Just kinda curious why Infiniti was reluctant to put a wider rim on the sedan "sport" setup (7.5"). They already had 18x8's for the Coupe, so why not stick with the wider (AND BETTER PERFORMING) wheel? This is keeping me up at night.

Secondarily, why has Infiniti chosen stock wheel/tire combos that severely limit aftermarket tire options? This REALLY bugs me. Seriously, search Tire Rack for replacements for 235/45 R18's and you get like two options - and they both suck. Same is true for the 215/55 R17's that are standard on the non-sport sedan. I know we can go to different widths, but why why why make it this difficult?

-T

PS Sorry to bitch, REALLY like my '05 Sedan w/Sport Pkg in spite of.

I think you have some issues if this is keeping you up at night. But, if it bugs you that much...take it up with the engineers at Infiniti and let us know what they say.

Put the razor and straw back down on the mirror. Leave it there. Have about 3 fingers of single malt. After a while you'll be able to sleep and when you wake up you'll feel so much better.

It' all about suppliers and hitting price points and what they think the average consumer is willing to pay for.

just get a lower profile tire. like 225/45 cause its going to be tight to fit 235 and not many makers have this tire size for this wheel.

Thanks, Chico, for the fantastic response. Yes indeed, I shall take it up with Infiniti engineers and get back to you, just as you've suggested. Why didn't I think of that? And thanks also for helping me come to terms with my "issues". I was in such denial! I knew that joining this board would pay off.

That's right - give it to him. Chico has never been one to help out on the wheel fitment issue anyway.

I work at firestone and i have the bridgestone SO-3 pole postions (245/40/18) on my stock 05 sedan 18x7.5 wheels. 245/40's are as close to the stock 235/45's as you can get. Plus you get more contact area for better handling.

Keep in mind adding lower profile tires will make the wheelgaps look even bigger. Even a .4" in shorter overall diameter makes a visual impact in raised ride height.

Yeah, I'm inclined to thin that 245/45 R18 would be more aesthically pleasing in the cavernous Sedan wheel wells. Although, I guess that if you plan on lowering over an inch, maybe the shorter profile is a better idea. -T

Profile definitely has a visual effect. On Cheryl's car, she had the stock 04 6 spoke 17's, with the 215/55 turanzas. We recently replaced them with a set of the 18" coupe wheels. Fortunately, the previous owner didn't like the staggered wheels or tires, so he replaced his fronts with rears, so we got a full set of matching sized wheels and tires. The tires are now 245/45 Eagle RSA's. After we got them on, they stuck out of the wheelwell, just a tiny bit, front and back. Because they're so much wider than the originals, they look just plain mean. Also, it looked like the car actually had a slight drop. Purely imaginary, but still looks good.