Which Watanabe's to look for

[lvmy240z]

I'm living in Japan until next June and I want to get a set of Watanabe's to take back with me. What size/dimensions should I look for? My Z has Koni's and street springs so it's lowered about an inch or so from stock.

[v12horse]

Hi Pete,

To determine what size/offset wheels that you want depends on what kind of look you are going for. The classic Japanese look of the 70's is a lot of dish with tall tires. The 14" configuration that Watanabe recommends would look very old school and great on your lowered Z. The 15" wheels look more modern, but I have seen pictures of Z's with them and the cars looked great.

Here are the recommended sizes from Watanabe. Both configurations look good, but I prefer the 14" wheels as the 14" look more period correct in my opinion, compared to the 15" wheels.

Front: type A: 14-70†+3

Rear: type B 14-75 +1.5

Front: F8 15-70(+1)

Rear: F8 15-75(+2)

There is some give and take with these wheels sizes and offsets, but I would not go over 7.5j with a -3.5mm offset (type A) for the rear with the 14" wheels.

I hope this was helpful. You will not regret getting Watanabe's for your car.

Ben

The silver Z:

front: type A +3mm 14 by 7j

Rear: type A -3.5mm 14 by 7.5j

The white Z has the recommended Watanabe sizes for the 15" wheels as stated above.

p.s. These pictures were taken from the Rs-Watanabe website.

[HS30-H]

How's about that for a comprehensive and accurate reply to a request for help and advice?

Too often this kind of effort goes unthanked, unreplied to, and ( seemingly ) unappreciated.

Nice posting, Ben. People like yourself are what makes a site like this a valuable resource. :classic:

[lvmy240z]

Ben,

I appreciate your time and effort in filling me in on what to look for. I'll update this if and when I find a set.

Pete

[seerex]

hey are you moving to the states when you leave japan?

[lvmy240z]

Yeah. I'm kind of bummed as I hate to leave, but I get re-united with my Z. I'll be moving to middle Georgia, Robins AFB.

ben,

If I tell a Japanese guys those sizes (I assume they're inches), is it something he'll understand or do I need to do metric mental gymnastics?

Thanks,

Pete

[v12horse]

He will understand. Say the type as well. If you want the 14 by 7.5j with the +1.5mm, just say you are looking for the 14 by 7.5j Type B rim. Good luck on finding the wheels.

[Ben]

Don't forget the biggest size in F8's!

F:F815-75 +8.5

R:F815-80 +7

(speaking of which - just got my set of 16x7 & 16x7.5 F8's for my DR30. Now I need to buy some 235/45/16 tyres!)

[lvmy240z]

Well, I emailed the guy the information and tld him I preferred the 14's. I probably won't be too picky depending on what he's able to find. I'll update this thread when I hear something.

[240znz]

Heh guys, can someone post the link for the Rs-Watanabe website please. I wouldn't mind a gander at that. I've been trying to search on the net but no luck.

Cheers

[v12horse]

http://www.rs-watanabe.co.jp/index2.htm

[240znz]

Thanks Ben