Watanabe makes the quintessential Banana Type 8 spoke JDM wheels in a few different yet similar styles. Due to the spoke shape and lip size, I believe the Watanabe wheels pictures are both the Watanabe F8 type. On the left is a Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo Fairlady Z32, and on the right a Nissan Skyline GT-R R32; both some beautiful Machines.
Volk Racing GTU are JDM Wheels targetted towards the USDM Market. As the wording on the ad suggests, these JDM Wheels are named for the IMSA GT-U Class, an American racing series. The Volk Racing GTU are 2 piece wheels with a mesh face. Pictured are the Volk Racing GTU on an S13 series Niissan 180SX.
The Advertisement reads:
“An Intrepid newcomer to the world of Volk Racing with the integrity to compete at the searing speeds of the IMSA Series GT-U Glass. Equipped with a two piece forged rim and a revolutionary disk with a 12 cross-point mesh design, it offers unsurpassed performance and strength. The wheel’s exceptional breathing and tight weight combine to give you the competitive edge. Introducing the Volk Racing GT-U. For achieving your Daytona dream.”
The Work Ewing I designates the Ewing Series JDM Wheels with a mesh face. This version of the Work Ewing I has the more updated sandwich mount 3 piece design with a step lip that was more popular through the 90’s. Classic to the Work Ewing series though the years was a faux centerlock design with hidden lug nuts. This version of the Work Ewing I was available in 16″ 17″ and 18″ diameters.
The Stern Series of JDM Wheels is most Popularized by the Stern Face-II 5 Spoke Wheel. So popular, it was used on certain year Saleen Mustangs. The Stern Face-II is a muscular looking fat face 5 spoke wheel with exposed hardware. The Stern Face-I was pretty much the one peice version of the face-II. The Stern Face-II 6s was similar just that it had 6 spokes. The Stern R Schmiede had curved spokes, which I am guessing would be helpful to big brake fitment. Pictured above are the Stern Face-II-6s mounted on an Nissan Silvia S13, and a MK3 Toyota Supra.
The Volk Racing Group C Europe are the one piece version of the Volk Racing Group C JDM Wheels. The Volk Racing Group C Europe features the similar 5 spoke design with an elongated dimple in each spoke, and hidden lug nuts with a hex cover. Pictured what looks to be the Volk Racing Group C Europe mounted to a Nissan Skyline GTST R32. As with all Volk Racing wheels, they are manufactured by Rays Engineering.
The Racing Direction Quattro are more of an obscure type of JDM Wheels. I really can’t say I have seen the Racing Direction Quattro online or in person, but they sure do look unique as most 4 spoke JDM wheels do. Pictured above are the Racing Direction Quattro on an S13 Nissan Silvia running staggered sizes 16×7 +35 and 16×8 +38; such consevative sizing compared to what people run today.
The Impul R5 is Impul’s 5 Spoke JDM Wheels entry of the 90’s. At the time, just about every wheel manufacturer had a multi piece 5 spoke step lipped wheel with exposed bolts; Work had the eqiup, Racing Hart had the Revs, BBS had the RF etc. The Impul R5 is a 2 piece wheel and is actually manufactured by Enkei. Pictured are the Impul R5 mountef on a R32 Nissan Skyline GTR.
