Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I've found a few places that can either make new custom steel wheels, or retrofit OE wheels with new baskets in just about any configuration. My car has the Spriso 300zx brake conversion, so I need 15" wheels at least. I kinda like the idea of a stock looking wheel, but in a 15 or 16" size and perfect offset so I can run as wide a tire as possible. SO! I have been doing a lot of research, and have information overload syndrome. I'm hoping someone can simplify this for me. If the world were perfect, and you could have any wheel you wanted, what would the wheel offset and wheel width be to fit the widest tire possible in the factory fenders? ('70 SRL311) Has anyone else done this, and do you have pictures?

EDIT: Staggered offsets are not off the table. In fact, considering the weird front being narrower than the back thing our cars do, it may be a wonderful idea!

The first thing you need to know is the dish on the wheel center and hub center hole. This will give you an idea if you are going to need spacers to clear your calipers or not.

Bodies vary....8" rims have been made to fit, 7.5" are closer to the "normal" max and 7" fit pretty easily.

The rear is harder to fit than the front.

205/50 are pretty close to the max for many cars......offset is going to be near 18-12 mm for a 7" rim.

I found some awesome wheels that are +15 offset 15x7 wheels, but I was nervous about them rubbing the inside of the fender in the rear. I have some 15x7 +0 offset wheels for my old car that needed the fenders to be stretched to fit in the back. I put those wheels on the new car to see how far off they are from fitting, and was nervous the 15mm difference wouldn't be enough.

I have 15x7 12mm offset retro 4 VTO wheels and they clear my springs by more than a finger with 205/50.
They clear the fenders with 195/50 (I use these on the front) and I moved the rear fenders just a little.

I am pretty sure I have heard of people using +18 on the rear...

A lot depends on how "centered" your body is on the frame and .......

...it would be boring!

Just kidding Look at Spriso's SR-powered 1500 build where they modify a 15" Altima steel wheel. I'll echo Phil's sentiments by saying every roadster's wheel clearances are different. Stuffing the widest wheel/tire usually creates more problems which you then have to solve, so start with 15x7 +15, 195/50/15 and work around it

15x7 +12 would be just about PERFECT on my car.. but thats mine..

Found this... would this work with the 300zx calipers? Anyone know?

http://pages.ebay.com/motors/link/?nav= ... 62&alt=web" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Aren't those the same wheels that Futofab sells?

Also just discovered Rota wheels makes a few cool ones that might work. Anyone use any of those?

I don't get it. Are you making a wheel or just asking us what works?
There's tons of info about fitment of the above ie Rota/Futo

Alvin wrote:I don't get it. Are you making a wheel or just asking us what works?
There's tons of info about fitment of the above ie Rota/Futo

Sorry! I forgot to update. The steel wheel manufacturer apparently can only make a "smoothy" wheel in our bolt pattern. I'm not a fan. So, now I'm exploring other avenues. Having alloy wheels custom made is about $675 EACH, so that won't really work. At least not with my budget...

I fell in love with the ROTA Zero Plus, only to discover their website is wrong, and the wheel can't be made in our bolt pattern. GAH! I may find out what a body shop would charge to stretch the rear fenders... That way I can use my current wheels. Probably cheaper at this point, and I love my Drag DR20's anyway.

Tomakze wrote: I may find out what a body shop would charge to stretch the rear fenders... That way I can use my current wheels. Probably cheaper at this point, and I love my Drag DR20's anyway.

I doubt it, you may be looking at $1000 per side.
I think a better and less expensive solution would be a narrowed mazda LSD with rear discs.
30mm narrower than stock datsun. Then run the Dr 20s

That sounds great, but... the car must be running and driving by June. My fiance and I are getting married in June, and we want this to be our getaway car. Sourcing a Mazda diff is hard enough, but narrowing it, and getting the brakes set up... that will rob me of precious time. GAH!

I may see if I can leave the stock brakes on there to save time... I just don't know if they work yet. Ultimately, I want to run my Spriso setup, but it may need to wait until there is more time. Then I can run my stock steelies, which are in perfect shape and have brand new tires on them anyway.

Why not use any of the proven Panasport/Rota/VTO options?