Tire Size Confusion!
#1
08-09-2004, 09:51 AM
Tire Size Confusion!
I was all excited to purchase a set of new Michelin Pilot A/S tires, size 235/50ZR17. But I thought before I made this huge expenditure I'd see what the experts on G35DRIVER.com had to say about not using the exact OEM tire size. YIKES! I've got 25s and 45s and 55s and 225s and 215s coming out of my ears! After reading a fair number of threads dealing with this subject I have become more confused than ever (not uncommon for me). It seems like there is some division out there regarding whether it is a good idea to deviate from the tire size Infiniti originally put on the G. So, please, could someone speak in terms a third-grader (that's me) can understand. Here's why I want to change to Michelins. The biggest reason is I understand they are much better in the snow for an all-season tire than the OEM tires. I own a G35x. I was planning on buying a set of 235/50ZR17. A post I read earlier said this size is extremely close to the OEM size. So, if all I'm concerned about is better tire traction in deep snow (Wisconsin snow!), is it worth paying the price of the Michelins or should I just keep what I've got because the OEM tires will be sufficient? No, I do not want to go with snow tires.<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by fotodad on 08/09/04 07:23 AM.</EM></FONT></P>
#3
08-09-2004, 10:39 PM
Re: Tire Size Confusion!
you should try the continental extreme sports. they are a/s. i was just as confused as you are before i bought my tires but i did some research on my own using the internet, to figure out what all the numbers meant. i wanted wider tires, but wasnt sure what to do. so i went to michelin's website, i have the coupe 18's btw, printed out the specs for the stock tires and compared them to the new tire and new size i wanted. mainly looking at overall diameter of the tire. the diameter of your new tire, should be very close, if not exact. i also looked at the load rating, and made sure it was the same or higher. the last thing i looked for was that the tire was able to fit on a stock 8 inch wide rim. hope i didnt confuse you anymore. i figured out a good size by myself. or you can just call tirerack but i wasnt happy with them. they were suggesting that i get new rims, which i didnt want to pay for. good luck
#5
08-10-2004, 01:36 PM
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Memphis
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Tire Size Confusion!
I suggest you go to tirerack.com and read their articles that explain tires. They also offer real world reviews of all their products. Once you get to a tire you've decided upon, click on "specs" and they will list the overall diameter, which is one of the first things you want to make sure you keep the same, or very near, OEM. If the tire diameter is larger, you will be going faster than your speedometer says (among other things, but that's the third grade explanation).
The second thing you'll want to note is the width of the tire (the first number, ex. 225) and aspect ratio. Altering the width of your tire will alter the way your car behaves....maybe for the better, maybe for the worst.
When I choose tire size I like to look at the column on the right first (on the specs tab) and find anything that is the same diameter as OEM. Then, I choose my width/aspect ratio in combination, making sure I remain almost exactly stock diameter. The rule of thumb is within 3% of original diameter for your VDC and speedometer to still work correctly, but I like to keep it within 1/10th of an inch diameter of OEM because I'm obsessive like that.
2004.5 Coupe/5AT/Ivory/Everything but front spoiler/Nismo CAI/Crawford V5/Crawford Cats
The second thing you'll want to note is the width of the tire (the first number, ex. 225) and aspect ratio. Altering the width of your tire will alter the way your car behaves....maybe for the better, maybe for the worst.
When I choose tire size I like to look at the column on the right first (on the specs tab) and find anything that is the same diameter as OEM. Then, I choose my width/aspect ratio in combination, making sure I remain almost exactly stock diameter. The rule of thumb is within 3% of original diameter for your VDC and speedometer to still work correctly, but I like to keep it within 1/10th of an inch diameter of OEM because I'm obsessive like that.
2004.5 Coupe/5AT/Ivory/Everything but front spoiler/Nismo CAI/Crawford V5/Crawford Cats
#6
08-10-2004, 01:42 PM
Registered User
Re: Tire Size Confusion!
try to stay within 3% of the stock diameter. with that said the 235/50 is within 1% of the stock diameter. and no, all the stock tires suck in the snow compared to the michelins
you will be much impressed with teh michelins, althought they are pricey. i have no experience with teh conti a/s's. conti normally makes a very good performance tire. not the best but usually near the best for the money
Better Life thru Chemistry
Black on Black 03.5 Sedan 6MT - Goodyear F1 GS-D3's 225/55/17, Custom Intake Tube, '03 "Z" Suspension, Magnaflow resonator, 6 Wire 4 Guage Grounding Kit
you will be much impressed with teh michelins, althought they are pricey. i have no experience with teh conti a/s's. conti normally makes a very good performance tire. not the best but usually near the best for the money
Better Life thru Chemistry
Black on Black 03.5 Sedan 6MT - Goodyear F1 GS-D3's 225/55/17, Custom Intake Tube, '03 "Z" Suspension, Magnaflow resonator, 6 Wire 4 Guage Grounding Kit
#7
08-10-2004, 02:23 PM
Trending Topics
#8
08-10-2004, 02:23 PM
#9
08-10-2004, 02:23 PM
#10
08-10-2004, 02:24 PM
#11
08-10-2004, 02:24 PM
#12
08-10-2004, 02:24 PM
#13
08-10-2004, 02:24 PM
#14
08-10-2004, 02:24 PM
#15
08-10-2004, 02:24 PM