Ultimate 350z Wheels Guide – Everything You Need To Know
Aftermarket wheels are one of the most sought-after mods for any tuned 350Z. We’ll be narrowing down the tough choice to help you find the perfect set.
- Aftermarket Wheel Advantages
- Finding The Perfect Nissan 350Z Fitment
- Choosing The Perfect Nissan 350Z Wheels
- Aodhan DS-02
- Cosmis Racing XT-006R
- Cosmis Racing XT-206R
- Enkei NT03-M
- Enkei RPF1
- Kansei Corsa
- Rays Engineering Gram Lights 57DR
- SSR GTX01
- Varrstoen ES2
- Volk Racing CE28N
- Volk Racing TE37 SL
- Work VS-XX
- XXR 526
- XXR 527D
- Jump to winners
In a hurry? Here is our 350z Wheel summary
Budget Choice | Drifted Choice | Premium Choice |
---|---|---|
Cosmis Racing XT-006R | Enkei RPF1 | Work VS-XX |
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Aftermarket Wheel Advantages
There are many advantages to replacing the wheels on your Nissan 350Z, and it’s not entirely about looks, either.
Many rims on the market provide significant weight reductions over the stock wheels, which is always high on any 350Z owners’ wish-list, and shedding some unnecessary weight off the heavy chassis provides numerous benefits.
Alongside the acceleration advantages from the potential weight saving, having a wider track will also improve the car’s handling, which means it’ll become quicker in both a straight line and the twisties.
Once you’ve got the acceleration and handling improved, you can refine the handling even further by opting for wide wheels, which will allow for more grip and traction on the road.
The added grip can be handy if you’ve opted for installing a turbocharger or a supercharger kit to your 350Z, where traction has likely become an issue with the stock tire width.
However, go too wide with a stock car, and you’ll likely gain weight and potentially slow down the acceleration times, alongside having the wheels poking way too far out of the fenders.
It’s all about finding the perfect fitment for your 350Z, whether you’re heading down the Hellaflush stance route or looking to provide your drift car with the ultimate look.
Finding The Perfect Nissan 350Z Fitment
The right set of wheels with the correct sizes can completely transform your 350Z, which will undoubtedly produce a real head-turner on the streets or the track.
One of the beautiful things about modifying your car is that you get to choose exactly how you want it to look.
Some enthusiasts opt for staggered fitments, where they perhaps run different sizes at the front and rear, providing maximum traction to the rear wheels for added grip.
Others opt for a square setup, which is identical fitment all-round.
When purchasing wheels, the goal is to fill out the fenders without requiring spacers to achieve the ultimate look.
Although this involves numerous calculations, we’ll be listing the wheel sizes in this guide for you to decide the look that best suits your requirements.
Step 1 - Wheel Diameter
Nissan commonly provided the 350Z with both 17-inch rims (Base model) and 18-inch rims (Touring & Track models) from the factory.
However, they also opted for a staggered setup for the Nismo model, with 18-inch fronts and 19-inch rears.
Given that the superior models in the line-up had 18’s and 19’s, it shows that Nissan also knew that they were the better choice, which most tuners prefer.
If you go beyond 19’s, chances are you’ll be adding weight, worsening the handling and traction, and tires are only going to become more expensive.
So, for us, we would personally recommend sticking with either 18’s or 19’s for a performance-oriented 350Z, and we’d only consider going beyond that if stance, and looks, are your priority.
Step 2 - Wheel Width
Once you’ve decided your diameter, you’ll need to consider the width that’s likely to suit you best.
The wider the wheel, the more grip and traction you’ll be capable of achieving.
However, go too wide, and you’ll have excess drag, which could potentially slow the car down and add unnecessary weight at the same time.
For that reason, we’d only go super wide on a stance car with a wide-fender kit, or 350z’s with an engine swap, or forced induction.
For a sensible base width on the stock 350Z body, you’ll likely be wanting to consider the 9-11” range before significant fender work will need to be a consideration.
Staggered fitments can also a consideration here, where the rears would be wider than the fronts since the 350Z is big in the booty department.
A typical flush 350Z fitment would be around 9.5” fronts and 10.5” rears, along with +22 offset all-round.
If you’re opting for a lower width, you’ll need to lower the offsets to fill out the fenders, where around 9” fronts with +20 offset and 10” rears with +20 offset would provide a similar fitment.
Step 3 - Wheel Offset
The offset can often confuse people, but simply put, it’s a measurement from the hub mount to the wheel’s center.
Therefore, the lower the offset, the further your wheels will stick out from the car.
If you went from +25 offset to +20, which are both measured in millimeters, the wheels would come out 5mm further, assuming both are the same width.
