I am looking to get some new shoes for my Z and wanted to know how the 18's fit on the Z. Do I have to lower my car with eibach springs for it to look ok. I have also heard that if I install these springs it might actually raise my car because of the cars fat *** =0) wearing out the original springs. Anyone have this problem. Just looking for information and testimonials on this subject before I drop the cash.

 

Wouldn't 17"front and 18"rear have the same effect but be less expensive? I like the new Nismo 5 spoke rims from Rays Engineering. They make them in three finishes and range in size from 16" to 18". Sport Compact Car put these rims on their project 350Z. I think that they would also look great on the 300Z. The 18" front weigh only 18lbs and the rear 18" weigh only 18.8lbs. Plus the rear have a slight pitch toward the hub that give it a slight deep dish look. Unfortunately I've only been able to find them at Japanparts.com. Since they import everything from Japan, all their parts are unforgivably expensive. The charge to much for parts and rims!! Those Bastards!!

If anyone cares I even included a pic. peace

 

Usually offset is used to determine caliper clearance. I never heard of offset affecting ride quality. I think the type of tire used would have more of a direct affect. Also, as long as your re-align your suspension after a wheel size upgrade and correct the camber the ride shouldn't be all that harsh. If the suspension is upgraded to say, an adjustable setup like Tokico Illuminas/KYB AGX, the ride could very well be better than stock with improved cornering and grip. As long as your suspension isn't totally shot your ride doesn't have to "ride like ***."

 

Just remember that the Z is a sports car not a luxury car, so don't expect it to ride like a G35. I've seen big 18x10's on Z's, so 19 wouldn't be much of a stretch. Although, I'd never put 19's on my Z for weight and money reasons, I could see someone doin it for show reasons. And isn't that why most people do those things. Overkill maybe, but doable.

 

that would work but I'd also consider upgrading the brakes at that point. With wheels that large you're gonna end up makin the stockers look quite puny.
Are the Volks that you want lighter than say 20 lbs per rim? With rubber you'll probably be nearing 30 lbs per wheel/tire. That'll put you about stock weight, depending on the tire probably under. Then all you gotta do then is check for obvious compatibilty (will it even line up), offset (for brake clearance), and weight (for hp, fuel economy, sytle, etc). Let me know what you find.

 

Hey edd300zx,

That image you had uploaded was more than just pretty sweet! Except for the missing logo on the side window, that's a straight up super rare (my personal dream car) 365bhp Stillen Z...or a pretty darn beatiful and accurate replica!! I've been looking for one since I learned how to see with my eyes! If anyone ever come across another SMZ, please hook a brother up!! (let me know...)

 

Stillen still offers that particular style of kit, along with the wing.
It is nice though.
The SMZ 300zx are EXTREMELY rare and you'll be EXTREMELY lucky to find an owner who would want to part with one. That's basically a collectible car and will be next to impossible to find. Let alone find one for sale. I think it'd be easier to build your own replica than try to find one.