1998 Acura NSX Wheel Fitment Guide

I write this like I do in the bay. Straight to the point, safe, and verified on the car before sign-off.

Note: The NSX often uses staggered setups by model and market. This page only lists values provided. If your trim differs, confirm both axles using the on-page calculator and OEM sources before buying.

tl;dr

• Use the calculator to compare donors against your NSX.
• Match 5x114.3 and M12x1.5. Keep center bore 64.1 mm or larger with rings.
• Start from 16x7 ET55, 215/45R16 as your baseline.
• Make small offset and width changes, then check inner and outer clearance.
• Do a test fit. Torque to OEM spec. Re-torque after 50–100 miles.

Recommendation

Work in a simple lifecycle: baseline, compare, simulate, test, then install.

1) Baseline your car

• Confirm what is actually on the car now. Read tire sidewalls and wheel stamps.
• If front and rear differ, record both. The provided values may be for one axle.
• Check for spacers or aftermarket studs. Note any changes.

2) Use the calculator

• Set Installed on to 1998 Acura NSX.
• Enter Custom wheel size as 16x7 ET55. Enter tire 215/45R16.
• For a donor, input that vehicle or a custom size you are considering.
• Review inner clearance to the strut and outer poke to the fender.
• Adjust width and offset in small steps. Watch both inner and outer changes.
• If you change rim diameter, the tool updates tire diameter. Verify arch clearance lock-to-lock.

3) Fitment rules I follow on NSX

• Keep bolt pattern exact at 5x114.3.
• Offset close to ET55 unless the calculator shows safe clearance.
• Center bore 64.1 mm hubcentric. Larger bores need proper rings.
• Maintain tire overall diameter near OEM to protect handling and ABS behavior.
• Check brake caliper spoke clearance. Profile varies by wheel design.

4) Hardware and seating

• Use M12x1.5 hardware with correct seat type for the wheel.
• If using aftermarket wheels with larger bores, use quality 64.1 mm rings.
• Torque to the OEM spec from the service manual. Do not guess.

Impact

• Offset changes affect scrub radius and steering feel.
• Wider wheels can add grip but reduce inner clearance.
• Larger diameter may alter effective gearing and speedometer reading.
• Tire sidewall changes affect ride, turn-in, and braking feedback.
• Unsprung weight changes will be felt in damping and response.

Risks

• Inner rub on strut or liner from excessive backspacing.
• Outer poke contacting fender on compression or full lock.
• Brake caliper interference with tight-spoke designs.
• Vibration from non-hubcentric mounting without rings.
• Insufficient thread engagement if studs are short or washers used.
• Load rating too low for vehicle weight and use.
• TPMS compatibility if fitted. Some markets vary.

Next actions

Checklist

• Measure current front and rear wheel and tire sizes on the car.
• In the calculator, set Installed on to 1998 Acura NSX.
• Enter the provided baseline: 16x7 ET55 with 215/45R16.
• Compare your target wheels. Confirm inner and outer clearances.
• Confirm bolt pattern 5x114.3 and thread M12x1.5 on the new wheels.
• Check center bore. If larger than 64.1 mm, add 64.1 mm rings.
• Verify brake caliper clearance using the wheel’s spoke template if available.
• Confirm torque spec from the OEM service manual.
• Test fit one corner. Spin by hand. Check lock-to-lock.
• Install all four. Torque in a star pattern. Re-torque after 50–100 miles.

Helpful tools

• Torque wrench, 1/2 inch drive
• M12x1.5 lug nuts
• Hub-centric rings 64.1 mm
• Tire pressure gauge

If a specification on your car differs, verify with the door-jamb label and the Acura service manual. Then re-run the calculator for each axle. That keeps the result accurate to your build.

Gotchas

• Some NSX trims and markets use staggered sizes. Confirm both axles.
• Do not rely on tire size alone. Offset drives clearance outcomes.
• Aftermarket wheel seat type can differ. Match conical vs ball seat.
• Spacers change effective offset. Recalculate if spacers are used.

Keep changes controlled, verify with the calculator, and test fit. That process avoids surprises and protects the chassis feel Acura intended.