The offset can prove critical with potential issues like hitting brakes, or coilovers, which is where it’s essential to check that other owners have successfully fitted them to their 350’s.
Our friends over at Fitment Industries have provided this fantastic video, which explains everything you need to know when it comes to the ultimate Nissan 350Z fitment:
Choosing The Perfect Nissan 350Z Wheels
Now that you understand how the perfect fitment is achieved, it’s time to choose which wheel will be perfect for your needs.
For drifting or racing, for example, you’re going to want some lightweight rims that won’t add additional weight to the already-chubby 350Z.
However, if you’re cruising the streets without performance in mind, weight isn’t going to be a huge concern.
We’ve not only chosen some of our favorite rims, but we’re featuring what owners have opted for as their ultimate 350Z choice.
We want to extend a huge thank you to our friends over at Fitment Industries for providing the most incredible fitment calculator on the web to bring you the very best 350Z fitments.
With their Fitment Gallery, you can browse hundreds of the best looking 350Z’s, with details on every aspect of their wheel choice and suspension setup.
Now, let’s take a look at the best 350Z wheel choices on the market!
Aodhan DS-02
- Manufacturer: AODHAN
- Diameters: 18″ & 19″
- Widths: 9.5-11J
- Fitment pictured: Front: 19 x 9.5 +22. Rear: 19 x 11 +22. Spacers: 1″ all-round.
- Value for money: ????
- Purchase link: Buy your Aodhan DS-02’s here
Our comment: We begin our list with this bargain offering from Aodhan.
As you’ve probably guessed, they’re not going to provide the same quality as the expensive, premium brands.
However, if you’re looking for a great looking wheel for entry-level drifting, where they could well get damaged, then they provide excellent value for money.
One downside is that they weigh between 25-29lbs depending on the size, which may be a dealbreaker for some.
Manufacturer description: “The team at AodHan Wheels has more than 10+ years in design, manufacturing and marketing of luxury customized wheels for the automotive industry“.
“With leading edge style and precision engineering, our unique designs and wheel fitments support applications of performance, luxury and standard vehicles“.
Cosmis Racing XT-006R
- Manufacturer: Cosmis Racing
- Diameters: 18″ & 20″
- Widths: 9-11J
- Fitment pictured: Front: 18 x 9.5 +10. Rear: 18 x 11 +8. Spacers: None.
- Value for money: ?????
- Purchase link: Buy your Cosmis Racing XT-006R’s here
Our comment: Cosmis Racing wheels have taken Formula Drift by storm in recent years, and with their extremely reasonable price tags and unique designs, it’s easy to see why many enthusiasts are following suit.
This deep dish, six-spoke design, comes in a massive array of colors and fitments to help find the perfect match for your 350Z.
Weighing in at 24-27lbs depending on the size, they’re still far from the lightest rims, but they’re again another great, reasonably-priced, entry-level drift option.
Cosmis Racing XT-206R
- Manufacturer: Cosmis Racing
- Diameters: 17″, 18″ & 20″
- Widths: 9-11J
- Fitment pictured: Front: 18 x 9.5 +10. Rear: 18 x 11 +8. Spacers: None.
- Value for money: ?????
- Purchase link: Buy your Cosmis Racing XT-206R’s here
Our comment: Quite possibly the most popular Cosmis Racing design, the XT-206R, comes in a wide range of colors, diameters, and widths, but they’ve unfortunately not catered for those looking for 19’s.
With rolled fenders, you’ll be able to achieve the look pictured on the stock body without spacers, even with 11J width and +8 offset.
Once again, they’re not the lightest at 24-27lbs, but for those looking for a multi-spoke deep-dish drift or street wheel at a reasonable price, these represent another excellent opportunity.
Enkei NT03-M
- Manufacturer: Enkei
- Diameters: 17″ & 18″
- Widths: 8.5-10.5J
- Fitment pictured: Front: 18 x 9.5 +40. Rear: 18 x 9.5 +40. Spacers: 20mm front, 25mm rear.
- Value for money: ?????
- Purchase link: Buy your Enkei NT03-M’s here
Our comment: JDM legends Enkei are one of the highest-regarded wheel brands in the aftermarket tuning scene, and these bargain lightweight wheels could be the perfect opportunity to grab a bargain.
Weighing in at 19.6lbs for the 18×8.5 model, the 18×10.5 is still just 21lbs, far lighter than the previous budget offerings, with not much of a price increase.
The unique design of the NT03+M has an inner ‘brace’ running around the wheel from their rally-based pedigree, which isn’t to everyone’s taste, but we think they look great.
