Keep base 18s?

[Room42]

I have a base 370z w/o sport package. Considering new wheels and wanted to get opinions...

1. Considering SSR F silver and a couple of the gram lights in gunmetal. Any advantages/disadvantages around staying 18" or go 19"? I do like the race look of the 18s, but how wide a tread can you put on an 18" - can I get to 275r/245f or wider on them?

2. If I go 19", can anyone speak to how the 19 looks with a base brake package? Especially with an open design like the gram lights, I'm not sure the base brake package would look all that good and I would have to go to an aftermarket big brake kit. It's crossed my mind since I'm adding a CBE and probably an intake. But... has anybody tried to paint their base calipers red, and how does that look???

[Island_370]

Originally Posted by Room42

1. Considering SSR F silver and a couple of the gram lights in gunmetal. Any advantages/disadvantages around staying 18" or go 19"? I do like the race look of the 18s, but how wide a tread can you put on an 18" - can I get to 275r/245f or wider on them?

The tire width is dependent on rim width, not diameter. You can run 355s on a 17 if it is wide enough, so if you want wider tires, buy wider rims.

I am fan of 18's....tire choice is higher, cost is lower and more sidewall helps to protect the rim from road issues---potholes, seams, etc.

A good high performance tire will have a stiff enough sidewall that you will not likely notice the extra flex from the sidewall on the street.

A while back I remember an article that stated 18in to 19 inch was the crossover where less sidewall versus more weight was a wash. The 19 rim will weigh more, but have slightly less tire flex. The larger rim also adds slight flex of the rim itself, as well. The advantage of less flex is equalized but the more weight. (same tire-rim combo). 17's to 18s is worth it, 18 to 19 is a wash, 19 to 20 is negative. All of this is road course specific. Looks is a personal choice, and I dont give 2 sh|ts about drag racing.

[Eric]

I'd say keep them if you have the space and you don't need the extra $$$ for selling them. It never hurts to have an extra set of tires.