New Z owner rim question

Nissan 350z / Nissan 370z general community discussion forum
dorsey
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jun 08, 2013 7:00 am
Car: 2004 350z roadster

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Hey guys I just bought a black 350z 2004 35k miles roadster and have a ew rim questions.

I can get a much cheaper deal on a set of 20" rims if they are not staggered.
Will the rear rims not fill out the width of the wheel well if they are not staggered? I don't want the rears to look sunken in.

2. what is the lowest profile tires you guys suggest?

3. with 20's will I need coil overs to lower the stance? Will it set too high without them?

Thanks a lot!!


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300ZXttZMAN
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Welcome to NICO!

I don't know the answers to your question but someone will be able to help you out shortly!

In the mean time how about you post some pictures of your Z! :bigthumb:

how-to-post-pictures-using-photobucket-t521110.html

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dasoupdude
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dorsey wrote:Hey guys I just bought a black 350z 2004 35k miles roadster and have a ew rim questions.

I can get a much cheaper deal on a set of 20" rims if they are not staggered.
Will the rear rims not fill out the width of the wheel well if they are not staggered? I don't want the rears to look sunken in.

2. what is the lowest profile tires you guys suggest?

3. with 20's will I need coil overs to lower the stance? Will it set too high without them?

Thanks a lot!!
What are the widths and offsets of the wheels? Those are some of the major factors that you would need to deal with if you would want to achieve that clean non-sunken look.

Say its too late, you can always cheat and buy wheel spacers to throw the wheels out a bit more.

For what its worth, the absolute max size I would put on a 350 would be a 19 inch wheel. 20 inch wheels make the look of the car very unbalanced, It also probably wouldnt feel as nimble while cornering.. but then again it all boils down to what you prefer.

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Considering the fact that 20s are a whopping two inches larger in diameter, without springs or coilovers it does give the Z a sort of awkwardly ugly raised look.

I'm interested in seeing a few pics of your car, and wheels.

dorsey
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jun 08, 2013 7:00 am
Car: 2004 350z roadster

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Image

My z is 100% stock. I just got it.

Are those pictures you uploaded of 19 or 20" rims on those Z's?

What would you go with on 19" rims, 30 series tires? I dont like a lot of tire on my rims.

I could add a from bumper add on, side skirts and a rear bumper add on to make it seem lower.

I like the low , wide look, but Don't want to do too much or mess it up.

Plus don't want to spend a whole lot of money.

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catnipple
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IMO, if you want the low/ wide look, twenty inch wheels are definitely not what you should be looking for. As Dasoupdude said, an "awkwardly ugly raised look" is pretty much what you can expect from wheels that large in diameter, Especially if there isn't much work you want to do to the vehicle. Also, picking up a set of staggered wheels may be more expensive (especially if your looking for 20"), but if you go with smaller diameter staggered wheels you'll also save quite a bit on the wheels themselves as well as tires for years to come.

The lowest, widest looking z33 I've seen are usually running 18" wheels with rather aggressive offsets front, and rear. These cars also have quite a bit of suspension modifications as well as rolled/ pulled fenders, and limited driveability.
If you aren't comfortable with spending three grand+ on authentic wheels for your z, Varrstoen offers a few relatively aggressive options. Their new ES6 is a great looking replica wheel, that you can get in 19"x9.5" +12 front and 19"x11" +15 rear. These fitments will give your z a more aggressive stance, and would look great with any kind of exterior peices you decide to add on, especially with a slight drop.
As for tire size, it really depends on the specifications of the wheels you decide to go with, and if there are any future suspension modifications you have in mind for the future.

Your z looks like it's in great condition, looking forward to seeing your progress.

Welcom to Nico!!

dorsey
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jun 08, 2013 7:00 am
Car: 2004 350z roadster

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Thanks catnipple!
I really like some of those Varrstoen rims.

3 questions for you.