Stand out from the crowd with these unique, bargain-priced, lightweight JDM wheels!
Manufacturer description: “ENKEI custom wheels deliver the latest in wheel designs, composite alloy technology such as, casting/forged processes, rigid testing that must pass stringent JGTC Standards and unsurpassed manufacturing facilities“.
“Enkei has been racing in top competition championships of the world for three decades. As a result of continuous improvement and technological advances, Enkei continues its winning tradition and constantly challenges new horizons in wheel technology“.
Enkei RPF1
- Manufacturer: Enkei
- Diameters: 17″ & 18″
- Widths: 9-10.5J
- Fitment pictured: Front: 18 x 9.5 +15. Rear: 18 x 10.5 +15. Spacers: None.
- Value for money: ?????
- Purchase link: Buy your Enkei RPF1’s here
Our comment: How could we possibly leave Enkei’s incredible RPF1’s off our list?
One of the most legendary and timeless old-school designs are readily available off the shelf, with another incredibly cheap price tag.
With the 17’s starting at 16.35lb, and the heaviest 18’s, the 10.5J’s, weighing in at just 19.05lbs, these insanely lightweight wheels are going to be the perfect choice for many.
For those looking for one of the most stunning, subtle wheels ever created, it doesn’t get much better than the RPF1’s. for a ridiculously low price.
Manufacturer description: “ENKEI custom wheels deliver the latest in wheel designs, composite alloy technology such as, casting/forged processes, rigid testing that must pass stringent JGTC Standards and unsurpassed manufacturing facilities“.
“Enkei has been racing in top competition championships of the world for three decades. As a result of continuous improvement and technological advances, Enkei continues its winning tradition and constantly challenges new horizons in wheel technology“.
Kansei Corsa
- Manufacturer: Kansei
- Diameters: 18″
- Widths: 9-10.5J
- Fitment pictured: Front: 18 x 10.5 +12. Rear: 18 x 10.5 +12. Spacers: None.
- Value for money: ????
- Purchase link: Buy your Kansei Corsa’s here
Our comment: Although the Kansei Corsa’s aren’t the most popular choice in the 350Z scene, they provide the perfect opportunity to stand out from the crowd.
As you may have guessed, they’re not the guide’s lightest choice, with the smaller options coming in at 25.5lbs and the bigger variations at 26.6lbs.
With that said, the price will undoubtedly be a temptation to some, and the weight/price is comparable to the Cosmis Racing offerings for those after something a little different.
Manufacturer description: “Clean and Classic: our light mesh Corsa design provides superior brake clearances and a timeless look“.
“With a classic stepped lip and spokes with soft edges, the Corsa wheel will compliment chassis old and new“.
Rays Engineering Gram Lights 57DR
- Manufacturer: Rays Engineering Gram Lights
- Diameters: 17″ & 18″
- Widths: 8.5-10.5J
- Fitment pictured: Front: 18 x 9.5 +12. Rear: 18 x 9.5 +12. Spacers: None.
- Value for money: ?????
- Purchase link: Buy your Rays Engineering Gram Lights 57DR’s here
Our comment: Japanese wheel giants, Rays Engineering, provide some of the highest quality rims on the market.
Although they may not be the cheapest, you can certainly count on these to be one of the most robust offerings in our guide.
Despite the name, they’re unfortunately not as light as the Enkei’s, with the 18 x 9.5 model weighing in at 22lbs.
There’s a wide range of colors and fitments to choose from should the 57DR’s be the ideal weapon of choice for your 350Z.
These are another superb choice from one of the most reputable brands in the wheel industry.
Manufacturer description: “The Gram Lights sports brand extracts the ultimate performance by pushing the casting process to its limits“.
“Through the employment of cutting-edge wheel theories in the manufacture of its wheels, this brand provides a level of performance that satisfies drivers with a passion for sports and offers unique ideas in terms of innovative designs and finishes“.
SSR GTX01
- Manufacturer: SSR
- Diameters: 18″ & 19″
- Widths: 7.5-10.5J
- Value for money: ????
- Purchase link: Buy your SSR GTX01’s here
Our comment: SSR is another industry leader in the wheel scene, and although we’re yet to see the GTX01’s on many 350Z’s, we think they suit it perfectly.
If you’re keen to have the rarity factor, these could be an excellent consideration for your Z.
SSR has utilized its FFT-R flow forming process to keep the weight to a minimum while ensuring the most robust wheels possible.
With the 18” 7.5J’s weighing in at just 18.6lbs, the 19” 10.5’s will be nearer 24lbs.
They’re certainly not the lightest wheels on our list, but they’ll undoubtedly be up to the task when it comes to strenuous track duties.
