Soft sidewalls though - some may not like it handling wise. Also, if you live in a pothole capital (NYC) then they are less durable. I talked my dad into replacing his stock tires on 07 accord with DWS and he already had to have two tire repairs (could be a freak coincidence - but on the stock Michelins there were none driving on the same roads).

http://my350z.com/forum/wheels-and-t...ntact-dws.html

Here's a tirerack comparison chart:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ireSearch=true

Note that while the Conti edges the Michelin by overall points, the Pilots rate significantly higher in key areas of Cornering Stability, Dry Traction, and Steering Response while yielding to the Conti in actual snow and ice conditions. SO, if you're looking for a good driving enthusiast's tire, I'd go with the Pilots, but if you really just need the full snow/ice capability, then go with the Conti.

I agree with durability issues on the DWS, they are not belted at all, 100% rubber. Sharp object carve right through them.

how is road noise on this one?

can't find HK Ventus V12 with 235/50

Oops you're right, I remember having this same dilemma when I wanted the Ventus V12's on my stock 18's, there's nothing that matches the 225/50 close enough. I know from experience that pulling the side profile down 1/2" does not look good for the fender well.

What does everyone recommend for staggered summer type tire (08 sedan, sport) ? I live in central texas, we only get rain and snow here. It will rain ice a couple times a year, but since nobody knows how to drive in that you'd be nuts to attempt it.

I have the firehawk GTs on mine right now, not sure how those stack up to oem or what others have mentioned here (car came with them when I got it used).

Seems like others commend the SP3 on here for this?

The road noise is not bad at all on the Michelins. However, I only have about 8k miles on mine--tires usually get really noisy after a lot more miles.

Yep, the new Michelin Pilot Super Sports; hands down!

I went with the Bridgestone RE960s in the stock size and I'm quite happy with them. They are quieter and ride better than the original sport tires were. They have been great in wet/dry conditions. I have no experience with ice/snow. With softer sidewalls the turn-in and handling isn't quite as crisp, but I primarily use my car as a comfortable sedan to haul to family around. They should last a bit longer than a higher performance tire.

I know this is for the newer model G35s but I also have 18s. all i can say is dont get the EnVigors. Once you start putting miles on them they are very loud and sometimes unbearable. If the roads are uneven you can feel the tires moving with the grooves of the road.

I purchased a set of 4 Michelin Pilot Super Sports for the staggered setup back in May 2011 and they seem to be holding up pretty nicely. Currently, I'm running Blizzaks as I am in Chicago, but if you are in a warmer climate the Pilot Super Sports are the way to go:

225/50R18 - $159.99 per tire
245/45R18 - $265.99 per tire

From Costco...with tax and installation the total was $911 - this included a $70 rebate that they take off at the register. No need to mail in any forms, etc.

i put my 255 rears on the front wheels and have 275/35/18 on rears now, much better set up. zero rubbing and i drive ahem....quickly on rough potholed roads often. yes the rears are 'too' small but the lower effective final drive is noticable and wheelspin occurs less often, even with my lead foot. I really don't even understand why such small tires come on the sport models....as it is a relatively heavy yet quick car.....no rubber-no traction!!

oh ya, the wheels are the oem staggered 7.5 front, 8.5 rears as in my thumbnail

note correction!! my fronts are 245/45 18....

Hmm . . .What series profile were those: 40, 45, ???

I th