I have a 2003 g35 coupe with the 18" tires(245/45/18). Can I go with 16" rims with larger profile tires?
Any help?

TC

 

I believe you can't go any smaller than 17's. My 18's with snows are very stable in the white stuff.

 

the only thing you need to worry about is making sure the rims clear the brakes, ESPECIALLY if you have the brembo package. i have heard that 17" is as small as you can go. 17" rims with a larger sidewall tire would probably give you better traction in the snow, not to mention saving some $$$ buying 17" rims instead of 18".

 

I had the 18s on last year (Pirelli Winter 210) and traction was horrible. TCS kept kicking in and cutting off gas to the engine, my slip light looked like a stobe light. Complete disaster. Couldn't even get up my ever so slightly sloped driveway.

Switched to 17s this winter and can see a noticable difference, doesn't grab like a 4X4, but I can move around now. Went with 225/55/17 Dunlop M3 all around. Kept the same size for rotational purposes. If you get deep snow in your neck of the woods (more than 3"), I suggest to stay away from 18" rims.....

I bought some stock 17s for the G35 off of eBay ....

 

I doubt 16" will fit a Coupe, even with non-brembos.

I have 17" on my non-brembo coupe and it's fine. They are 225 width to keep the contact patch to a minimum.

Some 17' will fit brembo equipped rides but you'd have to test fit to be sure.

 

I have 16"black rims with Blizack WS50 205 65R16 tires. This is on a 2004 coupe with the 18" wheel package - no Bembro brakes though.
They look ugly but dam they are good in the ice and snow. I get a little better traction than my all wheel drive Highlander with All Season radials. I'll put snows on the Highlander next year and I'm sure it will be best - especially in high snow. These were recomended by the dealer and thrown into the deal to make up for one of their mistakes. I might have sprung for a better rim otherwise(painted for winter)
I'm very happy with the winter performance and glad that my wheels aren't getting all crapped up but in the good weather I miss my 18's and mag wheels.

 

I went with your advice and got the 16" steel rims. I got 215 60R16 and they are amazing in the snow and on the I. Thanks for the info. You saved me alot of money, yes they do not look great but they do a great job

Terry