Achieving Proper Fitment With 17x9 Inch Wheels On A Nissan 240sx

So, you're thinking about upgrading your Nissan 240SX with some 17x9 inch wheels? That's a great choice! They look fantastic and can significantly improve handling. However, achieving proper fitment on a 240SX with this wheel size often requires more than just bolting them on. This article will walk you through common issues and offer practical solutions to get your new wheels fitting perfectly.

Common Issues When Fitting 17x9s on a 240SX

Before we dive into solutions, let's understand the hurdles you're likely to encounter. The 240SX, especially the S13 and S14 chassis, has relatively small wheel wells. A 17x9 wheel presents several challenges:

Fender Clearance: This is the big one. The wheels will likely extend beyond the fenders, leading to rubbing, especially during turns or over bumps.
Suspension Clearance: Depending on the wheel offset, the inner edge of the wheel or tire can rub against the suspension components, such as the struts or coilovers.
Inner Wheel Well Rubbing: Similar to suspension clearance, the tire can rub against the inner fender liners, especially at the front.
Steering Interference: At full lock (maximum steering angle), the tire can rub against the chassis or suspension components.
Incorrect Speedometer Reading: Changing tire sizes can affect the accuracy of your speedometer. Choosing the correct tire size is crucial to keeping the speedo accurate.

Understanding Wheel Offset

Offset is *critical* when fitting aftermarket wheels. It's the distance (in millimeters) from the wheel's mounting surface to its centerline. A positive offset means the mounting surface is closer to the outside of the wheel, pulling the wheel inward. A negative offset pushes the wheel outward. A zero offset means the mounting surface is exactly at the wheel's centerline.

For a 17x9 wheel on a 240SX, you'll generally be looking for an offset range of +15 to +30. However, this is just a starting point. The ideal offset depends on factors like:

Ride height
Suspension setup (coilovers, lowering springs)
Tire size
Fender modifications

Tip: Using an online wheel offset calculator can be helpful to visualize how different offsets will affect the wheel's position relative to the fender and suspension. You can find these calculators with a simple web search.

Solutions for Proper Fitment

Here's a breakdown of solutions to address the common issues:

1. Fender Rolling and Pulling

This is often the first and most necessary step. Fender rolling involves using a specialized tool to bend the inner fender lip upwards and inwards, creating more clearance. Fender pulling goes a step further, actually stretching the fender outwards to create even more room.

Tools Needed:

Fender roller tool (can be rented or purchased)
Heat gun (to prevent paint cracking)
Jack and jack stands
Gloves
Safety glasses

Process:

Jack up the car and remove the wheel.
Clean the fender area thoroughly.
Heat the paint around the fender lip with a heat gun. Keep the heat moving and avoid overheating one spot.
Attach the fender roller to the hub.
Slowly and gradually roll the fender lip, applying even pressure. Avoid rushing and overheating the paint.
For pulling, the roller is adjusted to gradually stretch the fender outwards. This requires more caution as it can easily damage the paint.
Reinstall the wheel and check for clearance. Repeat the process as needed.

Cost: Renting a fender roller typically costs around $50-$100 per day. Having a professional roll and pull your fenders can range from $100-$300 per fender, depending on the shop and the extent of the work.

2. Choosing the Right Tire Size

Tire size plays a significant role in fitment. A common tire size for a 17x9 wheel on a 240SX is 235/40R17 or 245/40R17. A smaller tire will offer more clearance but might compromise grip and performance. A larger tire will fill the wheel well more but increases the risk of rubbing.

Considerations:

Rolling Diameter: Match the rolling diameter as closely as possible to the original tire size to maintain speedometer accuracy. Use an online tire size calculator to compare rolling diameters.
Sidewall Profile: A lower profile tire (e.g., 235/40R17) will have less sidewall flex and may improve handling, but can also result in a harsher ride.

