Any pics of upsized tires instead of a drop?
Originally Posted by jimmyc13
I did just that (upsized tires instead of a drop).
My OEM wheels are 17's:
215/55/17 yields 118.25mm sidewall = 4.66 in.
4.66+4.66+17" rim = 26.3 inch O.D. (outer diameter) total
My 19" Axis Milano wheels & tires:
245/40/19 = 98mm sidewall = 3.86 in.
3.86+3.86+19" rim = 26.7 inch O.D. total....car is technically only 0.2 inches (3/16") higher off the ground and the gap is filled by the same amount when compared to OEM size.
Here are some pics...I love the look & won't ever be dropping my car....to me, the gap is even all the way around (sides vs. the top) and I like that look. I can only fit 2 fingers between the fender & the wheel.



My OEM wheels are 17's:
215/55/17 yields 118.25mm sidewall = 4.66 in.
4.66+4.66+17" rim = 26.3 inch O.D. (outer diameter) total
My 19" Axis Milano wheels & tires:
245/40/19 = 98mm sidewall = 3.86 in.
3.86+3.86+19" rim = 26.7 inch O.D. total....car is technically only 0.2 inches (3/16") higher off the ground and the gap is filled by the same amount when compared to OEM size.
Here are some pics...I love the look & won't ever be dropping my car....to me, the gap is even all the way around (sides vs. the top) and I like that look. I can only fit 2 fingers between the fender & the wheel.



