280zx front struts and brakes, bigger wheels?

[cjzeppy]

Right now I have Shelby Libres on my 72 510, but I want to put on my 280zx front struts, hubs, and brakes. Will this require me to use 14" wheels? I also have rear coilovers in the back, and right now I'm tucking tire with my 13s, so anything bigger might start to rub.

[Tristin]

It depends on what rim; there are very few 13s that clear ZX brakes. Im not too sure about the Libres, but I know the VTO "Libres" clear ZX brakes when you trim off an ear on the calipers. Also, any of the spun aluminum racing wheels (Barts, Aero, Bassett, Diamond) in 13in will clear. I had (and still use one as a spare) a 13in Aero Racing rim on my ZX brakes with zero issues.

[datzenmike]

Besides 13" or 14" is only the rim size. You can get rubber for a 14" rim that is the same width and height (diameter) as what was on the 13". For example if you had

 

185x75R13s on your car they would be 7.28" wide and 23.93" tall

 

You could get....

 

185x65R14s that are 7.28" wide and 23.47" tall

185x70R14s that are 7,28" wide and 24.20" tall both almost identical to the 13".

[cjzeppy]

I had to wait until the storm went past, but my tires measurements are 195 60R 13. I would like to use these wheels, but if they won't fit on the 280zx brakes, then I will upgrade to a 14x7" wheel I've looked at buying.

[datzenmike]

You will want the same off set as you have now so the new rims are not closer or further from the body.

195X60R13s are 7.68" wide by 22.21" tall

 

185X55R14s are 7.48" tall by 22.23" tall

190X55R14s are 7.48" tall by 22.23" tall these should be almost exactly what you need

[cjzeppy]

anyone else know if my 13s will fit on 280zx brakes? If not then I will get new 510 pads and rotors for now until I can afford the right wheels for my upgrade.

[Tristin]

13x7 will fit the 280ZX strut/brakes with a slight modification to the caliper mounting bracket. In unmodified condition, the bracket just touches the wheel. If you grind the ears off bracket you will have clearance.

 

Area to grind off:

 

Libre wheel being bench tested on a 280ZX Strut.

 

[Creepy Cruiser]

Just for reference, I test fitted my 13" x 7" Libres, and with a little grinding to the caliper they just fit. You may need to run a 1/4" wheel spacer or clearance the bore on the wheel, to get it to sit flat also. (depending on the wheel)

[RedBanner]

With new pads the libras fit with grinding, with dead pads they rub. tried my brothers real libre that are 0 offset, 13x7.5.

A better offset or thinner wheel may be the ticket

[Creepy Cruiser]

Good to know. thanks.