Tip: Before purchasing tires, consider test-fitting a used tire of the desired size to assess clearance. Some tire shops will allow this.

3. Adjustable Suspension Components

Upgrading to adjustable suspension components, such as coilovers and adjustable camber arms, can provide more flexibility in achieving proper fitment.

Coilovers: Allow you to adjust ride height, which can affect fender clearance. Raising the ride height can provide more clearance, but might compromise handling.

Adjustable Camber Arms: Camber is the angle of the wheel relative to the vertical axis. Adding negative camber (tilting the top of the wheel inwards) can increase inner clearance and reduce the likelihood of fender rubbing. However, excessive negative camber can negatively impact tire wear and braking performance.

Cost: Coilovers can range from $500 to $2000+, depending on the brand and features. Adjustable camber arms typically cost $100-$300 per pair. Installation costs will vary depending on the shop and complexity of the installation.

4. Wheel Spacers (Use with Caution)

Wheel spacers push the wheel outwards, increasing track width and potentially improving handling. However, they also *increase* the likelihood of fender rubbing. Spacers should only be used if the wheel is rubbing against the suspension components on the inside. Only use hub-centric spacers to maintain proper wheel centering and avoid vibrations. Using them to achieve the look you want can lead to unsafe driving conditions and accelerated wear on wheel bearings.

Important Considerations:

Hub-Centric vs. Lug-Centric: Always use hub-centric spacers. These spacers have a lip that centers the wheel on the hub, reducing the risk of vibration. Lug-centric spacers rely solely on the lug nuts to center the wheel, which is less precise and can lead to vibrations.
Bolt-On vs. Slip-On: Bolt-on spacers are thicker and bolt directly to the hub, providing a new set of studs for the wheel. Slip-on spacers slide over the existing studs. For thicknesses greater than 5mm, bolt-on spacers are generally recommended.
Stud Length: Using spacers may require longer wheel studs to ensure sufficient thread engagement for the lug nuts. Insufficient thread engagement is extremely dangerous.

Cost: Hub-centric wheel spacers typically cost $50-$150 per pair. Longer wheel studs can cost $50-$100 per set. Installation costs will vary.

5. Fender Flares (The Aggressive Approach)

If you're aiming for a more aggressive look and need significant fender clearance, fender flares are an option. Fender flares attach to the existing fenders, providing extra width. They come in various styles, from subtle bolt-on flares to widebody kits that require extensive bodywork.

Considerations:

Installation: Installing fender flares can range from a simple bolt-on procedure to a complex process involving cutting and welding. Professional installation is often recommended.
Paint Matching: Fender flares will need to be painted to match the car's color. This adds to the overall cost.
Aesthetics: Fender flares significantly alter the car's appearance. Make sure you choose a style that complements the car's overall design.

Cost: Fender flares can range from $200 to $1000+, depending on the style and material. Installation and paint costs can add another $500-$2000+, depending on the complexity of the job.

6. Addressing Steering Interference

If the tires are rubbing at full lock, you can try a few solutions:

Steering Rack Limiters: These limiters reduce the maximum steering angle, preventing the tires from rubbing. However, they also reduce turning radius.
Adjusting Steering Stops: Some vehicles have adjustable steering stops that can be used to limit steering angle.
Minor Inner Fender Modification: In some cases, minor trimming or reshaping of the inner fender liners may be necessary.

Cost: Steering rack limiters typically cost $20-$50. Adjusting steering stops is usually free. Inner fender modification costs will vary depending on the extent of the work.

Final Thoughts

Achieving proper fitment with 17x9 wheels on a Nissan 240SX requires careful planning, research, and often some modifications. Start by understanding wheel offset and tire size, and then address any clearance issues with fender rolling, adjustable suspension components, or other solutions. Remember to prioritize safety and proper installation, and don't hesitate to consult with a qualified mechanic or wheel specialist for guidance. Good luck, and enjoy your upgraded wheels!