Trouble finding rims

[sblake01]

Originally posted by Teranfirbt

I'm pretty sure the bolt pattern on these cars is 114.3x4?

If so check out the billet series that centerline has, they will fit it great.

Sentra rims WILL NOT fit on a Z. The early Sentra and Pulsar (through 1986) had the same bolt pattern as a Z, 510 etc. But from 1987 on Sentras, NXs, etc. had that 4 on 100mm. The Z is 4 on 4.5" which is 114.3mm. Check out the attachment.

[240Z4me]

Originally posted by Zrush

That was one of the hardest parts of restoring the '77 280Z. Finding some nice rims that would fit. I didn't want to have rubber bands for tires like the ricers. I love the old school SS Cragars, but someone said that they tend to chip. For now we have the 14 inch Weld Draglites. When we upgrade the brakes we are going for 16 inch rims and the search will begin again.

Vicky

I looked at your gallery. Nice car. What size are the rims, tires. Also is the car lowered. I would like to put those same rims on my 240Z

[daddz]

TeranfirbT

Yes, I forgot about those. Any rim off a 4 lug mustang will work (early to mid 80's)

Be careful as the Fox body Mustangs use a 4 on 4.25" (4x110mm)bolt pattern and the Z uses 4 on 4.5" (4 on 114.3mm) bolt pattern.

If you want to try a FWD style wheel the following website contact may be helpful:

http://www.wheeladapter.com/

As for finding wheels (both used and new) I usually search on google with something like:

"enkei 92 for sale"

I currently run the following on my Z's:

'78 280Z (avatar): 15x7 ARE mesh wheels w/ zero offset & zero backspacing and P225/50ZR15 Dunlop SP8000. The Tokico Illuminas and Tokico springs add to the "look" with a 1" drop.

'82 280ZX hardtop: 15x7 Enkei 92 mesh wheels w/ same offset & backspacing as above and P215/60HR15 BF Goodrich T/A HR4's. This car looks better than it should thanks to the Tokico HP's and Tokico springs giving a 1" drop.

'86 300ZX hardtop: 16x7 ARE 3 piece mesh wheels (BBS RS imitators) w/ black centers and P225/50VR16 Yokohama ES100's. This car looks a bit cartoonish since the Tokico HP's and Tokico springs lowered the car more than I expected. The front is obnoxiuosly low although the measured drop was 1" it gives the car a rake.

....and the latest as yet to be installed on the Datsun Dynanics '78 280Z:

16x7 and 16x8 Epsilon 2 piece mesh wheels w/ P225/50VR16 up front and P245/45VR16 out back w/ Tokico Illuminas and Tokico springs (1" drop)

If you plan on installing any type of lowering springs do so before finding your wheel and tire package. If you plan on using any type of spacer I would opt for longer wheel studs so that you have more threads to lock your wheel and tire package to the hub.

Good luck on your wheel and tire odyssey.

[ChrisA]

I was thinking that some of the alloy wheels off the earliest 280ZX's also fit the 240Z. Seems like I have seen quite a few galleries with the "Iron Cross?" wheel on some cars. I used to run some 280ZX wheels that looked like a honey comb on a 280Z chassis. They came off one of the first Turbo'd Z. I dont remember having any clearance issues with them and I do believe they were 16". Hope this might help.

[Zrush]

Originally posted by 240Z4me

I looked at your gallery. Nice car. What size are the rims, tires. Also is the car lowered. I would like to put those same rims on my 240Z

Hey 240Z4me

The rims are 14" Weld Draglites with BF Goodrich Performance tires. I believe they are P205/60R14 in the front and P225/60R14 in the back. I would have to double check with my husband (his car). Yes the car is lowered 2 inches. Thanks for the nice words about the car and good luck with your Z.

Vicky

[SuDZ]

Originally posted by SuDZ

I am pretty much skipping that idea now. But I did kind of like the wheels that are on zcarpart.com , the "Racer" wheels. I am not sure though how they would look. I am trying to look around for pictures on the site but not having much luck so far.

SuDZ

Does anyone know of any pictures they have seen with these wheels? I am still trying to track some down but not having much luck.

SuDZ

[Victor Laury]

Geez Vicky, Just saw your gallery. Maybe a bit of a red fetish?

[240Z4me]

Will a 14x7 with 4" backspacing fit on my stock 73, or should I go up to 15x7. Problem is my 14" tires are still good. I am looking at the American Racing outlaw series. Could I run a larger(wider) tire on the rear and stay under the wheel wells. I currently run 185/75/14 all the way around. My other option is to try and have my stock mags polished and the curb rash fixed, but I want something different. No offense anyone.

[240Z4me]

I purchased the 14x7 American racing outlaw rims today, should have them by Friday. I have two tire options, I can put my current 185/75/14 tires on these rims, or I can swap with another vehicle I am going to sell, it has 215/60/14 tires, brand new Cooper cobras. Will this leave to much of a wheel well gap, and will it stick out of the wheel wells at all. The suspension is all stock and no fender flares. Any help is appreciated.

[SuDZ]

Originally posted by 240Z4me

I purchased the 14x7 American racing outlaw rims today, should have them by Friday. I have two tire options, I can put my current 185/75/14 tires on these rims, or I can swap with another vehicle I am going to sell, it has 215/60/14 tires, brand new Cooper cobras. Will this leave to much of a wheel well gap, and will it stick out of the wheel wells at all. The suspension is all stock and no fender flares. Any help is appreciated.

Out of curiosity did you get the outlaw I or the outlaw II ?

SuDZ

[CoastGuardZ]

240z4me,

here is a site that will convert your tire sizes to give you diameter and whatnot. I put in the 2 sizes you mentioned and the 185's are just over a half inch taller than the 215's. IMO go with the 215's. They will look better.

http://www.powerdog.com/tiresize.cgi

Nate

[240Z4me]

I had the rims and 215 tires put on yesterday. Man, it looks sweet. What a difference. It was the Outlaw II that I put on. I promise to post a pic this weekend. Thanks for the help everyone.