I have a quick question and I really dont want to get flamed. Just looking for some opinions. Since the X's have the intelligent AWD where most of the time its RWD, would it be stupid to run a staggered setup?

 

Don't do it

 

+1 ^^WHS....Don't run staggered on the X

 

Well I guess "technically" he could get a staggered "look". ie..

1) Run a wider rear wheel but the same sized tire as the front. Would meet the diameter requirements of the AWD system. But the tire will look "stretched".
2) Run the same sized wheels / tires front and back. But run the rears with less (numerically) offset to bring it out towards the fender more. Won't have the lip going on.

 

ok...i understand that most people say not to do it. What is the reasoning?

 

One reason RWD people get staggered wheels is the increased traction. Since you are AWD, there is no need for a true staggered setup. If you really want the look of staggered wheels, look into what I mention below.

You can still get the staggered look without actually having wider wheels in the rear. Get wheels with a low disk in the rear which will give a little more lip than the standard or high disk. (Look at Axis wheels and their Maxis lip.) This in combination with an aggressive offset should give you the look you are going for.

 

The AWD system looks at the speed of the front and rear tires in order to determine if the system needs to start transfering power up. Also the traction control systems are also tied in. so if you run diff front/rear tire sizes, the system will ALWAYS see the fronts turning at a diff rate then the rears. The coupe has this diff accounted for in their traction control.

Your AWD sedan does not. Try searching a bit.

 

ok....thanks guys....Never new the real reason. I will just get a regular set-up.

Thanks for the help!!

 

If you're thinking about staggered for the looks of the wheels. You can definately get same size wheels and tires all around, but you can ask to have the rear offsets staggered to have a bigger lip in the back.

 

so if I was to get 19x8 all around. What offsets would you recommend to get that staggered look?

 

The best thing to do is talk to the wheel company and they can advise you best for the rear offset. However, I would tell them you'd like 19x8 +35 in the front with 245/35/19 all around. That will help them determine the best rear offset for maximum lip. A lot of times companies like Iforged or DPE already have it measured up.

 

I dont really wanna go with 245/35/19. I think that I am going to go with 245/40/19 all around. The roads here in jersey are bad. I guess I will just go with the same all-around. This way its easier.

 

Whatever size you decide on try and keep it as close to stock tire height as possible. Use a wheel/tire calculator to figure out your best bet.

 

Alot of members went with 245/40/19 and have no problems so I think that is the size that I am going to go with

 

It's okay to run a staggered application on an AWD vehicle. The Porsche Carerra 4S and Lambo Gallardo (not sure if spelling is correct) are AWD monsters.

Anyways, the key is the Rolling Diameter or Overall Diameter (OD) of the front and rear tires have to be the same (within a certain % diff). I wouldn't rely on calculating it because the tire mfg's have spec's posted on their respective websites, I would go off o those numbers. Ideally, you'd like to keep it 0% diff. However, some automakers have specified tolerances (e.g. Audi is up to 3% diff). If Infiniti/Nissan does not have a spec, assume that you should keep it 0%. For For a staggered 19" or 20" setup there are less than a handful of tires setups that will yield 0% diff (e.g. Dunlop SP Sport 9000 on 20x8.5 (245/35/20) and (20x10 285/30/20)).

Keep in mind, anytime you do a staggered application you will increase the chance of understeer under high performance track conditions. For everyday mixed habit driving you should be fine. Also, the G35X AWD was designed mainly for winter conditions, not high competition (like the Porsche or Lambo).