Wheel Identification & Tire Size?

[Threehz]

Well I've been wanting to get some nice Rota RB's but stylish wheels are not anywhere near the top of my priority list for my Z. However I'm going to definitely need new tires and I don't want to throw them on the black nasty stock rims, even with hubcaps...

So I went to the all mighty craigslist!

Picked these up for a bargain! They are 14x6's, two out of four caps but that's not a big deal for me as those are replaceable and not the important thing. They look straight and are in great condition (just dusty).

First of all can anyone identify these wheels? One of the two caps says "Modern" and there is a symbol, I can get a better picture of it tomorrow after I clean them up.. as you can see I haven't even taken them out of my truck.

Secondly I don't know a great deal about wheels or tires and I'm wondering what size tires I should put on these?

Thanks!

[Threehz]

Alright well this morning I cleaned the wheels up and they are look really good! As for identifying them one cap still has a logo on it, big M and Modern under it. I have had NO luck looking them up on google. Each wheel has a stamp saying INSP. July 18 1988, so I'm guessing that is around the time they were manufactured? The PO said that in the 80's those were "the wheels to have!"

Anyhow I'd really appreciate it if anyone knows what these are, here are some picture of them cleaned up!

[Arne]

Modern is a private label of American Racing. Same wheels, different caps. AR caps will fit.

[5thhorsemann]

Western wheel "speedster directionals"

The caps are not original to the wheels.

I put 235/60R14 tires on all the way around and experienced rubbing till I put the new Stiff springs up front. The back still rub on big bumps but no longer on curves. The new springs will fix the rear rub when I get healthy enough to install them. They look really good when they are shined up. Hope this helps.

[Arne]

Western wheel "speedster directionals"

The caps are not original to the wheels.

I disagree. American made that style as well, I sold piles of them (labeled as Moderns) back in the '80s. And neither the luster of the clear coat nor the approvals label pictured in the drop center of the wheel look right for a Western.

[Threehz]

Well when I search for American Racing Directionals they come up, and nothing else results in them. Thanks for the help with identifying them!

Now 5th you're saying 235 60 14 caused rubbing, until you replaced the springs but still rubs on bumps? It looks like clearance is fine from the top and sides of tire so was it rubbing against the sides?

[5thhorsemann]

My springs were mush, I did the fronts, then got slammed with work. Work load lightened, and I turned around and broke a few ribs. I actually drove the car for the first time today since hurting myself, but I'm still weeks away from being able to do the rear suspension. So, the rear of the car is still very loose spring wise, and when I hit a hump, dip or big bump the rear tires rub ever so slightly against the return, or lip of the quarter panels.

Can you post a pic of the back side of your wheels, I was told that mine were westerns by the mechanic that mounted the tires, but I have no actual documentation to back it up. I'd like to see if the casting marks match up.

Edited August 11, 2011 by 5thhorsemann

[Threehz]

Aww man sorry to hear about your ribs, I've done that before and it is not fun.. How do you like the ride with those size tires on them?

And here is a picture of the back

[5thhorsemann]

Nope, Not westerns, must be the american racing wheels. They look like the castings are ALOT lighter than mine. Thanks for the pic. With the fat tires it handels great, a little tough to steer in parking lots though.

[Threehz]

Hmm interesting, and what do you mean by the castings look lighter?

Are yours 14x6 aswell?

[5thhorsemann]

Mine are 14x7, by lighter, I mean they are thicker, not as many empty spaces in the mould when they cast the centers. Could be that they cast them heavier to accomodate the wider rim and deeper offset. But they definetly are different than what I have.

[Arne]

Yes, after seeing the back side, I'm confident those are AmRace/Moderns. I can't recall what "AHI" stands for, but most all AmRace wheels have it.

FWIW, that basic style was made by many companies. It was first seen as the Enkei Type 26, a true 3-piece wheel. Numerous companies made one- and two-piece copies. AmRace, Western, Ultra, Prime and Eagle come immediately to mind, but I'm sure there were others as well.

Also, 235/60-14 will be a bit pinched on a 14x6. I'd normally recommend 185-225 as ideal for a 6" rim.

Edited August 11, 2011 by Arne