I spoke to the tire rack. They suggest that you do not "under size" the tire circumference? All of the 225/45 tires are 5.1% different. Stay within +-3%

 

The best size tires to get are:
215/55/17 - Stock
225/55/17 - .4" larger = 1.6% difference
235/50/17 - only .2 difference. Almost identical circumference
Also, these sizes fit the stock rims and can handle the weight.
Unfortunatly, there are very limmited tires in this size. I have research far and wide and have come to the realization that I have to shell out the big bucks for Michelin Pilot Sport A/S's. I'll got with the 235/50/17's. For about $200 a pop + install and allignment = over a Grand! If you want the best, you've got to pay for it!

 

I just got 225/55/17 and I can't keep my car in a straight line. It feels like I'm in a boat. You turn the steering wheel to the right and the back end of the car shifts to the left. WTH? Do I not have enough air in the tires? They are Yokohama.

 

Unfortunately your problems are a perfect example of how well intentioned backyard engineering can screw up an awesome car. I searched high and low for "better" tires to replace the disgusting turanzas the g came with. I've come to accept that a few millimeters of extra width will not make the car handle better, and the myriad problems from lower/wider/taller/shorter tires is not worth all the headaches. I suggest tuning the suspension and praying to the tire gods for oem sized pilots.

 

omg, all this tire talk is so confusing.

can someone do me a favor and sum it all up for me?

i just found out today that my rears are practically bald and yay! i need new tires!

so, umm, what shoud i get?

btw, a few factors:
-i want my warranty
-handling and speed/accel. are important
-ride and noise are only kinda of important...sometimes
-$$$

thanks.

G35s6mt/TSecu/350Z Springs&Struts/K&Nfilter+Z-tube/StillenDualExhaust /6WireGroundKit/KinetixHighFlow

 

I replaced my Bridgestone Turanzas EL 42s with the Kumho
ECSTA KH11 235/50/17 tires and could not be happier.
They handle great and the odometer difference is minimal.

03 5AT Sedan, sunroof, splashguards, HKS muffler,
14 wire Grounding kit, Z Duct, Stillen HF/AB
Underbody rear diffusers, Drilled alum pedals,
Stillen sway bars S/H. Sport Tuned Suspension

 

where did you buy them? whats the most cost effective way to go about this? ...sorry, ive never bought tires before.

G35s6mt/TSecu/350Z Springs&Struts/K&Nfilter+Z-tube/StillenDualExhaust /6WireGroundKit/KinetixHighFlow

 

hmm, wait a minute. if i get the kumhos, ill be downgrading from my goodyear Eagle GS-Ds. hmm. i dunno about that then. is there a cheap way to upgrade from these? maybe some cheap falkens or something?

G35s6mt/TSecu/350Z Springs&Struts/K&Nfilter+Z-tube/StillenDualExhaust /6WireGroundKit/KinetixHighFlow

 

Try the Goodyear F1 GS D3's in 235/50-17. I just put them on my sedan and they're great compared to the GS-D's.

2003.5, DP, Graphite, 5AT, GS D3's (235/50-17)

 

yeah, im planning on getting the GS-D3s. how much did you get them for and where? thanks.

G35s6mt/TSecu/350Z Springs&Struts/K&Nfilter+Z-tube/StillenDualExhaust /6WireGroundKit/KinetixHighFlow

 

Cato,

where did you get the Kumho
ECSTA KH11 235/50/17 tires and how much?
Are they all season? How long you have them?


Motop,
How long you have your Toyo for?
$530 installed is not bad. Are they all season?

Thanks guys


2003 G35 Black Sedan

 

I've got Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3's in 225/55R17 on mine now, replacing the Turanza EL42's that came on it. It's a night and day difference. They're very grippy. I've only got about 4k miles on the new tires so far, and they're still hanging on tight in the corners. Ride and noise seem comparable to the EL42's. The F1's do just fine in the rain, too. Towards the end of their life, the EL42's where getting very squirrelly on dry pavement.

I bought mine through TireRack.com and had them drop-shipped to a local tire shop for mounting.

 

I bought my Kuhmo's from Discount Tire, mounted, balanced
for around $600. They are not all-season. They are great
dry/wet road tires. I live in Houston so there is no snow/winter
to worry about.

03 5AT Sedan, sunroof, splashguards, HKS muffler,
14 wire Grounding kit, Z Duct, Stillen HF/AB
Underbody rear diffusers, Drilled alum pedals,
Stillen sway bars S/H. Sport Tuned Suspension