Supercar Nissan GT-R The R35 requires attention to detail in every detail, but it's the wheels that define its performance on the road. Many owners mistakenly believe that installing any beautiful wheels with a wide profile will improve dynamics, but for this car the exact geometric parameters are critical.
Wrong choice departure or diameter can lead to the stabilization system not working correctly, and the brake discs starting to overheat even in the first laps of the track. You need to understand that the factory specifications are designed to take into account the enormous weight and power of the unit, so compromises are unacceptable here.
Factory Specifications and Wheel Sizes
Manufacturer Nissan initially equips GT-R R35 light alloy wheels that have passed rigorous fatigue tests. Standard equipment includes the use of wheels with a diameter 20 inches front and rear, although for some markets options were offered for 19 inches.
The front axle width is usually 9.0 inches, while the rear axle requires a wider platform - 10.0 inches or even 10.5 inches depending on the year of manufacture. These differences are due to the fact that the rear wheels take the main load during acceleration and transmission of torque from all-wheel drive.
It is important to consider the parameter PCD (distance between bolts) which GT-R amounts to 5x114.3. This is a common standard for many vehicles, but center bore (DIA) and offset (ET) have their own unique values that, if ignored, will result in the steering wheel wobbling and rapid wear of the wheel bearings.
Disc overhang, designated as ET, for the front axle is usually equal to 45, and for the rear it can vary from 48 to 52. Any deviation to a greater extent will lead to friction of the wheels on the fender liners, and to a lesser extent will increase the load on the suspension arms and accelerate their failure.
Materials of manufacture: cast, forged or steel?
For supercar class GT-R Steel wheels are absolutely not suitable as they are too heavy and increase the unsprung weight. The weight of the wheels directly determines the efficiency of work. pendants and engine speed.
The cast alloys used in the factory strike a balance between cost and strength, but are heavier than their forged counterparts. If your goal is to improve acceleration dynamics and reduce fuel consumption, it is worth considering the option with forged wheels.
Forged wheels are made from aluminum alloy by hot stamping under enormous pressure. This changes the structure of the metal, making it denser and stronger, which allows you to reduce the weight of the product without losing reliability.
Some owners opt for carbon wheels, which are the pinnacle of engineering, but their cost often exceeds the price of the car itself. However, for track battles, reducing the unsprung mass by 30-40% gives a huge advantage in cornering.
Effect of geometry on handling and braking
Installing the wrong drives may disrupt your system. ATTESA E-TS, which is responsible for the distribution of torque between the axles. The ABS and wheel speed sensors read information from the ring gears, and if the wheel diameter differs from the calculated one, the control unit will receive incorrect data.
When changing the width of the disk without offset correction, the running arm changes, which directly affects the force on the steering wheel. You will have to exert more physical force to maneuver, and at high speed the steering wheel may become too “heavy” or, conversely, too “jerky”.
Brake system GT-R equipped with huge calipers and ventilated discs. Even a slight increase in the width of the disc can cause the caliper to push against the inside of the disc, making braking impossible and leading to an accident.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to install wheels with a lower offset (lower ET number) without checking the wheel arch clearances, as the wheel may touch the suspension components when the vehicle is fully loaded.
- Factory cast
- Forged lungs
- Carbon
- Wide forged for track
Tire selection for R35 wheels
The choice of tires is inextricably linked to the type of rims, since the shape of the tire contact patch with the road depends on the width of the rim. For standard rim widths 9.0 inches perfect tire size 255/40 R20, and for the rear ones on 10.0-10.5 inches — 285/35 R20.
Using wider tires on a narrow rim will cause the sidewall to “walk” and you will lose steering accuracy. Conversely, a tire that is too narrow on a wide rim will have hard sidewalls, which will reduce traction on uneven surfaces.
Load and speed index for GT-R must be as high as possible, since this car is capable of reaching speeds in excess of 300 km/h. Regular road tires can simply fall apart at high speed due to centrifugal force.
- 🔥 Use only tires with a load index of at least
101and speedY(up to 300 km/h). - 🔥 For track sessions, choose special slicks or semi-slicks with soft rubber composition.
- 🔥 Tire pressure needs to be adjusted depending on the asphalt temperature and driving style.
☑️ Checking tire and wheel compatibility
Balancing and installation
The process of installing disks on Nissan GT-R requires the use of special equipment and professional knowledge. Regular tire shops often do not have experience working with such heavy and expensive wheels.
Balancing must be carried out on high-precision machines capable of detecting differences in weight even in 5-10 grams. Dynamic imbalance at speed 250 km/h can destroy the hub or suspension in a matter of seconds.
When tightening bolts, it is necessary to strictly observe the tightening torque specified by the manufacturer, usually this is 108 Nm. The use of a torque wrench is a must, since overtightening can strip the threads, and undertightening can lead to the wheel unscrewing while driving.