Manufacturer description: “We are proud to announce the GTX01, latest addition to the SSR GT wheels Family“.
“Inspired by the research and development of SSR Wheels use in Super GT, the GTX01’s (FFT-R) Flow Forming process allows for a lightweight and strong wheel that is ideal for street and track use“.
Varrstoen ES2
- Manufacturer: Varrstoen
- Diameters: 18″ & 19″
- Widths: 9.5-11J
- Fitment pictured: Front: 19 x 10.5 +12. Rear: 19 x 10.5 +12. Spacers: None.
- Value for money: ?????
- Purchase link: Buy your Varrstoen ES2’s here
Our comment: These Varrstoen rims come in various designs, from the less-desirable ‘straight face’ through to the ‘semi-deep’, and full concave designs.
Despite only being sold in pairs, with the pricing on Enjuku per pair, they represent excellent value for money.
Varrstoen provides excellent quality at a budget, and the ES2’s represent excellent value for money.
With the weight ranging from around 23-25lbs, they do fall on the heavier side of our list.
With a stylish, timeless design and five colors to choose from, we can understand why they’re popular in the 350Z scene.
Manufacturer description: “Your wheels play an integral role in the handling, speed, and overall performance of your car. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual racing enthusiast, it’s important that you use the best wheels that you can afford“.
“Fortunately, these Varrstoen ES2 19 inch wheels make it possible to own top-of-the-line wheels at a price point that’s more than reasonable. Enjoy the quality that has made Varrstoen a household name without breaking the bank“.
Volk Racing CE28N
- Manufacturer: Volk Racing
- Diameters: 17″ & 18″
- Widths: 8-10.5J
- Fitment pictured: Front: 19 x 9.5 +22. Rear: 19 x 10.5 +22. Spacers: Front – 10mm , Rear – 5mm.
- Value for money: ?????
- Purchase link: Buy your Volk Racing CE28N’s here
Our comment: For those looking for a premium, lightweight rim for racing purposes on your 350Z, the CE28N certainly needs to be considered.
Weighing in at 17.8-18.8lbs, these classic wheels have been a popular choice for as long as we can remember, and despite being lightweight, they’re incredibly robust.
Unlike most of the cast offerings in this guide, the forged process that Volk Racing undertakes allows them to reduce the weight while increasing the strength.
The downside of this process? As you may expect, it comes with a premium price tag.
They’re far from the cheapest wheels, but for those who don’t mind spending a little extra on the ultimate products, these could well be the perfect option for your Z33.
Manufacturer description: “The VOLK RACING Wheel brand represents the benchmark for forged sport wheels that leverage racing technology“.
“The lightness and strength of VOLK RACING wheels have been attained by applying the latest analytic technologies. Using the clean silhouette and lack of ostentation of its Volk Racing wheels as a weapon, RAYS aims to fit them on all high-performance cars throughout the world“.
Volk Racing TE37 SL
- Manufacturer: Volk Racing
- Diameters: 17″, 18″ & 19″
- Widths: 8-10.5J
- Fitment pictured: Front: 18 x 11 +18. Rear: 18 x 11 +18. Spacers: Front – 0.25″, Rear – None.
- Value for money: ?????
- Purchase link: Buy your Volk Racing TE37 SL’s here
Our comment: Volk Racing’s TE37’s are quite possibly our favorite wheel ever created, and they suit just about any car perfectly, especially the 350Z!
We like them so much that we dedicated an entire guide to the history of the TE37, which we highly recommend checking out.
So, as you’ve probably guessed by now, we’ve not got anything other than praise for these wheels. Sure, they come with a higher price tag than most, but you certainly get what you pay for here.
If you opt for the 18 x 9.5 model, they weigh in at an incredible 18.4lbs, thanks to the forged one-piece construction.
If you can afford the price tag, we’re sure you won’t regret opting for the Volk TE37 SL’s.
Manufacturer description: “The TE37 is Ray’s flagship model“.
“Using a classic six spoke design, the TE37 is one of the lightest and strongest wheel offered by Rays today. It is also the most iconic wheel of the Volk Racing line“.
Work VS-XX
- Manufacturer: Work
- Diameters: 18″
- Widths: 9-12J
- Fitment pictured: Front: 19 x 10.5 +20. Rear: 19 x 11.5 +0. Spacers: Front – 0.5″, Rear – None.
- Value for money: ?????
- Purchase link: Buy your Work VS-XX’s here
Our comment: For those of you that have ventured into our guide on the quest of a deep dish wheel, we’ve got you covered!
The 3-piece VS-XX is part of the Work Meister range known for its incredibly wide-fitment and insane dish variations.
