I ended up ordering 215/60-16's on their own rims... These are something like 0.6% smaller than stock... I'll get 225/60-16's when those wear out in several years

Drew
2003 G35 Sedan 6MT / Black / Graphite / Aero

 

I just ordered 215/60-16 wheels and tires from TR yesterday. Blizzaks seem to be the one that best matches my needs. I had Michelins Artic-Alpins in my 00 Maxima - they were good but this time around I think the RWD G35 needs a bit more snow traction.

Wheels were in short supply for the Coupes, looks like quite a few out there have been buying them. Sedan wheels are still available in decent supplies.

The G35 handled so so in the snow/ice with the Goodyear RSA. I don't think they are as bad as people on these forums say. Local police cruises use this GY tire in all weather conditions. Personally I think the Maxima's Potenzas were worse.

The VDC light was on and off more often than I can count. It did an Ok job, but that can only go so far. I did manage to get up a hill in my G35 when a BMW 528 and Mercedes Benz C could not make it!

2003.5 G35 Garnet Red, Willow Lthr, Premium & Winter Pkgs

 

Well, after most of the snow got plowed here, and a few roads had a thin layer of snow/slush, the oem's were fine. It's just getting started from a stop on a hill of any grade is where I had the problems. And there are quite a few hills here in upstate NY. Hills aren't a problem as long as I had a little momentum going into them, but from a stop, forget it.

Drew
2003 G35 Sedan 6MT / Black / Graphite / Aero

 

Have 4 Blizzak tires on my ATM G35 Coupe. Had 18" of snow. No trouble getting up hills.

 

To let you all know how worthless the summer's are, I was on a level road doing 10-15, let off the gas to slow for a driveway and the car almost spun! All this in less than an inch of snow.
Put on a set of Blizzaks and in the nexr snowstorm had a no problems at all. I have a winter car again!

 

I apologize to all who were kind enough to give me good advice on the tires/wheels for winter. I have been very sporadic in my visits to this forum. I wanted to let you know that I have taken the "cheap" route this time. I had some Artic Alpin tires (215/55/16) with about 15k wear over three winters on my Maxima that were still in good condition. I talked to the Tire Rack guys and have ordered 16" steel wheels that will go on my G35 and accomodate the tires -- delivered cost about $210. My other option was to order Blizzaks (215/55/17) which would have cost me $440 + shipping. Since I am only leasing my car for 39 months I was somewhat reluctant to get both dedicated rims and tires for the winter. I sincerely hope my compromise decision works out!
Raj
p.s.: I am aware my odometer will be overstating mileage by about 3% or so, but, currently, my G35 is underestimating mileage by about that amount! So it is not all bad!

2003.5 G35 Obsidion/Black Leather Luxury Sedan 6MT with Premium, Winter, and Aero Packages

 

It's not just the speedo that dropping that much in size will affect. You're dropping to a 25.3 rotating diameter from a 26.5. That's 1.2 inches. You will also be affecting your ABS system, and quite possibly your VDC system as well. Your wheel will be spinning faster than the computer will recognize, and will therefore trigger the ABS system VERY often, if not causing it to malfunction. I would NOT do what you are planning. It can be very dangerous in a panic situation, and you could damage your vehicle as well.

'03.5 Brilliant Silver AT Sedan
Premium, Aero Kit/Package, Sport, Winter
Stillen Air Box, Z pipe, Clear Corners, Alum. Pedals
Polk Tweeters, Clifford RSX 3.5 two-way alarm

 

I think the danger of damaging anything in the car or of malfunction of ABS, VDC etc. are minimal! I think you have been misinformed or are over-reacting! To be doubly sure, I confirmed this with Infiniti service technicians. My winter wheel/tires are undersized by 4% (which I will correct when my Artic Alpins wear out). My car is handling the snow and ice just fine and, as an added bonus, my car's speedo- and odometer now read correctly (they were slightly underestimating speed/mileage before). I am happy with my decision.
Raj

2003.5 G35 Obsidion/Black Leather Luxury Sedan 6MT with Premium, Winter, and Aero Packages

 

Actually, you are over about 4.5%. The rule of thumb is less than 3% to avoid problems with ABS. I find it hard to believe that your ABS is not triggering when it is not supposed. (I am not misinformed and certainly not overreacting)

'03.5 Brilliant Silver AT Sedan
Premium, Aero Kit/Package, Sport, Winter
Stillen Air Box, Z pipe, Clear Corners, Alum. Pedals
Polk Tweeters, Clifford RSX 3.5 two-way alarm

 

Since the width and aspect ratios of the tires concerned are the same (215/55), the difference in wheel+tire radius arises only on account of the wheels. My calculation of the radii are: 13.155512" for 17" wheels and 12.655512" for the 16" wheels (i.e., 0.5" difference). My calculator shows 12.655512/13.155512 = 0.9619931. Equivalantly, 0.5/13.155512 = 0.0380068. So I said the difference is 4% (closer to 3.8%). Even if you use the current wheel/tire as the denominator, which is not the appropriate number, you will get less than 4%. [0.5/12.655512 = 0.039508477] Sorry to be **** about it, but 4% was a fairly accurate number!
In any case, I know that you meant well when you warned me and I appreciate your input. If I did not value it I would not have checked with the technician. I would not normally alter the wheel+tire radius. However, I had the opportunity to do so on the cheap this time. It seems to be working out ok so far! Take it easy!
Raj

2003.5 G35 Obsidion/Black Leather Luxury Sedan 6MT with Premium, Winter, and Aero Packages