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Why 19?
I want to get this discussion going, because I've read several threads that deal with sizes in one way or another, but none address the basic issue: Other than Bling, Why did Nissan go with 19" wheels on the Sport Package? If anyone needs the lightest possible wheel, it's the enthusiast who who drives hard and is willing to pay for extra performance. Between these wheels (23+ pounds) and threads talking about how lame the LSD is, I almost bought the basic model. For pure "tuners," fine--whatever looks best. But for sporting drivers, lighter is better and the Rays 19 is not. Other companies make quality wheels as wide as 10" and weighing as little as 17-19 pounds. Nissan blew it.
A related issue: Do we really need to run a staggered set-up on our Zs, or could we run the same wheel at all four corners? OK, let's get talking! :tiphat: WEIGHT IS THE ENEMY. |
Mike runs 275(?) all around on his 370z and he enjoys it, so no you do not need staggered.
The Rays are actually very good, 24 pounds for 19s is tough to beat from factory and to beat that weight you are going to be dropping 3k or more for some brands and a smaller size for many others. The Rays are very solid and durable, I think Nissan actually gets a huge +1 from the 19s in my opinion, they are track ready, are not overly wide in which you are limited to certain tires and offer a nice style. While the Z is an enthusiasts vehicle, it is a common vehicle which reaches many levels of enthusiasts. From tuners, to tracks, to show cars, and currently the 19 provided the added benefit of putting a BBK without much need to have a very custom wheel. Some 18s will not fit the stock BBK (or aftermarket BBKs) with some "fine tuning." |
While we're at why didn't they just turbo the engine too? Or come from the factory with a high flow exhaust. Or have a full blown LSD?
The reason is that this is coming from a manufacturer that needs to make certain compromises to sell the vehicle. Better wheels? Base price up, sales down. Better LSD? More noise, sales down. High flow exhaust? More noise, sales down. Certain cars are made to be dedicated to the track (e.g. Elise) but this car is not. Nissan needs to appeal to a larger audience to turn a profit. |
Well considered, thoughtful reply. Thank you, Dreamer.
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Another good response. Thank you,. CBRich. :hello:
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I'm curious. What about 20's? would that kill some of the handling of the car? Or are 19's ideal for all around daily driving and track?
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You can put 20's, as some members can already attest to, but I don't think they're a great idea if you're going to track. If you daily drive, sure, it may be an option, but I'm seeing 20's as people who have the car for show-like purposes.
Again, if you track you probably will notice a difference with 20" rims on. Could get into a discussion of sprung weight, etc. etc., but I'm lazy, and I'm also no expert on the subject. |
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Though, I've always been curious since I've never driven a car with two sets of wheels -- do you really notice the 2-4 extra pounds a wheel? Is it noticeable more-so because of the position? Would you only notice it on the track at certain speeds? |
4 lbs of rotational mass per wheel will no doubt feel different. That's why it's more effective save 20 lbs on lighter wheels than to shave 20 lbs from the cabin. The car will accelerate faster, brake faster, turn a corner faster, and feel much quicker on its feet.
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With the stock 19's the 370Z pulls more than 0.93g's in the corners (0.99 in some tests), 0-60 in low 5's, 1/4 mile in low to mid 13's, brakes 60-0 in less than 111 ft., and is faster around a race track than an Evo or STi stock for stock...
I don't think the 19's are hurting the car any. Also keep in mind that Ferrari, Koenigsegg, Lambo, and Zonda, along with other exotics use 19 inch wheels. |
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