1. with 19's and a set of Tein lowering springs, would there be any fender rub?
2. I read somewhere that on a 350z, with Tein springs ( or any springs) you need to replace a part on the rear suspension that will wear out fairly fast. Is that true?
3. Is there a name for an offset that doesn't cause the lip to get bigger but forces the rim design to extend at an angle even further to the edge of the wheel?
like this http://stancedcars.tumblr.com/post/34949882729

Thanks

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catnipple
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Whether or not your gonna be rubbing definitely depends on your wheel specifications, tire size, and suspension modifications. Tein offers a few different options when it comes to springs, that offer different drops. The lower the ride height, and the more aggressive the wheels specs, the more rubbing issues you will have.
I have Varrstoen wheels on my z, they are 18"x9.5" +12 with 245/45/18 front and 18"x10.5" +15 275/40/18 rear. Riding on completely stock suspension, with these offsets and tires sizes (fronts a bit big) I rubbed front and rear going over bumps. I took care of it by rolling/ pulling the rear fenders and the front fenders more. I definitely recomend rolling and pulling your fenders, especially if you're wanting wheels as aggressive as the ones pictured in the link.

I know the stock shocks are known to wear out fast if the drop is lower than 1.0" I believe? Like any stock shocks, they aren't made to work with lowering springs that drop lower than they can handle. Another recommendation is adjustable Camber arms if you intend on lowering your z.

Offset is present on any wheel that the point of contact is anywhere other than the exact center of the wheels width. The spokes having a convex, or concave structure just depends on the style of wheel, although the more concave looking the wheel, the lower the offset will likely be.

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kuhan
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18's and 19's are the norm for 350Z's. Post some wheels you like, and we can help you more about offsets.

RWs350Z
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Joined: Sat Oct 11, 2014 7:00 am
Car: 2003 350Z
Location: Richmond, VA

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kuhan wrote:18's and 19's are the norm for 350Z's. Post some wheels you like, and we can help you more about offsets.

Is this the norm for upgrading? Mine has 17's at this point (2003).

RW

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BusyBadger
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RWs350Z wrote:
kuhan wrote:18's and 19's are the norm for 350Z's. Post some wheels you like, and we can help you more about offsets.

Is this the norm for upgrading? Mine has 17's at this point (2003).

RW
You'll occasionally see a Z running 20 inch wheels, but yes, 18s & 19s are the norm. The original base & enthusiast 350Z had 17" wheels but there was an option to purchase the 18" touring wheels.

Welcome to NICO! :badger

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catnipple
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Aesthetically, 19's seem like the sweet spot for me. Not too big, and not too small but, if you do much road racing 18" wheels will most likely be your best bet.

Image

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Unique Color Z
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Hello Catnipple,
What are the offset for your 19' rimes. I am about to get 19x9.5 and 19.10.5 for my 06 350z, I would like to know more about rim size before I get them. Thank you.

I'll post my Z after I put on the rims.

Thank you.

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catnipple
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Hello!
My specs are 19x11 +10 255/35 up front, and 19x12 +10 275/35 rear.

What brand/ series wheels are you looking at?
Those widths are popular with Varrstoen, and other, more affordable wheel manufacturers.
As for offsets, I'd recommend +12 front and +15 rear for a nice aggressive fitment, without too much fender work. These were the specs of my previous set up, just with 18's.

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Unique Color Z
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Hello,
The rims I am about to get is "white work meister reps" rims, with the size of 19x9.5 and 19x10.5, Et 22 and 25, I dont really know what those numbers mean, and the guy told me it will fit, but I really dont know, would anyone give any suggestion about this rims on my z?

[img][IMG]http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o57 ... cx4meh.jpg[/img][/img]
[img][IMG]http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o57 ... f634be.jpg[/img][/img]

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catnipple
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ET is your offset.

Offset is determined by the point in which the wheel comes into contact with the brake, as compared to the width of the wheel.
Positive offset (+) is when the point of contact is located closer towards the outter edge of the wheel, measured in milimeters from the center.
When the point of contact is located further towards the inner edge of the wheel (from the center) this gives you negative offset.
Lastly, if the point of contact is in the center of the wheel, this gives you no offset. (ET0)

The +22 will fit fine but, lower offsets give you more aggressive fitment.

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Unique Color Z
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Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it, I will try the new rims and custom the color of the vehicle and wheels before I post new look of my Z, hoping everything goes right. Good luck and drive safe to all Z friends.

Logan


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