The VS-XX will represent the perfect opportunity to fill out the fenders for those of you running wide bodykits.
Japanese legends Work are known for providing some of the best quality wheels ever produced, and the VS-XX is up there at the pinnacle of their products.
Manufacturer description: “Founded by Takeshi Tanaka in 1977, Work Wheels are now world-renowned for their quality, durability, and beautifully crafted wheels“.
“The attractive styling and top-notch quality made the VS-XX the only choice for many higher-end coupes and sedans. The 3 piece VS-XX combines exquisite styling, superior strength, and unsurpassed quality. Great for any Japanese, European and Domestic vehicles“.
XXR 526
- Manufacturer: XXR
- Diameters: 18″
- Widths: 9-10.5J
- Fitment pictured: Front: 18 x 9.5 +32. Rear: 18 x 10.5 +25. Spacers: None.
- Value for money: ????
- Purchase link: Buy your XXR 526’s here
Our comment: XXR is another budget company that has proven themselves in recent years, with the 526’s quickly becoming one of the most popular designs from their vast selection.
Despite their lightweight styling, the deep dish lip is from cast aluminium, before being triple plated in chrome.
Although this helps keep costs down, the design has unfortunately pumped the weight up, leaving the wheels weighing in at over 26lbs.
For stance cars, or daily drivers, weight is unlikely to be an essential factor, and for that reason, they still represent excellent value for money.
We recommend looking at some of the lighter options for those that are planning to drift or race their 350Z’s.
Manufacturer description: “For nearly 40 years, we have designed and manufactured aluminum alloy wheels for car manufacturers and numerous aftermarket wheel companies“.
“XXR Wheels was created to fill a void in the aftermarket wheel industry that nobody adressed; that void was a high quality wheel for the grassroots car enthusiast. That is who WE are“.
XXR 527D
- Manufacturer: XXR
- Diameters: 18″ & 20″
- Widths: 9-10.5J
- Fitment pictured: Front: 18 x 9 +20. Rear: 18 x 9 +20. Spacers: Front – None. Rear – 0.75″.
- Value for money: ????
- Purchase link: Buy your XXR 527D’s here
Our comment: If you liked the price tag of XXR’s 526’s, but not the design, then the 527D’s may offer the perfect alternative.
It probably won’t come as much of a surprise that these also top the scales at over 26lbs, but they thankfully come in even cheaper than the 526’s.
If you’re looking to improve your Z’s looks on a budget, then we feel that either of the XXR wheel choices are worth adding to your consideration list.
Manufacturer description: “For nearly 40 years, we have designed and manufactured aluminum alloy wheels for car manufacturers and numerous aftermarket wheel companies“.
“XXR Wheels was created to fill a void in the aftermarket wheel industry that nobody adressed; that void was a high quality wheel for the grassroots car enthusiast. That is who WE are“.
Our winners
We fully appreciate that wheels are a matter of taste and purpose, and what one person likes, another may disagree.
For that reason, it’s insanely hard to choose the winners from the great selection in this guide, but we’ve put together our favorite products for the Drifted awards.
Our Drifted Choice goes to the Enkei RPF1 Wheels
Our 350Z Wheels winner is the Enkei RPF1
Not only are these timeless classics, one of our favorite wheels in the guide, but they come at an insane price point, which isn’t much higher than some of the budget offerings.
Also, weighing between 16-19lbs means that they blow the budget alternatives out of the water when it comes to value for money.
Whether you want to look good cruising the streets or want a reasonably priced lightweight rim for the track, the Enkei RPF1 is going to provide the perfect solution.
Enkei RPF1
Our Premium 350Z Wheel Choice
Our Premium Choice are the Work VS-XX wheels
These stunning three-piece wheels are going to be perfect for those that are opting for a premium 350Z build and only want to use the finest products on the market.
JDM legends Work have produced some of the best wheels ever created over the years, and the VS-XX is up there with the very best.
These are another timeless classic, which has undoubtedly earned their place as the premium winners on our list.
Work VS-XX
Our Budget 350Z Wheel Choice
Our Budget Choice are the Cosmis Racing XT-206R wheels
If you’re looking to save some pennies for other mods for your 350Z, then there are several fantastic opportunities to grab a bargain in this guide.
Our personal favorite from the budget offerings is the Cosmis Racing XT-206R.
Not only do we think that the design looks great, but there are 57 different color, and fitment variations to choose from at Enjuku Racing, which allows you to find the perfect fit, and look, for your Z.
Cosmis Racing XT-206R
Thank you for reading our 350Z Wheels guide.
Photography credits
We would like to thank the following sources for the use of their images:
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