Hi guys,
I'm about to buy a 2004 G35 coupe(Automatic) and would like to know if it was possible to get 16" rims and tires on this baby? If not then I guess I'll have no choice but to go with the 17".

I've hear good things about the Dunlop Wintersport M3 and the Blizzak WS-50(only comes in 17" though). Anyone know a good place to get rims and tires in the area of Montreal, Laval? How much should I be expecting to pay for the rims, tires and installation before tax?

Thank you in advance.

 

I have the same setup as you have. I put 16 in. wheels and snow tires on it for the winter. I bought them at TireRack.

 

Can you tell me which brand of tire you have? How much did it cost with the rims and shipping?

 

I have a 2004 Base Coupe w/Auto and put Blizzak WS-50's on steel rims (16") for just under $1,000 CDN.

Driving with the Blizzak's on many winter conditions and performed very well just as long as you accelerate slowly.

I was considering 17" performance snows but heard that the wider tires have a harder time in deep snow. I also wasn't sure how much performance you can get from snow tires anyways but many in this forum have gone this route. Driving the WS-50's though wouldn't try any aggressive driving.

 

Where did you get the tires and rims for under $1,000 CND? I live in the region of Montreal can you recommend a place?

 

I bought mine at a local Firestone/Bridgestone retailer here in Richmond Hill, just north of Toronto.

This price shouldn't be difficult to match...about $160 per tire...can't find my original invoice to verify but I'm sure of the ballpark. $75 per steel rim.

Just check call and ask for some quotes for WS-50's...I staggered mine front and back but looking back, don't need to do that...get the same size all around.

I think 225/55R16's should be okay all around. Chekc Tiredepot.com, they have a tire calculator size that tells you the size diff's.

 

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but if your front and rear tires are not the same size, does that mean your steel rims are also different or are they all 4 simply 16" identical?

 

rears are wider

 

Do you have the exact dimensions of your front and rear rims?

 

I'm thinking of purchasing tires from tiretrack.com

Here is what I've added to my cart:
two 215/60QR16 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 (rear)
two 205/60QR16 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 (front)
Total price including shipping was: $426.40US
Now if I include UPS service charges, customs charge, etc fees, let's say about an extra 100$US

So the total is $526.40US Which is about $605.36CAD. Is that a good deal? I found the same set of tires at talontire.com for $772.80CAD(shipping and taxes included).

Should I go with a staggered setup or 4 identical tires and rims(four 215/60QR16)?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a staggered setup?

 

Did you add the steel rims? They will fit it with the tires but make sure you specify it's for G35coupe. Make sure it's balanced and your are ready to just replace your current tires. Your front tires have a bolt which needs to be removed (easy to do).

Go with 4 identical so you can rotate. The 60 series Blizzak's WS-50 are NON unidirectional while the 55 and 50's are.

 

Thanks for your advice. I have another question, can I get a set of four 205/60QR16 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 instead of four 215/60QR16? I heard the wider tires results in more contact with snow or ice therefore less traction. So basically would four 205/60QR16 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 do a better job then four 215/60QR16 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50?

Also what which is better NON unidirectional(60 series) or unidirectional(55 or 50)?

 

215/60R16...205 will look really thin.

The thinner the better for deep snow but between 205 and 215, don't think there will be much of a difference.

With unidirectional you rotate, for example, front left to rear left...no left to right and make sure you install properly as the tires have to rotate in the direction of the arrow marked on the outer wall.

But having done a lot of reading up and discussing with others in various forums, people seem to do fine with 18" performance snows but get into some issues with deep snow traction. Being that you are in Montreal and get some good snow and ice conditions, the 205 or 215's will get you through your winter. Although, it doesn't really look as nice as having 18" or 17" performance snows.

 

i have 225 and 235 width winter tires and they suck in the deep snow

 

Thanks for all your comments, I think I will go with four 215/60R16. Looks and performances(speed) are not what matters to me in Winter. I just need to be sure that my tires can get me and my car from point A to point B safely.