Diamond Racing Wheels On 240sx: Fitment Guide

So, you're thinking about putting some Diamond Racing Wheels on your 240SX? Excellent choice! They're a great way to achieve that aggressive, track-inspired look, and the price point is definitely attractive. However, getting them to fit *perfectly* on your S13 or S14 isn't always plug-and-play. This guide aims to walk you through the common fitment hurdles and offer practical solutions, saving you time, money, and potential headaches.

Understanding the Challenges

Diamond Racing Wheels are known for being highly customizable, which is both a blessing and a curse. You get to choose your width, offset, and backspacing, but that also means you need to get those measurements right. Here's where most people run into trouble:

• Aggressive Fitment: Diamond Racing Wheels are often chosen for their ability to achieve a very wide, flush-to-fender look. This often requires modifications beyond just bolting them on.
• Fender Clearance: 240SX fenders aren't particularly forgiving. Wide wheels and low offsets mean you'll likely need to roll, pull, or even cut your fenders.
• Inner Clearance: Suspension components (struts, coilovers), brake lines, and even the frame itself can limit how far inward you can push the wheel.
• Tire Size: The tire you choose significantly impacts fitment. A wider tire with a taller sidewall will obviously require more clearance than a smaller, stretched tire.
• Hub Centric Rings: Diamond Racing Wheels are typically made with a larger center bore to fit a variety of vehicles. You'll need hub centric rings to properly center the wheel on your 240SX's hub, preventing vibrations.

Essential Tools and Materials

Before you even think about mounting those wheels, make sure you have the right tools. This will make the entire process smoother and safer:

• Jack and Jack Stands: Essential for safely lifting your car. Invest in a good quality set.
• Lug Wrench: Hopefully you already have one of these!
• Torque Wrench: Absolutely crucial for properly tightening your lug nuts. Don't guess!
• Measuring Tools: A straight edge, a measuring tape, and ideally an angle finder will help you assess your clearance and potential rubbing points.
• Fender Roller: If you plan to roll your fenders (and you probably will), a fender roller is a must. You can rent these from many auto parts stores.
• Heat Gun: When rolling your fenders, a heat gun will help soften the paint and prevent cracking.
• Hub Centric Rings: Make sure you order the correct size to match your wheels' center bore and your 240SX's hub.
• Spacers (Optional): If you miscalculated your offset, or just want to dial in the fitment, spacers can help. Use high-quality, hub-centric spacers.
• Wheel Studs (Potentially): If you plan to run thick spacers, you might need extended wheel studs for proper lug nut engagement.
• Angle Grinder or Cut-Off Tool (Potentially): For more aggressive fender modifications. Use with extreme caution and proper safety gear.
• Hammer and Dolly (Potentially): For more aggressive fender modifications.

Troubleshooting Common Fitment Issues

1. Fender Rubbing

This is the most common issue. The wheel/tire combination is simply too wide for your fenders.

Solutions:

a) Fender Rolling: This involves using a fender roller to gently bend the inner lip of your fender outwards, creating more clearance. Start slowly and apply heat evenly to avoid cracking the paint. This is often the first and easiest step. Expect to spend a couple of hours per fender. Rental of a fender roller typically costs around $50-$75.

b) Fender Pulling: This is a more aggressive option that involves physically stretching the fender outwards. This requires more skill and can easily damage your paint if not done carefully. You may need to cut and weld the fender if you pull it significantly. A body shop will charge $200-$500 per fender for this service, depending on the severity.

c) Tire Size Adjustment: Consider running a narrower tire or a tire with a shorter sidewall. A "stretched" tire can provide some additional clearance, but it also sacrifices ride comfort and can increase the risk of damage to the wheel.

d) Camber Adjustment: Adding negative camber (tilting the top of the wheel inwards) can help tuck the wheel under the fender. This is usually done with adjustable camber plates or arms. However, excessive camber can negatively impact handling and tire wear. Expect to pay $100-$300 for adjustable camber arms/plates and another $100-$200 for a professional alignment.

