check 15x8 wheel size and tire selection
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16
From: Charlotte, NC
check 15x8 wheel size and tire selection
I've searched many forums and can't find a definitive answer, help please. Car is 81 280zx. Is the factory 6 spoke aluminum wheels 10mm offset or 0 offset?
I want to install 15x8 wheels, and can find them in 0 offset. Local tire shop says 215/60 is the recommended tire for a 15x8 wheel on 280zx. It sounds like a stretch to me. Would a 225/55 not be a better fit for the 8-in wheel and would it fit the zx. Wiil it work, or rub? Car is not lowered, no rolled fenders. I do not want spacers. I don’t plan to lower the car. Stock brakes as well.
I've used several online calculators and the overall diameter seems to be within acceptable tolerances (215/60-15 vs 225/55-15 vs 195/70-14). But diameter seems to vary by mfg/tire model and stretch...tirerack/discounttire/1010tires does not have info on 225/55-15. Best to search mfg's websites directly for a suitable 225 width tire? Any tire recommendation? For street use, but I have lots of low rpm torque at wheels. Mileage on tires is not a concern, I hardly do 5,000 miles a year.
I want to install 15x8 wheels, and can find them in 0 offset. Local tire shop says 215/60 is the recommended tire for a 15x8 wheel on 280zx. It sounds like a stretch to me. Would a 225/55 not be a better fit for the 8-in wheel and would it fit the zx. Wiil it work, or rub? Car is not lowered, no rolled fenders. I do not want spacers. I don’t plan to lower the car. Stock brakes as well.
I've used several online calculators and the overall diameter seems to be within acceptable tolerances (215/60-15 vs 225/55-15 vs 195/70-14). But diameter seems to vary by mfg/tire model and stretch...tirerack/discounttire/1010tires does not have info on 225/55-15. Best to search mfg's websites directly for a suitable 225 width tire? Any tire recommendation? For street use, but I have lots of low rpm torque at wheels. Mileage on tires is not a concern, I hardly do 5,000 miles a year.
The Good Twin
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,639
From: Wild Wild West, UTAH!
I searched for "offset" for ya: 
https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...ghlight=offset
Other good reads:
https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...ghlight=offset
https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...ghlight=offset
https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...ghlight=offset
Other good reads:
https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...ghlight=offset
https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showt...ghlight=offset
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16
From: Charlotte, NC
Great reading. Thanks! So it looks like a 8-in wheel width, 0 offset with up to 235 tires all round (f&r) should not interfere with strut or fender. Thereafter it becomes questionable. So then it becomes a question of what will a 215/60 look like on a 8-in wheel vs. what will a 225/55 look like on same wheel? I think the 88 Carerras came stock with 15x8 w/ 225s on the rear. I'll do further research for tires from there..
The Evil Twin
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,296
From: Seattle, WA
I have 8 inch wide front and back. I staggered my tire width though.
225 width on the front looks perfect. Its a nice straight edge, not stretched at all. I put 245 in the rear and it sets out wider than the wheel a little.
205/60/15 is factory tire size on the 280ZX turbo so 215/60-15 would be a little taller of a sidewall. I think your suggestion is better. 225/55-15
225 width on the front looks perfect. Its a nice straight edge, not stretched at all. I put 245 in the rear and it sets out wider than the wheel a little.
205/60/15 is factory tire size on the 280ZX turbo so 215/60-15 would be a little taller of a sidewall. I think your suggestion is better. 225/55-15
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