I don't have any pics, but I ran 225/55/17's snow tires on my '03 sedan. They noticeably filled the wheel well - but also got close to the little nut protruding from the front upper control arm (and I'm not fond of my rubber near my nuts ;-)
[QUOTE=GeeWillikers]Too big of a tire and your car looks like a 4 X 4. Remember, for every inch of gap you fill, that's an inch you add to step in.
If you're not helpful, your car will end up looking like a hooptie.
[/QUOTE
Kinda off topic:
HAHAHAHA dude I'm in Atlanta....Take one wrong turn and you see these ****'s everywhere. Needless to say I turn the 'ol Bose down when I make wrong turns.....for some reasons 22 year old white guys in nice NORMAL luxury sedans listening to TI don't get good glances in bad neighborhoods?
If you're not helpful, your car will end up looking like a hooptie.
[/QUOTEKinda off topic:
HAHAHAHA dude I'm in Atlanta....Take one wrong turn and you see these ****'s everywhere. Needless to say I turn the 'ol Bose down when I make wrong turns.....for some reasons 22 year old white guys in nice NORMAL luxury sedans listening to TI don't get good glances in bad neighborhoods?
Originally Posted by darnelled
Thanks Jimmyc13 . Have you seen any negatives with this size like rubbing, etc.?
Hey....check your PM's....gonna send you one re: Paducah.
khsonic03 - No VDC or ABS issues at all. The speedo is off slightly, but I know about what it's at after having my buddy follow me on the highway...asking him his speed & comparing it vs. mine....not a big deal to me.
Thanks for all helpful responses and pics.
I think I may upsize and do small drop together. I did not realize you could get a full 350z suspension for so much less $$ than other aftermarket suspension kits. I wanted to put any saved $$ into a nicer set of rims or other mods. Now if I can just decide on the the rims.....
I think I may upsize and do small drop together. I did not realize you could get a full 350z suspension for so much less $$ than other aftermarket suspension kits. I wanted to put any saved $$ into a nicer set of rims or other mods. Now if I can just decide on the the rims.....
Originally Posted by BigSash
drop on z suspension, either do it right or don't do it, bigger tires? if you are that pu55y just leave it stock
Originally Posted by khsonic03
Not to mention that you throw off your rotational diameter and cause potential ABS, VDC, and speedometer problems.
I thought VDC is fine as long as you keep the ratio between the wheels about same.
here we go. this is 245/45/18
http://liberty.ispeeds.net/~admin/tire1.jpg
http://liberty.ispeeds.net/~admin/tire2.jpg
http://liberty.ispeeds.net/~admin/tire1.jpg
http://liberty.ispeeds.net/~admin/tire2.jpg
I have one crappy pic of my car with 245/45/18's on the stock sport suspension (1st pic). I have some pics with the same tires lowered with the Nismo S-tune suspension (2nd and 3rd pics).
I know have 245/40/18's, and I am not sure which I like better.
I know have 245/40/18's, and I am not sure which I like better.
Originally Posted by khsonic03
Not to mention that you throw off your rotational diameter and cause potential ABS, VDC, and speedometer problems.
I have way smaller tires in summer(225/45/17) and 215/65/16 in winter, which is way taller. ABS performs no different from stock tires-and we actually get snow here. I also autocrossed and tracked with VDC on and off-no "problems" with handling at all.
I dynoed my car with VDC ON(forgot about it!). Guess what-239 whp made it to the rear wheels, and not 139 or any other number-with front wheels NOT spinning at all and rears at 135 mph. It means that difference in diameter with staggered setup won't matter.
What is speedometer "problem"? Will it stop working? Blow to pieces?Burst in flames? It will be showing speed incorrectly, and I doubt that anyone drives within speed limit anyway.
Sorry for somewhat irritated tone. I try things and break something sometimes and speak only from experience.
Last edited by obender66; Jun 2, 2006 at 10:48 PM.
Actually the ABS/VDC systems do rely on the OEM tire heights to perform optimally. The systems utilize the speedometer and wheel sensors for getting the data. Having too tall or too short of tires can and will impact the operation of the system.
The 245/45 is actually closer to stock size than the 245/40. The 245/45 is 1.4% larger, and the 245/40 is 2.3% smaller. I think as far as vhecile dynamics go, it is a toss up. Both sizes throw of the electronic gremlins equally. The fact that the front to rear diameter is the same is what really keeps the ABS/VDC in check.
To me the big difference between the 2 sizes is in performance and comfort. I thought the 245/45 took up the bumps in the road better and had a better ride. But, because of the increased sidewall, it also softened the steering response some. The 245/40 is a little rougher ride, the steering response is quicker, and you will effectively raise your gearing (final drive) with the smaller diameter (increased acceleration, although not too much that you can notice).
Now that said, I liked the 245/45 tires (Falken 451's) a lot more than the current 245/40 tires (Kuhmo ASX) I have now. I can't stand the ASX's, so I would like to try a better 245/40 to decide which size I like the best.
To me the big difference between the 2 sizes is in performance and comfort. I thought the 245/45 took up the bumps in the road better and had a better ride. But, because of the increased sidewall, it also softened the steering response some. The 245/40 is a little rougher ride, the steering response is quicker, and you will effectively raise your gearing (final drive) with the smaller diameter (increased acceleration, although not too much that you can notice).
Now that said, I liked the 245/45 tires (Falken 451's) a lot more than the current 245/40 tires (Kuhmo ASX) I have now. I can't stand the ASX's, so I would like to try a better 245/40 to decide which size I like the best.
Originally Posted by DaveB
I think going with taller tires is a band-aid fix and it won't look quite right. I had .4" taller tires on my lowered Maxima and sure, it filled up the wheelwells better, but it made the car look higher and the tires looked too tall. I much prefered the look with the OEM sized rubber.
I have the Sport suspension and 350Z springs in the front and coupe springs out back. I'm very critical of mods and I absolutely love the ride, handling, and looks of the setup. The ride is no harsher than the stock Sport suspension setup plus the look is SO much better. I have yet to get an alignment (going on nearly one year) and I don't have any odd wear issues except of the inner portions of the rear tires wearing fractionally more than the outsides. I'm doing my best to kill these EL42 Turanzas, but they choose not to die
I will get an alignment when I get new tires though.
Now if you choose to go with something other than Z or coupe springs and/or large and wide tires/wheels then yes, you will most likley have a harsh ride and rubbing issues.
IMO, you're far better off buying a set of use Sport shocks ($150) and Z springs ($60) and calling it a day. You'll get the look, the handling, the OEM fit, and excellent ride quality.
I have the Sport suspension and 350Z springs in the front and coupe springs out back. I'm very critical of mods and I absolutely love the ride, handling, and looks of the setup. The ride is no harsher than the stock Sport suspension setup plus the look is SO much better. I have yet to get an alignment (going on nearly one year) and I don't have any odd wear issues except of the inner portions of the rear tires wearing fractionally more than the outsides. I'm doing my best to kill these EL42 Turanzas, but they choose not to die
I will get an alignment when I get new tires though. Now if you choose to go with something other than Z or coupe springs and/or large and wide tires/wheels then yes, you will most likley have a harsh ride and rubbing issues.
IMO, you're far better off buying a set of use Sport shocks ($150) and Z springs ($60) and calling it a day. You'll get the look, the handling, the OEM fit, and excellent ride quality.
+1. Plus higher profile tires don't necessarily mean a smoother ride, and fat/beefy tires kill the sportiness of the sedan.
Originally Posted by obender66
Another old wives tale...You gotta try it before you repeat something you read on the internet or heard from ignorant mechanic(probably same one who doesn't recommend synt oil for new car).
I have way smaller tires in summer(225/45/17) and 215/65/16 in winter, which is way taller. ABS performs no different from stock tires-and we actually get snow here. I also autocrossed and tracked with VDC on and off-no "problems" with handling at all.
I dynoed my car with VDC ON(forgot about it!). Guess what-239 whp made it to the rear wheels, and not 139 or any other number-with front wheels NOT spinning at all and rears at 135 mph. It means that difference in diameter with staggered setup won't matter.
What is speedometer "problem"? Will it stop working? Blow to pieces?Burst in flames? It will be showing speed incorrectly, and I doubt that anyone drives within speed limit anyway.
Sorry for somewhat irritated tone. I try things and break something sometimes and speak only from experience.

I have way smaller tires in summer(225/45/17) and 215/65/16 in winter, which is way taller. ABS performs no different from stock tires-and we actually get snow here. I also autocrossed and tracked with VDC on and off-no "problems" with handling at all.
I dynoed my car with VDC ON(forgot about it!). Guess what-239 whp made it to the rear wheels, and not 139 or any other number-with front wheels NOT spinning at all and rears at 135 mph. It means that difference in diameter with staggered setup won't matter.
What is speedometer "problem"? Will it stop working? Blow to pieces?Burst in flames? It will be showing speed incorrectly, and I doubt that anyone drives within speed limit anyway.
Sorry for somewhat irritated tone. I try things and break something sometimes and speak only from experience.


