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Looks like I need some bigger wheels


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Those following the rotor thread will see my new Outlaw set-up wont clear my street wheels. I've got some old gold fake multipiece (the 'bolts' are plastic) generic wheels. I think 15x8 w/ old 225/60 Dunlap sports. There's nothing sporty about those tires and the overall set-up is VERY dated but I do have lots of tread left :). Anyway I'm weighing my options to clear the new calipers. I was not planning on spending this kind of money on wheels/tires - well I wasn't planning on spending any quite frankly so this sucks but maybe an excuse to upgrade a bit ... or at least leave the 80's. I think 16" is perfect for a Z despite being a bit of an oddball size and most seem to only come in 7" width. Would like wider to fill out the ZG flares if possible but we'll see. I like the classic Watanabe or the CCWs but am not willing to spend that kind of $$. Looking at options for cheap wheels I found Konig Supermesh 16x7 for $449 Shipped for set of 4 and they look nice to me. So any other suggestions out there?

 

This may also be an opportunity to just run the street tires when it's cold instead of the slicks. I recently got a set of Falken Ziex RE-912s for my DD based on recommendation from Grassroots Motorsports and I really, really like them. They handle great, very stable, excellent turn-in, w/high grip despite being an 'all season' tire. They are also cheap at $87 a piece for the 245/50R16 in W speed rating. So on the tire front any recommendations there as well?

 

Wanting to come in under a grand total if possible. I have dedicated rims/slicks for racing so these will be the getting there on the street combo and the I dont feel like changing tires combo (so would like decent track/autocross wear) plus what I use the on the occasion I take it to the strip.

 

Thanks

Cameron

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Any of the Sportmax series (002 or 513) will get you a 16"x8" that fits (suspension wise, can't comment on brake clearance) for super cheap, and I think they look great (I have the black 513s in 15x8 personally). Here's a link to black 513s in 16x8. If you want a different color/style, they're all over eBay.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/16x8-XXR-BLACK-513-WHEELS-RIMS-XB-E30-AE86-SPORTMAX_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem330317673013QQitemZ330317673013QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

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Just an FYI, I got an email back from Kim and all of the colors are in stock on those Rota RB-R's 17X9.5.

 

After reading the 'show off your wheels' thread it seems everyone has the wat/panasport knock-offs. Makes me want to do something different. I like the Rota GT3's or the Track R. Those Potenzas are a screeming deal. Hard to pass up but I'm struggling 16 vs 17" as I've always liked the look of 16s better on a S30. They only list 16x7s so I wonder if they go up to 8, 9, or even 10" width?

 

Cameron

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Stick with the 16's! I'm amazed at how many people do the 17's considering the extra weight(and cost). Un-sprung weight is everything, especially when it's rotational mass. The tire selection in 16's really isn't too bad, yes you do have more in 17's but they are much more costly as well. I caught an awesome deal and got my Rota RB's 16x8 for $565 shipped w/ lug nuts. Plus they only weigh 16lb's each, and they should clear your brake setup.

 

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Tried to order some 16x8 Rota RB's Friday and got a note back the Rota has no ETA and none are available now :(. I even paid and was refunded! Not much out there in 16x8 and the tire selection limits to around 225. With high power and good suspension it makes it harder and harder not to jump to the 17's. Just think the 16s look better and the weight is a killer. Guess I'll keep looking.

 

Anyone run Diamonds on the street? I use them for my race tires and may just concede and get some more for the street tires.

 

Cameron

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That does look sharp. Looks like 47 lb (19 rim, 28 tire) 17x8.5 and 245s - compared to my 15x10 steel race wheels w/ 9.5" slick or my current street 15x8 225s that funny enough both weigh approx only 36 lb. So 44 lb weight gain just for tires and rims. With the 16x8 RBs w/ 225s your still looking at 16+26 or 42 lb a corner. So basically 20 lb penalty to go up to 17" and 245s. I'm guessing the extra tire width would be worth it though. Still pondering ...

 

Cameron

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What tire sizes you running?

 

I'm running 225x45. I get slight rubbing in the rear over big bumps in the road, but I haven't rolled my fenders yet. I beleive that after roll them it will not rub anymore. 245 would probably be pushing it. Installing stiffer springs and shocks helped with rubbing. Also removing that heavy 280z rear bumper helped.

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16 or 17 dosen't matter really. If you are being that strict with weight and performance, mabye you should be looking at everything else, not which wheels to buy... there are other areas in performance you should do first..For a daily driver, street/strip, just pick the wheels you like the most..

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  • 4 weeks later...
Driving impressions Cameron? Clearance Potenzas were 245 yes? 9.5 on all 4?

 

Dave

 

9" front, 9.5" rear. 245's all around. Wanted wider rears to match the rims but 245's is all they had on the clearance deal. Autocross today the tires were not as sticky as I had hoped. Not sure if they are aged from being a year or two old or are as sticky as street tires get. I've never had good street tires so I have nothing to compare. Overall I was somewhat disappointed with the grip levels but they show minimal wear after one autocross and several hundred street miles. Did I mention they are HUGE in diameter. Driving on the street they are fine. I can't hear them but my diff wines and the engine is a little uh loud.

 

Cameron

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