Guys,
I know a lot of you run aftermarket rims, but some of us are fine with the stock rims. I have the 17" rims on my 2006 LP sedan. I got it a couple of months ago and I believe it's still got the original set of EL42s on it. The stock size is 215/55/R17. At that tire size, the selection of tire blows. I'd like to go with a 225/55/R17 because of a better selection for all season categories. I know this tire is a little taller than stock, but is it going to make much difference other than getting me more speeding tickets (not that I've had any, yet)?

Thanks in advance.

 

Not a problem... in fact, I've seen several G's with 235/55/17's and the clearance looks OK. Main concern is that this may mess with your ABS sensors (possibly), your mileage will be off and the tires might rub the fender walls when there are other passengers in the car (not sure about this one). I'm looking to go 225/60's next time around.

You can look at this site for tire measurements and how they offset stock tires:

http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCal...?action=submit

 

Hey, Thanks for the info. I was really hoping i got some response like, "Yeah man I run 225 55 17s" Is there a better way to use a diff size width with the stock rims and not have it rub? I tend to have passengers in my car fairly often, and I'm not a very light guy either.

 

A235-50 is a little, but identical OD.

 

Your limitation is not just the fender well, but possibly and more importantly, a bar that loops over the tire just above it inside the front tire well. Look above the tire and you'll see this bar. Place your fingers between it and the tire along the top of the backside and you'll see that your clearance there is about .75 inches, so this may become your limiting factor. Width-wise, the 235's have been the largest I've seen run. To go wider, you might actually have to go from a 55 to a 45 or even 40--,but then the car looks tacky, like the old super sports with tires sticking out of the wheel well. Good luck again!

 

thanks for the reply....i'm gonna go check out this bar this afternoon.

 

Let me know how it works out. I'm curious since I'm also interested in moving up but was not sure if this would affect the ABS sensors or any other electronic system. I've heard it can, but then people do it with no untoward effects! So, do let me know.
Thanks

 

I went and looked at the wheel well, and you're on the money with bringing up clearance issues. On my 06 there is a nut about .75 inches or so above the tire. I feel the 225/55 would probably add too much height especially since I have passengers on a semi regular basis. I guesss my only gripe is that I don't like the wide look of 235/50s and the selection of 215s is pretty bad IMO. If I stay stock I guess I'm getting YOKO AVID V4S.

 

Go to EPINIONS.COM to look at real life reviews and ratings of the Avid series. Also consider other tires such as Kumho solus, which generally run 1/2 the price of the Goodyears, Bridgestones and Michelins but yet give you the same ride, mileage and grip. Tirerack.com also gives you excellent reviews (and will ship tires to you at prices local shops can't touch but will put on for you) on all major brands. I had 4 Kumhos put on and the total price was $504: the replacement price for the Turanzas that were the originals would have been >850. If your not into racing and speed (which I'm not) you can also look at H rated tires, they generally run longer, are just as smooth and cost a fraction of the v-Z ratings that go on the Infiniti's. H tires are what are on >95% of all passenger cars and trucks, so they're commonplace and easier to get.

Good luck!

 

^ do not consider anything with an H-speed rating. you must replace the original EL42's with a tire of equal or higher speed rating. EL42's are V rated. our cars are capable of 150mph so you must equip it accordingly, even if you never plan on going that fast. the owner's manual states this clearly. also, no reputable tire shop would sell you tires with an insufficient speed rating. V or Z rated tires may be more expensive than H rated, but one assumes that cost when they buy a G35, which is considered a performance sedan in the same class as a BMW 3 series.

as far as sizing is concerned, i faced the same situation as you when i recently purchased a new set. 215/55/17 is an odd size. after some research, i went with 225/50/17 Kumho Ecsta ASX. great tire, great price, and the 225 width looks perfect, not too wide just a bit more aggresive looking than the EL42's. the overall OD is nearly the same as 215/55 so speedo error is negligible.

 

canucklehead, a 225/50 is expected to be 1.67% too fast, meaning when you are going 60, you're really only going 59ish. I know that isn't that big of a deal. Also, going with the 225/50 will lower the car a little less than a 1/4 inch since the overal rolling diameter of the 225 ASX is 25.9" while the EL42 is 26.3". I got those specs from TireRack and computed used the circumference of each tire to get the percentage. I'm at 28,000 miles now, so assuming I use 225/50 from here on I would only loose about 500-600 miles of warrenty coverage. 225s here I come!

 

The realities are that many "reputable" tire shops will put the H rating on your car if you request it.... how do I know, had it done 3 times in 3 different "reputable" car shops in 3 different cities in the US over the past 10 years. Used to be tha no "reputable" car shop would put a different size tire on your car than stocks, but pressure and culrure have changed this.

In addition, according to consumer reports research, some H rated tires do better than or equal to V-Z rated tires on stopping distance, wet/dry traction and load limits. Need to check your facts. One area in which you are correct is that the manual does recommend that we stay with the same rating tires, but it also states that one should not use syntheic oils, which are superior to dino oils, and yet.... many Infinitii drivers (myself included) have switched to Amsoil, Mobil 1, Royal Purple or German Castrol.

 

I have no doubt that this is done, as you have had done. however, you are exposing yourself to insurance coverage issues in the event of a collision. if you request it, a tire shop will do it. but you assume all liability if you crash.

this is similar to getting tint done. many regions have restrictions for tinting, but a shop will install non-reg tint if an owner agrees to take responsibility for that decision.

if a vehicle was involved in a highway collision in poor conditions, the insurance company would investigate the car and check factors such as tire wear and suitability. if the tire was worn out, or of insufficient spec for the vehicle, the policy could be voided and the owner would be on his own for damages (and possible civil suits from others).

those are facts.

 

I have to concede this point 100%!! My wife is an corporate attorney and talks about how mods to these cars not only void the warranties at times, but that insurance companies and judges will see that changing tire ratings and sizes affect driving and stopping. So, yep, you're very right and I stand corrected!!! Excellent point!