Should I run 15's or 14's?

Suspension, including wheel, tire and brake.
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B^2
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Should I run 15's or 14's?

Post by B^2 »

Hello,

I'm thinking about finally making the switch to some 280xz struts up front. I'm still undecided if I want to run coilovers. I'm thinking I might do it to have the flexibility. I also want to convert the rears to disc as well. I'm running a stock L20B so I don't need huge brakes but I want something decent for every day type driving and maybe some light auto-x down the road. I'm looking for that black or gunmetal style watanabe type looking wheel. Rota has a 15x7 in black but I'm afraid it won't work in the rear. I'm looking for some general advice on whether I should be looking at 14 or 15 inch wheels. Trying to price out wheels, tires, and all the suspension stuff I'll need.

Wondering if these will work: http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-15-4X114-3- ... 6B&vxp=mtr
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bertvorgon
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Re: Should I run 15's or 14's?

Post by bertvorgon »

I would shoot for 15", as even they are getting harder to get good tires for.
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funwithmonkeys
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Re: Should I run 15's or 14's?

Post by funwithmonkeys »

There are still quite a few good 15" tires available. I went with a high offset on my wheels (+35) as it is easy to space them out to where they will work but if the offset is too low you are just hooped.
If no one from the future comes back to stop you from doing it then how bad of a decision can it really be?
B^2
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Re: Should I run 15's or 14's?

Post by B^2 »

I'm a noob when it comes to understanding offset, what kind of spacers do you run when running an offset that is >+34? How wide are your wheels themselves? Trying to figure out if the wheels I linked to would work.
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funwithmonkeys
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Re: Should I run 15's or 14's?

Post by funwithmonkeys »

My wheels are 15x7 with +35 offset. I run a 205/50R15 tire on a car wiout flares. In the rear I am running 12mm spacer and a 30mm in the front. That gives me 3mm to the strut in the front from the rim and the wheel can tuck up till it hits the bump stops on struts. I do have camber plates that give me a bit of extra clearance to the fenders.
If no one from the future comes back to stop you from doing it then how bad of a decision can it really be?
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defdes
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Re: Should I run 15's or 14's?

Post by defdes »

14's all the way, there are still plenty of good choices in 14 inch and the wheel size looks more proportional to the old brick (IMO).
loungin112
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Re: Should I run 15's or 14's?

Post by loungin112 »

A while ago I emailed T3 and asked their recommendation on wheel size for their 280zx coilovers. There recommendation is 15x7+12. Likely, this is the same wheel size from the 280zx, which supplies the required hub assembly that is necessary for utilizing 280zx coilovers. I'm going to attempt it with my 14" libres that are currently on the car....one day....
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defdes
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Re: Should I run 15's or 14's?

Post by defdes »

I run 14" Libre's with ZX brakes up front.
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