Watchlords

Bought a set of tires in 2020 for the 1971 Datsun 240Z. For many years, I've been running Falken tires, with great results for a 14 inch tire. Unfortunately, discontinued and not available any longer. Choices in tires for the 14 X6 inch wheels (I got them in 1990 from a junkyard 1981 Datsun 280ZX and ran 205/60/14 tires) were limited to brands called Nankang or Federal. I went with the Federals. They were junk, but were only $200 mounted, etc. because the tire store damaged the car during installation, requiring body work on their dime, and sold me the tires at their cost. Tires were great if you were going straight.

So, back in July, I ordered a set of 16X7 KONIG Rewind wheels and Continental EXTREMECONTACT DWS 06 PLUS tires (205/55/16) from Discount Tire locally that were finally available on November 5. Needless to say, the handling is vastly improved. Ride is somewhat deteriorated, but it drives like a sports car... AGAIN! The car has Tokico 5-way adjustable struts, European market Nissan Z springs, and a larger sway bar set up in the front. Feedback through the steering wheel (no power steering) is also increased.

Here's the before and after (2 each):

The new wheels look sharp!

Like the new wheels also. Have had Continentals on 2 cars and no complaints.

Like the older Zs so much better.

Why, those tires give me a goddamn boner!!

That's a beautiful old car. The new wheels look perfect. A vast improvement IMO.

She's a beauty all right - wheels look great.

Achingly gorgeous beast, you've really looked after it Randy.

This body was such a refreshing change from lumbering American muscle cars. A classic and the wheels look great.

Shocking to see a 240Z in this coming condition. Like the first gen RX7 this was the best Z ever with each successor growing bigger, more complex, and further from the spirit of the original. Beautiful car.

Thanks to all for the comments and kind words. This car has brought a lot of good times to us since 1987, and hope it continues to do so in the future. At 282,000 miles, whatever needs fixing gets fixed. It deserves that. It's earned it.

Love the 240Z ! Had owned a '70 and also a predecessor, a SRL311 Roadster. Two of my favorite cars to drive.

Your new tire/wheel combo looks nice.

FWIW, I have had great luck with Hankook (G37) and Nitto (Mustang) tires. Worth a look when ever you are in the market for your stable.

The new wheels look like they should have come with the car new. Much cleaner look than the old wheels IMO. Beautiful car.