There have been several new wheel choices available for our Z cars over the past year, here are a few that I have taken notice of. If you know of any others please post them with your reviews, let's try to make this both fun and educational at the same time!
NOTE:
These reviews are based on my own opinions.
I have set aside all wheel bias and/or brand loyalty.
Some of you may say that I have not picked any wheels above a 15" diameter. IMHO an s30 looks best with a 14 and/or 15" diameter wheel.
Rota Shakotan (available in 15x7, 15x8 and 15x9! offsets will range between 0, +10 and +15)
Positive:
* For the money this is the wheel to beat, awesome sizes available and classic timeless design.
* This wheel is based on the "Hyashi Street" which was based on the Pantera Mangusta's wheels which is considered one of the most beautiful car designs of all time.
* Easy to replace and at a low cost.
Negative:
* Like the Rota RB there is the chance that too many people will be running these at the same time and this could deflate the uniqueness of your ride.
* Very limited color selection.
* Facing of the 15x7 and 15x9 look very different, so running these sizes at the same time would give an "odd" look.
* For some, quality may be suspect.
Rating: 4.50/5
Approximate Cost: Between $500 - $650 US for a set
Work Meister CR01 (available in 15x6 to 15x12, various offsets)
Positive:
* Beautiful 2-piece wheel based on a classic design.
* Due to cost, you could have a unique ride in your area.
* Color selection is awesome.
* Quality wheel manufacturer based on history and reviews.
Negative:
* I can see a set of these babies costing you one of your children, move up a few more sizes and possibly two of your children!!
* All the pictures I have seen online show it having a uni-lug design and if that is the case then drop a half point from my rating below. I simply can't stand seeing all those holes in the center of the wheel!
Rating: 4.75/5 (would have gotten a 5 but cost scares me)
Approximate Cost: Between $1250 - $3000 US for a set
Rota Grid V or Classic (I believe these are only available in 15x8 zero offset for our cars but I could be wrong)
Positive:
* To me, this wheel is a cross between classic and modern design. It has no extreme, most people will not love it or hate it. It manages to satisfy most peoples tastes.
* Low cost and easy replacement.
Negative:
* Would have been nice to see a greater selection of widths and offsets.
* Low cost could result in too many people using these on their cars.
* For some reason color selection is limited in USA/Canada.
* For some people, Rota quality is suspect.
Rating: 3.5/5
Approximate Cost: $600 - $650 US for a set
Retro 4 (available in 14x5.5 ET +22, 15x6 ET's +3 or +24 and 15x7 ET +12 and ET +0)
Positive:
* Nice retro design. However, these wheels have an extreme design. There are those who will say that it is a beautiful classic design and then there are those that will say that some designs are better left in the past.
* Fairly affordable for the average Joe.
* This is about as "wheel period correct" as you are going to get for a new wheel.
* From what I have read online, VTO seems to make a solid product.
Negative:
* Would be nice to see this wheel available in a 15x8.
* Design has a too much of a 'four leaf clover' look for my tastes.
* Could use more color selections but two available are nice.
Rating: 3.50/5
Approximate Cost: Between $700 - $1000 US for a set.
Enkei 92 (available in 15x7 +38 and 15x8 +25)
Positive:
* Timeless mesh design (period correct).
* Choice of 3 colors.
* Availability of a 15x8.
* Good quality wheel manufacturer.
Negative:
* Offsets are a little high for an S30, 15x7 only available in a +38 and the 15x8 is only available in a +25 so spacers will most likely be needed for stock springs.
* Could be pricey.
Rating: 3/5 (hi positive offsets kill it for me)
Cost: unknown
VTO Classic 8 (available in 14x5.5 ET's +22, 15x6, 15x7, 15x8 in various offsets. Coming soon will be a 16x7 and 16x8)
Positive:
* Fantastic size selection to meet anyone's needs.
* Classic timeless 8 spoke design based on the famous Panasports racing wheels.
* Affordable, more so than the Panasports and I have read they are lighter which is a bonus.
* VTO Performance has had good reviews online from current owners.
* Available in 16" which allows greater tire selection.
Negative:
* Only available in black and silver (for those who care).
* The 8 spoke design has been copied to death across various vehicles.
Rating: 3.75/5
Cost: Estimated between $500 - $1000 US for a set.
US Indy Mag (available in 15x5.0 ET -12, 15x7.0 ET -5 and 15x8.0 ET 1)
Positive:
* Period correct wheels, this style wheel was actually a dealer option for those who could afford them. If I remember correctly, widths were limited to 6".
* They are very affordable for the average Z owner.
* Above average quality.
* Good size selection for the s30.
Negative:
* Only seem available in polished finish (for those who care).
* I just can't get over thinking about these wheels when I look down at the drain in my kitchen sink, maybe this style was inspired by an ex plumber :classic:.
* Design has been copied on multiple vehicles.
* I have only seen these sold at one location.
Rating: 3.75/5
Cost: Approximately $650 US for a set. Available here:http://www.rimsntires.com/wheel.jsp?itemid=197576&brand=US%20Mag&model=Indy&carMake=Datsun&carModel=240Z&carYear=1969
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