Finally someone cleared that up. I was wondering why some 05 sports had crappy tires and some didn't. I feel lucky now because I got the Goodyears. I didn't even look at the tires when shopping since I thought they would all be the same.

I'm no expert, but I think the Goodyears are great tires.

 

The Goodyears are at least decent, but they still don't do the car justice. The real point of my thread was to say that putting some "real" tires (Max or Ultra-high Performance) on these cars is an absolute joy and money well spent. It truly is like a different car with the Conti's on.

 

Just got my 05 sport last month up in the great white north (canada). Came with the Turanza's. cant say I'm impressed with the tires so far, but I'm taking them off in a week for pure winter tires. The Eagle RSA's on my wifes Matrix hold the road better than these. Glad to hear I'm not the only one who feels this way.

 

Yep - of the 20+ G35 sedans for 2005 on my dealer's lot, it was about half-and-half for 18" rims... some got Goodyear NCT5, some got Turanza ER33. Auto or stick, color... it didn;t matter. There was no method to the madness.

Unfortunately, the car I wanted had the Turanzas. I've got 11K miles and they still aren't dead. I'm trying to kill them... I'm really trying...

I'll probably either go 235/40 or 245 tires... since there are hardly any tires in this stock OEM size, I refuse to pay $250 for just "decent" tires. For $250 a piece, they better... well, nevermind.

 

I hear you. I'm trying to finish mine up, too, but there is still tread at 13K miles. Guess it won't be until next summer after the winter passes that I'll probably get the Contis as well.

 

Has anyone here changed their tires to 245/45-18's? I did a search, but did not find a definitive answer as to whether these sized tires (sports w/7.5" wide rim) have any issues with fitment, rubbing, or uneven tire wear. Can you guys share your opinion about them?

Also, I was looking at the Dunlop Sport Maxx tires, any g owners have them?

 

Yeah, lots of folks here have gone with 245/45/18's on the 18x7.5 sport rims. They fit, no rubbing issues. However, they're truly pushing the width limit for those rims, which ultimately can hinder performance. You'll get more tread patch but the sidewalls won't behave as crisply as they should, because they're bulging/hanging out over the rims.

And personally, I just didn't want the extra weight - about 3 lbs heavier per tire than 235/45/18 Conti's.

 

Thanks for the info Teeter! What do you think of the Conti's in terms of rim protection? Does it provide any? I know the turanzas don't provide much...

 

No noticeable rim protection. Wish they did, because no matter how careful I am, I always seem to trash my rims. Of course, that gives me a good excuse to buy some new ones!