 4 lug conversion, and it's just not the right way to go. If I'm doing the swap, I'm doing it with as many oem components without mods or drilling as possible. NO spacers, no redrilling the rotors. So not stock wheels, unless they are the 95+ SE wheels. Those are on my list of wheels to consider, but I want something with some more width. As far as "Ricer". I went through that phase years ago. Doing an oem front end conversion with oem taillights is far from "Ricer" No body kit, no huge heavy gaudy rims, not slammed to the ground, no lound angry bumble bee exhaust, no sidemarkers, no orange paint job. Just the Silvia Front end, and coupe JDM taillights. With a clean OEM paint job. There's nothing ricer about that. Plus It wouldn't cost me more than $600 for that stuff, plus the paint on the front end. Well worth it for how clean it looks. The bulk of the money will be spent on making the car handle well, and have enough power to make it enjoyable. I had a hatch that took down corvettes, but it was RICE. So what I'm looking for is insight as to WHAT wheels will be the correct backspacing, offset, width, and diameter for it to look flush with the car, not rub anywhere. OEM would be nice... like R32 Skyline GT-S wheels. but I can't find any info on whether or not these are the correct offset, and I'm sure they aren't. So anyone who has done a 5-lug conversion with 92.5+ Z32tt brakes, and who hasn't used spacers, what wheels did you use? And why did you go with those... That's what I'm looking for.

Thanks,Charles Weller

[Lavondyss]

Will S2000 Wheels work?

Will FD3S Wheels work?

Thanks,Charles Weller

[C-Kwik]

Just go with an aftermarket wheel. I believe any 17" wheel well give you the clearance with out the need for a spacer

Unfortunately, it's not the wheel diameter that is generally the problem. Z32 Brakes fit under many 15" wheels. It's the spoke clearance that is the problem. And this is particularly a problem since most wheel size recommendations for the 240sx seem to underestimate the amount of room you have and how far you can bring the wheel out. I had to buy a new set of front wheels for my car to clear tyhe Z32 brakes when I got them. It didn't clear by 3-4 mm.

[C-Kwik]

HICAS is designed to enhance the car's handling. At above certain speeds(I think 25 mph or higher), it basically turns the opposite direction of the front wheels then quickly transitions the other direction. This gets the tail around a bit for a little better turn in then when the wheels all face the same direction, it stabilizes the car. And the rear steering is very slight. More like alignment changes. Think of it as active variable toe. It can take a bit to get used to, but if used the way it should be, then it should be rewarding.

[Lavondyss]

C-Kwik: Thanks for the feedback. Both your posts helped a great deal.

I checked the new SCC write up on their s13 project. Probably the only decent write up I've seen from them in a long time. Very informative. Unfortunately, I'm still seeing the same problem everywhere I go. Spacers. But now I'm asking a different question. Are people using spacers because of brake (rotor/caliper) clearance, or because of suspension clearance. SCC made it sound like their wheel options were limited because of a mixture between the JIC suspension (or any coilovers for that matter), and the z32 brembo brake upgrade. So again... what are my options. I might shoot towards getting the earlier NA z's 26mm setup to avoid these problems, but will I still have the problem with the coilover clearance? If push comes to shove, then I will contact Houston Manufacturing to make me a set of custom wheels for the right fitment. Hey, they might look ugly, but honestly... I want lightweight, sturdy, properly fitting wheels. Does anyone know if the S2000 wheels will fit? Correct bolt pattern, offset, size and width as far as I can tell. But I guess I'll just have to be the one to test out that theory... Not quite as wide as I'd like in the rear, but hey... beggars can't be choosers. Thanks again guys, and if anyone has any brilliant insight, please feel free to enlighten me! I desperately want it...

Thanks,Charles WellerHouston, TX

[Two-Forty]

your stock s13 wheels gave you problems with the 300zx brake conversions? wow I was thinkin of doing the upgrade, now you making me think twice. What model do you have, and what size are your wheels.

[Lavondyss]

Please read the post in detail. I'm doing all the research BEFORE i do anything. I don't even own an s13 yet. I'm looking for a 89-93 coupe se 5-spd with a clean title. perferably in the dark gray color. I'm in no hurry to purchase, as I'm looking for exactly what I want. But before hand, I'm doing all the research.

Thanks,Charles Weller

[Two-Forty]

I apologize.

[Lavondyss]

Don't need to apologize. I'm kind of long winded, and i'm used to people skimming my posts. Thanks though.

Thanks,Charles Weller

[bodyman240]

don't get racing hart c3's cause they don't fit with the Z brakes. I had to get spacers.

[APEXi240]

S2000 wheels are the wrong bolt pattern.

[Two-Forty]

OK, so my question still stands, I have a s13 and I wanna do the 300zx brake conversion, will there be any problems regarding to my stock wheels fitting, if there is will 300zx stock wheels fit my s13?

[Lavondyss]

I thought 300zx's were 5x114.3... are they not? That's the bolt pattern on the s2000 wheels.

