Any benefit to upgrading spare tire from base to sport?
 

Hey guys,

So while searching for something else on Craigslist I stumbled upon some guy selling his never used 18" alloy enkei from his 2019 Z to make way for a sub for $150.

I have a 6 speed base model 2020 that came with the steel spare. I also have no intention of upgrading to the akebono brakes.

Is there any benefit at all for 'upgrading' from the steel spare to the enkei alloy? Since aluminum is lighter than steel, will there be any weight loss benefit for when it hopefully never sees the light of day again just sitting in the trunk? Is there any benefit for if I ever have to use it? Is it more capable and durable than the regular steel donught and closer to being like a normal wheel (it sure does look nice for a spare). For example, I do notice the base steel spare uses a bias ply tire while the alloy enkei uses a radial tire. Thanks!

You need to make sure the tire diameter on the 18" enkei spare matches the tire diameter on your base wheels. This will likely require replacing the tire that is on the spare wheel you are purchasing.

Sure it's a nicer wheel. But you aren't looking for performance out of the thing. You just need it for an emergency.

Use this calculator to check the tire diameters: Custom wheels, rim tire packages

The only reason the sport version of the spare tire exists is to clear the sport brakes on the Z cars with that option. You can use the sport spare on a base Z with no issues however, keep in mind that you will need to change the hold down bolt in your trunk since the base one is not long enough for a sport spare.

Right, I guess the primary potential benefit I am looking for is weight savings. Has anyone ever weighed these or done a weight comparison on these before? Thanks

Are we really doing this?

I mean unless you're hunting for tenths on a race track, when are you ever gonna notice a few pounds difference between a steelie and a sport wheel (if there even is a difference)?

And if you were hunting for tenths on a race track you wouldn't have either in your trunk. You'd have a bunch of full size extra wheels in your race trailer.

It is absolutely hilarious when folks in stock cars going to the grocery store ask about "weight savings"

sorry man, i think you got other things to do before worrying about the weight there

As mentioned above, you can use a Sport spare ... but why? It's a spare.

If that's what you want, then go for it - it won't hurt anything as long as the diameter of the tire is the same - but it's pretty much a waste of money. But it's not my money so do whatever makes you happy. :)

Hmph, guess I need to find a new spare. Something I hadn't considered when upgrading the brakes.

This is exactly the kind of response this thread deserves. Thank you.

Op. Please learn from this experience and mild chiding. We still love you and want you to keep posting, but this was ridiculous.

:bowrofl:

For $150 - I Would - You Can Sell Your Steelie For $100 Easy - And It's Cooler - :tup:

The spare from the sport model uses lug nuts from the Rays wheels which are different from the base model.

Is This True - OEM Base Lug Nuts Do Not Work With Rays Wheels - If So - Anyone Have The Nissan Part # For Rays Wheel Lugs - Thanks - :tiphat:

All oem 370 lug nuts are the same :ugh2:
It’s a mag style nut, with the tips tapered enough to hold spare tire secure :tiphat:

That is incorrect.

Nope.

:roflpuke2: I got the one for the G from a local junk yard for $50.

Did you really just say cooler spare freaking wheel :inoutroflpuke: :facepalm: