About This Nissan 300ZX Base 1987 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Nissan 300ZX Base 1987 sits on a set of 16×8 / 16×8-inch MST MT11 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose MST for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Nissan 300ZX Base builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the MST MT11 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: MST MT11 on the Nissan 300ZX Base 1987
I walked around this Z31 the other day, and the fitment hit me hard. We are looking at a square 16x8 setup with a +15 offset all around. It fills those wheel wells exactly how a classic Nissan should.
The 16-inch diameter keeps the classic aesthetic alive without looking like a modern cartoon. Going wider than an 8-inch width usually causes headaches on the front hubs. This 16x8 setup sits flush with the fenders perfectly.
That +15 offset pushes the wheel face out just enough to clear the stock suspension struts. We noticed the front calipers have plenty of breathing room behind these spokes. You will not deal with any annoying clearance drama here.
The hub bore on these MT11s matches the Z31 hub specs well. We always suggest running a set of hub-centric rings to keep things vibration-free. Trust me, it makes a huge difference at highway speeds.
Since this owner threw on lowering springs, the fender gap looks tight and aggressive. The car sits lower, which tucks the top of the tire slightly under the arch. It looks planted, not slammed into the pavement.
Watch out for the inner liner if you decide to go any lower. We saw a tiny bit of rub on the plastic liner during heavy cornering. A quick heat gun session or a minor trim fixes that problem instantly.
The barrel lip on the MT11 provides that retro deep-dish look we crave. These wheels mimic the vintage Japanese style that defines this era of Z-car. It looks like a period-correct upgrade that Nissan should have offered at the factory.
What We Recommend for Nissan 300ZX Base 1987 Owners
If you own a Z31, stop guessing with your wheel specs. We have tested dozens of setups, and 16x8 is the sweet spot for a street build. It keeps the steering sharp while offering plenty of grip.
For offsets, stick between +10 and +20 to avoid rubbing the control arms. Pushing past +10 requires fender rolling, which I hate doing unless necessary. Keep it simple and keep your paint intact.
We prefer a square setup for better rotation and tire longevity. Staggered setups look cool, but they make tire swaps a nightmare. A square 16x8 configuration lets you rotate tires to keep the tread even.
Do not go overboard with tire stretch unless you enjoy driving on rims. A 225/50R16 tire fits these 8-inch wide wheels with a nice, meaty profile. It protects the wheel from potholes and keeps the ride quality comfortable.
Avoid massive spacers if you can help it. They put extra stress on your wheel bearings and studs. We always say get the offset right from the factory to save yourself a headache.
Style and Build Analysis
The Machined Accents on these MT11s pop against the body paint. They catch the sunlight every time the car moves through a corner. It adds a premium, industrial feel to a car that is nearly forty years old.
The multi-spoke design brings a busy, technical look that balances the Z31’s boxy lines. Nissan’s eighties design language needs a wheel with some character. These spokes provide exactly the right amount of visual weight.
When you stand back, the stance looks purposeful and ready to attack a canyon road. It does not look like a show queen that can’t drive over a speed bump. It looks like a true driver’s machine.
We see a lot of builds with cheap, generic wheels that ruin the car’s lines. This choice honors the history of the 300ZX while modernizing the overall profile. It strikes that rare balance between heritage and progress.
The proportions feel spot on from every single angle. We rarely see a Z31 that nails the wheel-to-fender ratio this well. It is a masterclass in selecting the right aftermarket parts for a vintage platform.
Why We Love This Build
Seeing this 300ZX parked in the sunlight stops me in my tracks every time. The way the Machined Accents shimmer against the deep paintwork makes the car look brand new again. Every arch is filled, every line is emphasized, and the aggressive stance screams for a long drive.
We love this build because it feels authentic to the soul of the Z31. It doesn't try too hard, yet it stands out in a crowd of modern sports cars. This is exactly how you modify a classic Nissan.
Grab a set of these wheels, drop your Z on some quality springs, and hit the road. You will find yourself looking back at the car every single time you park. This build is perfection on four wheels.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Nissan 300ZX Base 1987
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: MST MT11
- Wheel Size: 16×8 / 16×8
- Offset: 15 / 15
- Wheel Finish: Machined Accents
- Tires: Falken Ziex ZE950 245/50 25.6″x9.6″ / 245/50 25.6″x9.6″
- Suspension: Lowering Springs
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Nissan 300ZX Base owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 16×8 / 16×8-inch wheels fit my Nissan 300ZX Base? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Nissan 300ZX Base owners run 16×8 / 16×8-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