Thanks,Charles Weller

[Jarret]

Okay, Charles! I have pretty much all of the answers you need:TWO types of OEM 7 spoke wheels were made for the 1991-1994 240sx that would allow the z32 brakes to fit. But, if you're not interested in stock, getting 17" rims with +40 to +42 mm offset should fix you up. I recommend Primax 618's (10 spoke) or the Motegi MR7 (7 spoke) or Konig Verdict, these rims are not the ostentatious ones found some of the imports today.

Stay away from the HUD on the 240sx, many recalls and wiring/electrical failures have hampered this "gimmicky" option.

Stay away from the HICAS as well. Unless you want to keep the car as stock as you can, 110lbs/in spring rate is a little mushy, even with modest spirit in your driving. (normal stock is 106 lbs/in)In addition, most aftermarket shocks, springs, and coilovers are NOT compatible with the electronic steering associated with the HICAS models. Supply of parts and replacment parts are both expensive and scarce.

Also, keep to the 1991-1993 coupe model years for less aggravation with your expected swap. Plumbing and wiring changed dramatically for the KA24DE engine, and it is more compatible to the RB/CA/SR swaps!

As for your car, I can find between 20-30 1991-1993 240sx's every two weeks in your color, and usually as little as $3000 with SE or LE trim with VSLD added on too!

I can also arrange to deliver them to your door almost anywhere in North America for @.39 per mile, sometimes less.

Hope that helps, and if you or anyone else needs more answers, gimme a holler by email for quicker response...

-Jarret

[Jarret]

Okay, Charles! I have pretty much all of the answers you need:TWO types of OEM 7 spoke wheels were made for the 1991-1994 240sx that would allow the z32 brakes to fit. But, if you're not interested in stock, getting 17" rims with +40 to +42 mm offset should fix you up. I recommend Primax 618's (10 spoke) or the Motegi MR7 (7 spoke) or Konig Verdict, these rims are not the ostentatious ones found some of the imports today.

Stay away from the HUD on the 240sx, many recalls and wiring/electrical failures have hampered this "gimmicky" option.

Stay away from the HICAS as well. Unless you want to keep the car as stock as you can, 110lbs/in spring rate is a little mushy, even with modest spirit in your driving. (normal stock is 106 lbs/in)In addition, most aftermarket shocks, springs, and coilovers are NOT compatible with the electronic steering associated with the HICAS models. Supply of parts and replacment parts are both expensive and scarce.

Also, keep to the 1991-1993 coupe model years for less aggravation with your expected swap. Plumbing and wiring changed dramatically for the KA24DE engine, and it is more compatible to the RB/CA/SR swaps!

As for your car, I can find between 20-30 1991-1993 240sx's every two weeks in your color, and usually as little as $3000 with SE or LE trim with VSLD added on too!

I can also arrange to deliver them to your door almost anywhere in North America for @.39 per mile, sometimes less.

Hope that helps, and if you or anyone else needs more answers, gimme a holler by email for quicker response...

-Jarret

[Lavondyss]

Jarret... is a PIMP!!!

Thanks bro. That helped out alot!

I'll stay away from HICAS.

I'll get a 91-93.

And, as long as the wheels you listed are decently wide, sturdy, and light, then I'm all over it!!!

And, as far as the HUD thing, I think I'm going to risk it. I've done alot of read-ups on it, and soldering is something I'm pretty decent at. I was actually considering getting a couple of the burnt out units to do test repairs. I'll let ya'll know when it comes to that, when I get my 240sx to do the trial and error stuff.

Again, thanks for the input guys! If anyone has any more, I'm all ears.

I REPEAT:JARRET IS A PIMP!

Thanks,Charles Weller

[Jarret]

You're welcome, but also keep in mind the HUD windshield is also TWICE as expensive, so stone chips are it's downfall.

I'll keep an eye out for you, Just gimme a holler when you're ready and I'll send you some pictures.

-Jarret

[Lavondyss]

That won't work for me. I have bad luckwith rocks or foreign objects hitting my windsheild on these houston freeways at hight speeds. I replace mine about once every 6 months or so. so I think I can live without HUD... Thanks again Jarret!!!

Thanks,Charles Weller

[Two-Forty]

pretend im dumb and asnwer my question please.

[Lavondyss]

From my understanding your stock wheels will work, but you will have to redrill the rotors for 4-lug. As far as the stock 300zx wheels, you'll have to get spacers in the front for them to clear (I Believe!!!)

Hope that helps, I've heard it 5 or 6 different places, but I don't consider it fact until I've heard it from 100 people.

Thanks,Charles Weller

[Lavondyss]

I took a look at my wheel options, and finally decided on a set. These will fit the 300zx brakes, fit flush with the car, don't require spacers, are decently light, and have a more oem look. Very happy with the decision, and I'll get back to you guys once it's done!

Front R32 GTS Wheels 16x6.5Rear R32 GTR Wheels 16x8

Now, I just have to become the JDM pimp, and find a way to get a set of the front and rears without draining my wallet. We'll see what happens.

Thanks,Charles Weller

[JoShYo]

If you find somewhere to pick up the r32 wheels, post it up. Im in the same situation you are!

[Touring240]

anyone know if 17x7 RH Z5000 +40mm will clear NA 300zx front brakes?

I know the c3's and c2s won't clear due to the spoke design. z5000 look like they may clear.

thanks