iflyfast1 Posted July 26, 2004 Share Posted July 26, 2004 I've got a 260Z with 16X7 Panasports without coil overs. The car is lowered one inch. What is the biggest tire that will fit without rubbing? I did a search and it looks like a 225/50-16 might fit but I'd like to hear back from people who are presently driving their car. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SR240Z Posted July 26, 2004 Share Posted July 26, 2004 well when my daily driver z was running under its own power i had 225/45/16 all around and wouldnt rub, as long as the suspension is pretty stiff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scorreia Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 There is a 215/45/16 Falken Azenis that although isn't huge, is a great tire and inexpensive as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad-ManQ45 Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 225/50/16's work. For ultimate handling a 205/55/16 would probably work better due to rim width. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 Depends on the offset of the wheels. If they are '0' offset the 225/50x16's will rub on the inner fender lip in the rear. If you remove about 1/8" of the rolled in lip you should be OK. If the wheels have a +10-12mm offset you should be fine. No problems in the front at either offset - only in the rear. I had the problem on my non-lowered 280Z on sharp corners & heavy bumps with both 225/50-16's and 215/55-16's with '0' offset 16x7 Center Lines. Finally got frustrated and attacked the fenderwell with a grinder and about 1 1/2 hours later and a couple test runs I had no more problems. Not a real good idea on a car with a nice paint job but I had a track day to run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iflyfast1 Posted July 29, 2004 Author Share Posted July 29, 2004 The Panasports have a 6mm positive offset so that should move the tire in about 1/4 inch giving me a bit more room. I've got about 5/8 inch clearance between the inside rim and the coil spring perch so I don't anticipate any problems there. Still I was hoping to run 225/55-16... (cheap rearend gear ratio change!) Sounds like the 225/50-16 is already pushing it though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Posted July 30, 2004 Share Posted July 30, 2004 You might get away with it. Get a local tire shop to mount one up for you. What you'll notice with the 255/55-16 is that the tire diameter will be getting really close to the fender well edge in the front when you turn. I don't think it will hit but you'll be about 3/8" off. Nothing to lose but a little time to check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 305240 Posted July 30, 2004 Share Posted July 30, 2004 I'm running 225/50/16's on my 81 with 159,+++ miles on the still stock sagging suspension. The rear tires are at least 1 1/2" above the fender lip and don't rub. No rubbing on the front either. I don't think I would go any bigger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Posted July 30, 2004 Share Posted July 30, 2004 Be careful - the 260Z is the S30 body while an '81 is a 280ZX, S130 body. They are different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iflyfast1 Posted August 2, 2004 Author Share Posted August 2, 2004 I think I'll stay on the safe side and use the 225/50-16's. I can always try the 55 series next time around. Thanks for the help guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean73 Posted August 2, 2004 Share Posted August 2, 2004 I have 225/60/16 tires and Panasports with zero offset. The tires did rub on bumps and dips in the road with stock suspension. I switched to Arizona Z car heavy duty springs, and the rubbing ceased. I am sure that if I hit a big enough bump, the tires would still rub. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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