2. Inner Clearance Issues

The wheel or tire is rubbing against suspension components, brake lines, or the frame.

Solutions:

a) Spacers: Adding spacers will push the wheel outwards, creating more clearance on the inside. However, be cautious about using excessively thick spacers, as this can put extra stress on your wheel bearings and potentially require extended wheel studs. Aim for hub-centric spacers for optimal safety and vibration-free operation. High-quality hub-centric spacers cost around $50-$150 per pair.

b) Coilovers with Adjustable Ride Height: If your wheels are rubbing on your struts, raising the ride height can provide some clearance. However, this can also compromise handling. If you are running stock suspension, this will not be an option and you would be best served by going with a lower offset wheel.

c) Relocating Brake Lines: In some cases, you might need to carefully relocate brake lines to prevent rubbing. This should be done by a qualified mechanic. Expect to pay $100-$300 for this service.

d) Smaller Diameter Springs: If you are running coilovers, switching to a smaller diameter spring can provide additional clearance. This will likely require new coilovers. This can get pretty pricey.

3. Vibration Issues

You're experiencing vibrations, especially at higher speeds.

Solutions:

a) Hub Centric Rings: This is the most likely cause. Ensure you're using the correct size hub centric rings to properly center the wheel on the hub. These are relatively inexpensive, usually costing around $10-$30 per set.

b) Wheel Balancing: Have your wheels professionally balanced. This is a standard service that typically costs around $10-$20 per wheel.

c) Check for Bent Wheels: Inspect your wheels for any signs of damage. Even a slight bend can cause vibrations. You'll likely need to replace the wheel.

d) Check Suspension Components: Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or other suspension components can also cause vibrations. Have your suspension inspected by a mechanic.

4. Lug Nut Issues

You can't get the lug nuts to properly tighten, or they're stripping.

Solutions:

a) Extended Wheel Studs: If you're using spacers, you might need extended wheel studs to ensure sufficient lug nut engagement. This is crucial for safety. Installing extended studs typically costs $200-$400.

b) Correct Lug Nut Type: Ensure you're using the correct type of lug nuts for your wheels. Most aftermarket wheels require conical (tapered) lug nuts. Using the wrong type can damage the wheel and lead to lug nut loosening.

c) Torque to Specification: Always torque your lug nuts to the manufacturer's recommended specification. Overtightening can strip the studs, while undertightening can cause the wheel to come loose. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a reliable online source for the correct torque specification.

Before You Buy: Measuring and Planning

The best way to avoid fitment headaches is to do your homework *before* you order your Diamond Racing Wheels.

• Research: See what wheel and tire sizes other 240SX owners are running with similar modifications (or lack thereof). Forums and social media groups are great resources.
• Measure: Take precise measurements of your fender clearance, both on the inside and outside. Use a straight edge and measuring tape to determine how much space you have.
• Consider your goals: Are you going for a super aggressive stance, or are you prioritizing functionality and handling? This will influence your wheel and tire choices.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help: Contact Diamond Racing Wheels directly or consult with a wheel specialist. They can help you determine the optimal offset and backspacing for your 240SX.

Cost Considerations

Beyond the cost of the wheels themselves, factor in the potential costs of:

• Tires: $400 - $1000+ (depending on brand and size)
• Hub Centric Rings: $10 - $30
• Fender Rolling: $50 - $75 (rental) or $100-$200 (professional) per fender
• Fender Pulling: $200 - $500 per fender (professional)
• Spacers: $50 - $150 per pair
• Extended Wheel Studs: $200 - $400 (installation)
• Camber Adjustment (parts and alignment): $200 - $500
• Brake Line Relocation: $100 - $300

As you can see, fitting Diamond Racing Wheels to your 240SX can be a relatively simple process, or it can turn into a more involved project. Careful planning, accurate measurements, and the right tools will significantly increase your chances of success. Good luck, and enjoy the new look!