Bassett Racing Wheels

[9/73-E31-260z]

So I came across these wheels and I really like them, love the NASCAR style (I swear I'm not a redneck) and I have think they'd look really good on my 260z. Just wondering if anyone has any experience/info/knows anyone with experience/info on Bassett. They're steel, 15x8 (the size I want to get) and are avilable in a number of backspacing sizes.

Also can anyone point me to a thread for stock s30 offset? I can't seem to find one

Thaks

http://www.bassettwheel.com/dot.html

Edited November 15, 2013 by 9/73-E31-260z

[9/73-E31-260z]

Also I'm loving the price ($65/wheel), almost cheap enough to buy just to try out.

[tube80z]

There are a number of companies that make these.  Basset, Diamond, Butler, Aero, etc.  15x8 is typically used on IMCA dirt cars and some versions are a little heavy.  For street that's what you want versus the lightweight ones.  They are good for racing but may fold up when you hit them really hard.

 

Cary

[JMortensen]

I had the heavier steel wheels (15x8s were 23 or so lbs each) from Paulsen on my Z and I used to crash straight over curbs at the track, never had any issues. I wouldn't do that with the thinner spun shells though.

 

Having recently bought a set of the lightweight Diamond Racing wheels from tube80z and then gotten a set of lightweight Bassetts, I like the Bassetts a LOT better. They have more space between spokes and they have the outer rim lip folded over for strength, which also makes the tires just fall right onto the rims. They just look like they're made a lot better all around.

[bigbreak_2000]

the concave shape may fit big break kits as well. I like these...

[9/73-E31-260z]

I really like them too.

And same thing I've heard JMortensen, I Googled what I could about them and I saw one post of a guy that said he hit a curb going like 40+ and all that happened was the wheel took a huge chunk out of the curb but just minimal damage to the wheel.

They come in 15x7 as well but neither 8 or 7 seem to be available in 0 offset, with stock brakes and suspension (for now...) can I run the 4" backspace? (-12mm offset) Only other option would be -32mm o.O

I'd also probably throw some ZG type flares on with them

[JMortensen]

If you have big brakes, call them and ask for a "deep bell". That's the trick, and yes, they clear 12" wilwoods if they're done right.

[bigbreak_2000]

^{heavy wheels though..at minimum 21.75lbs each...ouch}

[RebekahsZ]

The fascination with light wheels is funny. My hoosier R6s weigh so dang much that differences in wheel weight seem pretty trivial. I would like $60 wheels if they were made out of lead! Now if you wanna talk paper-thin drag tires we have something to discuss.

[JMortensen]

Weight makes a difference. I traded a set of Carroll Shelby 15x7s to a friend of mine. I took her 6 spoke 280ZX rims (14 lbs each). I warned her that the 15s were 25 lbs each, but she wanted them. She drove home (about 150 miles) and when she got there, she said that the car felt slower and the brakes didn't seem to work as well. I offered to trade back, but she liked the look of the 15s. The lightweight steel wheels really aren't that bad in comparison to alloys, but the heavier ones are noticeable for sure.

Edited November 16, 2013 by JMortensen

[9/73-E31-260z]

So what about the offset options then? With stock brakes and suspension

[roger280zx]

The fascination with light wheels is funny. My hoosier R6s weigh so dang much that differences in wheel weight seem pretty trivial. I would like $60 wheels if they were made out of lead! Now if you wanna talk paper-thin drag tires we have something to discuss.

The fascination is with unsprung and rotational weight.  The greatest impact to both is made at the wheel and tire.  Your r6s are heavy relative to what?  According to hoosiers spec sheet the only ones I can find over 30 lbs start with a 3....and end with a....19.  For example a 315/35/17 r6 weights 27 lbs, a Kumho exta is 34, and goodyear f1 is 30 lbs.  Slicks are always lighter, even r6's.

[RebekahsZ]

I sit corrected. I appreciate the schoolin'.

[Ben280]

I've been using Bassetts for a year and a half for so, some street driving and a lot of racing. Car feels super snappy and the weight is low. 

 

Wheel/offsets

Fronts- 15x10 4.5" inch back spacing
Rears- 15x11 5" inch back spacing

 

With a wheel that wide in the front though, I should have spaced the front wheel out more as I BARELY clear the AZC shortened knuckles. Back wheel could be spaced in more as at my ride height I rub a teensy bit in hard corners. You can see photos of the car with the wheels on my build thread. 

[9/73-E31-260z]

So should I be good with 15x8 4" backspace all the way around with stock everything? Also what size tire do you have?

I really think I'm gonna have to pick a set of these up, and just skip trying to deal with trying to find tires for my 14x7s

Edited November 18, 2013 by 9/73-E31-260z

[9/73-E31-260z]

So I think I might actually do 15x7 in front and 15x8 in the rear, both with 4" of offset. This will give me the same fitment I have now with the 14x7s but wider in the rear with a larger diameter. Unless it would be better to just do 8" wide all around?

[BluDestiny]

I would go the same all around, simply so I could rotate tires, especially if its more of a street car than anything, which sounds like what you're doing.

[9/73-E31-260z]

I think I will do that...

Since 15x7 is cheaper, would it be much better if I did that but with like -6 offset? Slightly wider track for better handling but without tougher slow speed steering effort.

Or is it just worth it to get the 15x8s? Since they're so cheap I can always just upgrade to 8" later when I upgrade suspension and such, but since everything is stock I cam just do this.

[Rob240z]

I like the look of nascar style wheels on classic cars too. Here's a picture of a really cool s30 with rims like that. I'm not sure what brand they are though.

 

sstp-1304-01+shokuji-jtin-car-show+datsun-240z by Rob Olejniczak, on Flickr

[9/73-E31-260z]

I asked my friend to see what her dad thinks about nascar rims on a datsun (his dad was a Datsun specialist back in the day, and he himself had several over the years), he said "Why don't you find some nice Panasports or something?" Guess not everyone likes the idea x]
But they're huge nascar fans so I thought he'd like it, but maybe he just doesn't equate the classic imports with nascar. Even though Toyota has been pretty successful in it. 
Anyways, since my electrical work is costing more than I'd anticipated (never using a shop ever again... this was supposed to save me time *two months and $400 later....*) I probably won't be able to pull the trigger on these wheels for a little while (Unless santa is feeling mighty generous this year... sike)