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 17×9 / 17×9-inch MST Time Attack 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 Time Attack creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: MST Time Attack on the Nissan 300ZX Base 1987
I walked up to this Z31 the other day and the fitment hit me hard. Running a 17x9 square setup on a 1987 chassis is a bold move. Most guys play it safe, but this owner went full send.
The 20 offset sits right at the edge of the fender line. You get that flush look without needing a massive pull. It fills the arches perfectly.
We checked the inner clearance with those coilovers. There is just enough room for the barrel to clear the springs. Any less offset and you would be grinding metal.
The 17-inch diameter keeps the proportions classic. It avoids that cartoonish look you get with 19s on an eighties car. The wheel design fits the angular lines of the Z31.
Hub bore fitment is spot on here. We didn't see any weird vibrations or centering issues during the test drive. Everything locks in tight and looks factory-direct.
Watch out for the front inner liners if you go lower. A small heat gun session on the plastic will save your tires. Rubbing is just a sign you are pushing the limits.
The spoke design leaves decent room for the factory calipers. You don't need thick spacers to get these to spin freely. It’s a plug-and-play setup for a serious driver.
What We Recommend for Nissan 300ZX Base 1987 Owners
If you want this look, stick to the 17x9 square setup. It makes tire rotations easy and keeps the handling neutral. Don't waste your time with skinny wheels.
A 20 offset is definitely the sweet spot for the Z31. It gives you the aggressive stance without ruining your steering geometry. Anything lower than 15 will cause grief with your fenders.
We always suggest rolling your fenders before you mount the rubber. It’s cheap insurance against shredded sidewalls. A clean roll looks way better than a mangled fender lip.
Don't be afraid to run a little bit of tire meat. A 245/40 or 255/40 tire works wonders for traction. Stretched tires belong on drift missiles, not street-driven Zs.
Most guys make the mistake of buying cheap spacers to fix poor offset choices. Do it right the first time and pick a wheel with the correct backspacing. Your wheel bearings will thank you later.
Style and Build Analysis
That Red finish on the MST Time Attack wheels is an absolute knockout. It pops against the body lines of the 300ZX. The color contrast grabs your eyes from fifty feet away.
The design echoes the old-school Japanese racing aesthetic perfectly. It feels like this car stepped right out of a 1990s Tokyo tuner magazine. The simplicity of the spoke pattern works with the pop-up headlights.
This build feels intentional and grounded. The stance is low, but not so low that you can't hit a speed bump. It’s a functional, aggressive machine that looks fast while sitting still.
We have seen plenty of Z31s with chrome or silver wheels, but this red choice is brave. It signals that the owner doesn't care about trends. They built this car for themselves, and it shows.
The proportions feel balanced front to back. You get a cohesive flow that brings the whole car together. Every time I looked at it, I noticed a new detail that tied the style to the mechanical build.
Why We Love This Build
When the sun hits those red wheels, the whole car glows. The Z31 body is a sharp wedge of automotive history that rarely gets this much love. These MST wheels fill the arches exactly how a sports car should.
I love this build because it feels raw and honest. It reminds me of why we started modifying cars in the first place. You don't need a million dollars to build something that turns every head on the street.
This Nissan is a testament to picking the right parts and nailing the execution. It drives as good as it looks. Go out and build something this bold.
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 Time Attack
- Wheel Size: 17×9 / 17×9
- Offset: 20 / 20
- Wheel Finish: Red
- Tires: Nexen CP671 215/45 24.6″x8.5″ / 215/45 24.6″x8.5″
- Suspension: Coilovers
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 17×9 / 17×9-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 17×9 / 17×9-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
