19" vs. 20" wheels
 

I didn't see a thread like this when I searched so I thought I would inquire.

From what I have read, most people go with 19's because 20 adds unnecessary unsprung mass but 20's fill out the wheel wells nicely so I am debating. Has anyone done a 19/20" stagger? I think Advan Racing GT's would look absolutely sick with that setup.

Your poll doesn’t have 18’s. 19’s for oem, 20’s look sick but no way due to expensive tires and bigger possibility of denting your rim. 19’s with a drop looks perfect. I’m down for 18’s with a drop and cheaper tires if not riding oem 19’s. I voted 19's

Actually... 20" tires are cheaper than 19"s. Compare 275/35/19 to 275/30/20 for example.

All the cool kids have 20's

19's are fine, 20's work depending on the wheel

There is a reason why Nissan chose 19" for 370z and 20" for GTR.

20's don't fill the wheel well any different than 19's unless your running a larger diameter tire.

^^ yes!

If the wheel is available in 19 then I'd stay 19, but if it's only available in 20 and you like the wheel, then go 20.

The diameter doesn't fill the wheel well any more but the face of the wheel does because of the larger diameter. And since 20" tires are cheaper it would both aesthetic and economical. 19" in front will put less stress on the steering system because of the lighter unsprung weight.

My personal opinion, 19's are plenty big. 20's will only reduce the performance of a performance car. The ONLY reason to go 20's is for aesthetics if you are into having the thin sidewalls and oversized rims. Having said that, the best performing tire for the Z are 18's, and the 19's are a great compromise between the two. The ONLY 20" rims I thought fit the Z well were the F14's.

i dont like the gaping hole between the rotor and barrel of the 20" wheels.

so if 20's i'd get mesh type (many spokes)... or get even bigger bbk.

Thanks everyone your input helps!

I'd rather have a good looking and light 18" wheel.

My 19" Nismo wheels are ridiculously heavy compared to my '03 350Z Track model's 18" wheels.

Just wondering why 18" tires are better than 19" performance wise?

They are lighter and you have a LOT more options when it comes to track tires. (Race cars don't ride on dubs) Plus, even the biggest big brake kits will fit behind a properly made 18" wheel.

Also, it brings the barrel half an inch closer to the hub. That's over a 5% reduction in radius. I=MR^2. That's already a 10% reduction in moment of inertia before figuring in things like a lighter barrel and spokes due to the smaller rim.

Plus it's easier and cheaper to find good tires in 18".

The only downsides I can think of are the brakes might get a little less air flow (not sure if significant) and the sidewall flex is a bit more due to having a taller sidewall. Although I'm willing to bet that the slight decrease in air flow is more than offset by the lowered inertia of the wheel putting less strain on the brakes.

Awesome, thank you

I like having the extra space between the rotor and barrel, makes it easier to wash the insides of the front wheels.

Welcome to 2013.

In 2013 I did not have a Z and would not have been interested in this thread. Now that I do I found the old post an interesting read and made a comment that was relevant and possibly interesting, as opposed to the offensive and immature remark of yours.

Does the simple passage of time negate the worth of a remark if it is on topic? Can you imagine that there might be somebody today, as opposed to six years ago, who might be interested in the pros and cons of these larger size wheels? If it's not a topic of interest to you and you have nothing of real substance to contribute you might consider refraining from making inane remarks. Attempts to humiliate and embarrass people are not in the spirit of a forum that was intended to foster thoughtful and helpful exchanges between people that have a common interest.

He lives in Canada...deep inside he is sorry for his remark.

nah, you had it coming

necrobumping is a foul

Hands down the most annoying aspect of every car forum and isn't unique to this one. Should more than a year pass, one of two things happen.

1.) You post a very similar thread asking a common question, but want information that isn't almost a decade old.
A: "use the search function" or someone posts a link to a conversation 4 years old.

2.) You contribute to an older post so that people who DO use the search function, get additional insight that is current to today.
A: "nice job necro'ing thread"

It 100% stifles conversation. Still, it's this or the facebook group where every other post is "Should've bought a Nismo....SMH Poor people". So i'll keep coming here.

Is it time to dust off the iggy list?