AZA Z-2 Wheels and WheelMax

[sunracer]

I just bought my first NSX - 2000, black with 6K miles. I was between a Viper, 911 and an NSX and I have to say that I'm happy with my decision. THe only thing I'd like to change (for now) is the wheel/tire combination.

I'd like to go with BBS style mesh wheels that are a bit wider than stock (16/17"). I'm not really interested in a larger wheel or lower profile tire. I just want to widen the tire a little and swich to better looking wheels.

The wheels I've found that I really like are the AZA Z-2s (shown in another thread here and on the WheelMax site). THey're fairly inexpensive ($1100 a set) and I very much like the open mesh and polished deep rim. However, I'm unfamiliar with AZA wheels and WheelMax. Does anyone know more about either of these?

The other wheel I'm looking at is the BBS RGR. They're more expensive and don't have the flash of the AZA Z-2 but they are good quality of course...Scott

 

[sunracer]

I'll take it that AZA wheels are not well known here...I've never heard of them either...

After much searching I've determined that I may be stuck with stock wheels. I'd like to change the style and increase each wheel diameter by 1" and width by .5" (maybe 1" in rear). I'd like to keep the stock offsets of 55/60 but it appears that nobody makes any wheels with these large offsets.

What is everyone here doing to account for the change in loading on the suspension when smaller offset wheels are used? I've found some interesting wheels with 48-50mm offsets and I could easily buy or make (I own a CNC) the correct spacers. The rears would require 10-12mm spacers which is getting very thick...any opinions?...Scott

 

[fkong777]

I believe AZA is the same wheels as HP racing. The wheels looks good but it is a 1pc cast wheel so it isn't very light. You should be able to get hub centric ring for them to keep it center.

tires.com and justforwheels.com offer the centering rings if wheelmax don't provide them.

BBS for sure will be of better quality.

 

[sunracer]

After much searching I've come-up with a couple possible wheels:

Volk Racing GT-C 17x7 + 50 and 18x9 + 50 (or 18x10 +50)
Volk Racing CE28N 17x7.5 + 50 and 18x9.5 + 47
Antera Type 309 17x7 + 48 and 18x10 + 58

It's hard to picture all of these on the car and they're fairly different styles. I saw a picture of the GT-Cs on a yellow NSX and they looked great...but my car is black.

I like the simple lines of the Antera wheels but I'm not sure if they'll look good or hold-up as I didn't think Antera was a very high quality brand. They come in offsets that are very close to stock so spacers may not be needed at all.

I like the look of the CE28Ns in bronze but again, on a black car they may not look as good as a light colored car. I've only seen them on a yellow NSX.

THe offsets have me concerned as I'd like to keep them as close to stock as possible without using spacers. What do other people do with regard to offsets?..Scott

 

[ekin95]

If you are concerned about offsets and wheel/tire width ask Ben @ www.wheelsboutique.com in Miami. He has done 2 sets of custom wheels for my family. HRE's for my Dad's NSX and Axis Milanos for my G35 coupe. He can almost get any kind of wheel, and he beats any price I have found. Plus he has a 2003 NSX, so he knows exactly what you need. I hope it turns out OK..............

 

[sunracer]

Thanks for the pointer, I'll give him a call and see if I can find something to meet my needs...Scott