⚠️ Caution: Never use a pneumatic impact wrench for final tightening of bolts on GT-R, since this is almost guaranteed to lead to a violation of the thread geometry or cracks in the disk.
Why is hub cleanliness so important?
Before installing the disc, you must thoroughly clean the hub from dirt, rust and paint. Even a small layer of rust can cause the disc to be centered not on the center hole, but on the bolts, which will cause severe beating and vibration of the steering wheel at speed.
Modernization and tuning of the wheelbase
Many owners strive to do GT-R more aggressive in appearance by installing wider wheels and tires. This requires a careful approach to selection departure and possibly the use of spacers or spacers.
If you want to install disks wide 11.0 inches on the rear axle, you will most likely have to use a spacer thick 10-15 mm. This will move the wheel outward, but will increase the load on the suspension arms and wheel bearings.
Increasing the vehicle's track can improve straight-line and cornering stability, but can also cause wheel arch friction problems when the suspension is in compression. Before installing wide rims, be sure to test drive on dirt or with a full load.
Some enthusiasts change bolt pattern using adapter rings, but this is an extremely risky step for a production car. It is better to look for wheels that initially have a native bolt pattern 5x114.3 and suitable departure.
- 💡 Use only forged spacers that have passed certification, as cast ones can burst under load.
- 💡 Check the clearance between the disc and the caliper after each installation of new spacers.
- 💡 Regularly check the tightness of the bolts after installing wide rims, as the load on them is higher.
| Parameter | Front axle | Rear axle (Rear) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 20 inches | 20 inches | Optional 19 inches (rare) |
| Width | 9.0 inches | 10.0 - 10.5 inches | Depends on year of manufacture |
| Departure (ET) | +45 | +48 / +52 | Critical parameter |
| Bolt Pattern (PCD) | 5x114.3 | Standard for most models | |
| Center Hole (DIA) | 66.1 mm | Adapter ring required for different DIA | |
If you change to wider wheels, be sure to check the camber angle of the wheels. Wide wheels can change the suspension geometry, which will require additional adjustments at the wheel alignment stand.
Choosing the right wheels for the GT-R R35 is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also fundamental to safety. Errors in geometry can have fatal consequences at high speeds.
Wheel care and maintenance
Supercar wheels are subject to extreme loads, so they require regular maintenance. Dirt and reagents can destroy the protective coating of the disc, which will lead to corrosion of the aluminum alloy.
Use special disc cleaning products that do not contain aggressive acids or alkalis. Regular car shampoos may not be effective enough to remove brake dust, which is abrasive and scratches paint.
Regularly inspect the discs for chips, cracks and deformations. Even a small crack in a spoke can grow under load and cause the wheel to break while driving.
⚠️ Attention: If you see that the disc is bent or cracked, stop using the vehicle immediately. Disc repair at GT-R acceptable only in specialized centers using x-rays to check the structure of the metal.
Conclusion
Selecting disks for Nissan GT-R R35 - This is a responsible task that requires deep knowledge of technical nuances. You should not skimp on wheels, as they are the only link between a powerful engine and the road.
Remember that every element of the car GT-R designed for maximum results, and the wheels are no exception. The right wheels will improve the handling, safety and appearance of your supercar.
Always consult with professionals and use only trusted brands that guarantee the quality of their products. Your safety and the safety of others depends on how carefully you choose your wheels.
Can Nissan 370Z wheels be installed on a GT-R R35?
Technically a bolt pattern 5x114.3 matches, but offset and center hole may vary. Wheels from the 370Z typically have a smaller diameter and offset, which will require the use of spacers and may result in friction with the suspension components. Not recommended without careful checking of geometry.
What is the maximum tire size that can be fitted on standard wheels?
For standard R20 wheels the maximum tread width is 285 mm front and 315 mm behind. Installing wider tires will result in friction against the fender liners and suspension elements when the shock absorbers operate.
Do I need to do a wheel alignment after changing discs?
Yes, definitely. Even if you have installed wheels with identical parameters, the procedure for changing wheels may change the wheel alignment angles. For GT-R Wheel alignment accuracy is critical to the performance of the all-wheel drive and braking system.
How often should I check the tightness of the bolts on the discs?
It is recommended to check the tightness of the bolts every 500-1000 km after installing new disks, and then regularly during each maintenance. Vibrations from the road can loosen the mount, especially if the rims have not been tightened to the correct torque.
What to do if the disc is scratched or damaged?
Minor scratches can be restored by polishing. Deep damage, cracks or deformations require professional repair or replacement of the disc. Do not attempt to repair a damaged drive yourself, as this may result in its destruction at speed.