Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

In the U.S. , there seems to be a preference for Panasport wheels on the roadsters, while in Australia the preference seems to be for the Performance 'Superlite' wheels. Both the Panasport and Superlite wheels appear to be newer modern versions of the old original 'minilite' style from the late 60's-70's.

Both appear quite similiar to one another. I know the Superlites are made in Australia, and I believe the Panasports in the US (I think?).

So which is better? Panasports or Performance Superlites?


Panasport


Superlite

My old 1967.5 2000 rode on 14x6 Panasports. Great wheels, but they required the installation of longer studs. I don't think the Performance Superlites need the studs replaced for the similar 14x6 size (they only need a stud a bit under 1 inch). Also, the Superlites are a bit more economical vs the Panasport.

Panasports are made in Japan, and imported into the United States.

Dan,
Stupid question of the day:
How do you know a good set of wheels?
Assuming you had a perfect set of Panasports and a perfect set of Minilites, how do you judge them? I'm sure I could never tell the difference ( I can't even tell by looking at them) but there must be some kind of difference if Panasports have such a good reputation.

Linda
68 1600

If you ask me, I say they are the same kind of wheel just two different brands….both look great on our roadster.


Vinh

Linda wrote:Dan,
Stupid question of the day:
How do you know a good set of wheels?

Actually not a stupid question. Beyond style (personal taste), weight and size/fitment, the rest is very hard to quantify.

There are differences between the wheels. I have both Minilights and panasports. I like the look of the Panasports...

Functionally there are 3 choices that are very similar, Minilights, Konig Rewinds and panasports.

They all look a little different. I chose the panasports for the race car because on a race car you need a very high quality wheel because of the stress applied to them and of the three I felt the safest with the Panasports and the Minilights.

Thanks, Ron. Makes perfect sense.

BTW: Did your car have the Minilite (english made) or the Performance Superlites (Austraian Made). Seems like the newer Performace Superlites are on-par with the Panasports (at least for street usage).

Here is what their website says:

Performance Industries is an internationally recognised light aluminium component manufacturer. A proud South Australian company, Performance alloy wheels boasts a twenty six year heritage as one of Australia's leading manufacturers of high quality aftermarket aluminium automotive wheels and continues to expand its markets both domestically and abroad through innovative product design and manufacturing technology.

Comprising a manufacturing plant in Adelaide and four company owned branches across mainland Australia, Performance Industries currently employs more than 60 people with an annual capacity of nearly 200,000 pieces. Manufactured from CC601 grade heat treatable aluminium, all Performance alloy wheels are tested to the Australian standard 1638 and subjected to the most rigorous driving conditions around the world.

Performance alloy wheels earned its first meritorious Quality award in 1996 having gained AS/NZS ISO 9002 accreditation. Since this time the company has continued to develop its internal quality assurance in its relentless pursuit for manufacturing excellence.

Well as everybody knows, Australian's are the best at everything, so naturally the Performance Superlites are the best wheels for your Roadster!

I can't speak to the performance superlights...because I don't know anyone with experience with them. I have seen their advertisements in the back of several racing periodicals but have never really looked at price, weight or quality.

I welcome any information on them though! good topic.

Seriousy,

There are plenty of race cars (Roadsters and others) racing on them here in Australia - they are very common.

Mike

Cool, sound like Panasports here. I am sure they are a good quality wheel. the only one I have been warned about are Konigs because the castings are poor.

Well...I'll find out soon whether I like the Suprlites (or not). Just ordered a set of 14x6 and will be running them with Falken rt-615s.




The Superlites are also available in the 15x6 fitment for the roadster. The 15x6 With Lug nuts and caps are $660.

Dan:

What offset / backspace will you be getting on your new wheels to suit the roadster?

Also, are the lugnuts supplied going to be 7/16" and will the stock wheel stud length will be ok to install the wheels?

Ray B.

Curious why you went with the 14's. I hear that there is much better tire selection in 15's.

Also curious where you ordered them from and what the cost was. Be sure to let us know how you like them. Thanks.

Shannon