18 inch wheels on a sport

[debueller]

Hi all, this is my first post.

I just bought a 2013 sport with a manual, leather, and navigation. It was a challenge to find, but we got it and the wife and I love it.......and it's not black, white, or silver.......it's gunmetal grey.

I've lurked a lot and learned sooooo much. Thanks to all who contribute here.

Anyway my first question is: will a stock set of 18 inch wheels fit on a sport? I understand the brakes are different (bigger?) on a sport and would like to know if the set of used, stock, 18" wheels I have found on craigslist will fit our new (to us) Z.

Thanks in advance.

Jerry

[Chuck33079]

Yes, the OEM 18s will clear the brakes. But you'll end up with narrower tires all around, so it's a downgrade unless they're just for winter rubber.

[debueller]

Thanks.

That's what I was thinking.......tires for the winter.

Besides, our Z came with aftermarket wheels and I'm not sure the offset is right, so I want to know my options if the new tires start to wear funny.

Thanks again.....

[Chuck33079]

If you need to replace the wheels that are on there, OEM Sport wheels are for sale here all the time and they can fit a lot of tire.

[SouthArk370Z]

Originally Posted by debueller

... I'm not sure the offset is right, so I want to know my options if the new tires start to wear funny. ...

Lots of discussion about offsets on this site:
https://www.google.com/search?query=...z.com%20offset

[shirokenkami]

Not to thread hijack but will 18" wheels in general clear the Sport brakes? I've been looking into this mostly for a upgrade for shedding some weight, less rotational mass and all that.

[debueller]

Originally Posted by shirokenkami

Not to thread hijack but will 18" wheels in general clear the Sport brakes? I've been looking into this mostly for a upgrade for shedding some weight, less rotational mass and all that.

Chuck's post:

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

Yes, the OEM 18s will clear the brakes. But you'll end up with narrower tires all around, so it's a downgrade unless they're just for winter rubber.

[debueller]

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

If you need to replace the wheels that are on there, OEM Sport wheels are for sale here all the time and they can fit a lot of tire.

I'll keep an eye open. Local (western WA) would be best.......shipping four wheels might be pricey.

I found a set of nice stock 18" wheels local on craigslist for $700.....sounds kinda high.......whadda think:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/wto/5849536856.html

[debueller]

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

Lots of discussion about offsets on this site:
https://www.google.com/search?query=...z.com%20offset

Thanks for the link. I'll have to dig into it sometime.

[debueller]

I'm gonna hijack my own thread here:

I realize 18's would be a downgrade but how much more affordable are 18's vs 19's tires? My wife is going to use our Z as a commuter for now and I'm concerned about the cost of tires.

I am amazed how well our Z sticks to the road. I'm used to Wranglers, pickups, and cheap commuters. This sports car thing is new to me. A little less tire would probably be OK with us if there was a substantial cost benefit.

[shirokenkami]

Originally Posted by debueller

I'm gonna hijack my own thread here:

I realize 18's would be a downgrade but how much more affordable are 18's vs 19's tires? My wife is going to use our Z as a commuter for now and I'm concerned about the cost of tires.

I am amazed how well our Z sticks to the road. I'm used to Wranglers, pickups, and cheap commuters. This sports car thing is new to me. A little less tire would probably be OK with us if there was a substantial cost benefit.

In terms of aesthetics, sure it's a downgrade but in terms of performance an 18" wheel is right where you wanna be. It allows you to keep the weight to a minimum(more weight=more rotational inertia required) while allowing for larger brake packages.

[Ghostvette]

Originally Posted by debueller

I'm gonna hijack my own thread here:

I realize 18's would be a downgrade but how much more affordable are 18's vs 19's tires? My wife is going to use our Z as a commuter for now and I'm concerned about the cost of tires.

I am amazed how well our Z sticks to the road. I'm used to Wranglers, pickups, and cheap commuters. This sports car thing is new to me. A little less tire would probably be OK with us if there was a substantial cost benefit.

IMHO, I'd invest in a set of all seasons. (dons flame suit)..... My logic is thus, you live in Washington state, a place not known for sunshine. The stock 18" tires (Advans) don't do well in rain, so unless you like driving a skateboard in the rain, all seasons are the answer. Save the 19" tires & wheels for when you want to carve some canyons and have the time to swap wheels before & after.

[debueller]

Originally Posted by Ghostvette

IMHO, I'd invest in a set of all seasons. (dons flame suit)..... My logic is thus, you live in Washington state, a place not known for sunshine. Save the 19" tires & wheels for when you want to carve some canyons and have the time to swap wheels before & after.

My thoughts exactly. I haven't been shopping long for used wheels so I am not familiar with pricing.

How does these look for $700? Seem to me that is a bit high, even if I worked him down a hundred bucks or so and got them for $600.

Set of Factory OEM Used Nissan 370Z Wheels

What say the collective????

[Chuck33079]

You can get Sport wheels for $1k here, so $700 for base seems steep.

[Ghostvette]

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

You can get Sport wheels for $1k here, so $700 for base seems steep.

At that price, they should be pristine.