Hi
I live in the GTA and got 225/50/17 and 225/55/17. So far so good, but when there is alot of slush it is unstable on turns, even at stop sign.

 

What tires do you have??

 

Dunlop winter sport 3D. Apparently have good reviews on Tirerack

 

I think maybe cause it's a performance winter and not an all out studless winter tire...that's prolly why it's still slipping a little. by going performance, you definitely give up some traction

 

225/50/17 front and 235/50/17 rears work great. I have blizzaks; excellent starting traction, ok stopping, but not great acceleration between 5 and 10. They really want to slip at that speed, must be all that g35 torque. 225/55/17 will definitely fit all around. You don't need the 235 in the rears at all. 17 inch tires are way cheaper than 18s or 19s... Good luck!

 

So i was planning
front 225/50/17 and rear 225/55/17 ... that's what tirerack recommended too

Was curious if having 225/55/17 on all even though it will definitely work, will it cause issues with the VDC cause it's not a staggered setup??

thanks
-nick

 

Check out http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Stock fronts on my coupe are 225/40/19. 225/50/17 are .2 inches smaller in diameter and .9% slower (.991*Old Speed=New Speed), and 225/55/17 are .6 inches larger in Diameter and 2.5% faster (1.025*Old Speed=New Speed)

Stock rears are 245/40/19. 235/50/17 are .4 inches smaller in diameter and 1.7% slower, and, (note I am reducing from 235 to 225) 225/55/17 are less than a tenth of an inch different in size, and .1% slower.

All of these are within 3% initial speed, so I really don't feel it will affect VDC. I am not versed in how sensitive the system is, but I know the rule of thumb for speedos is 3%. My VDC doesn't seem to have any problems with it 225/50/17 and 235/50/17, which are .8% different. I don't think 2.6% difference will be an issue either. The sedans run them all year long, and I have heard of them several times on coupes. Good luck!

 

hey thanks!! it was very helpful!
-nick

 

Since we are on this topic with winter tires, what PSI air do you have on your tires? I have it at 42 is that to much?

 

I've always been a fan of running winters low. Ever seen the top gear episode where they take the Hilux to the North (or South, I can't remember) Pole? The tires on that truck are bowing and bouncing all over the place. I have all my tires at 35PSI. Dunno if thats the best, but I don't see any serious bulging at all, and I like the grip I have been getting in the snow.

I think 42 is the recommended right? You're probably fine there. If you're in Brooklyn, you may not drive too much when the snow is heavy, so you'll get better mileage and performance (fwiw) w/ 42 when the roads are clean. When they aren't take the subway or the bus haha.

 

^ I actually had 35 PSI before the ride was great but once i added more the ride is horrible so that's why i think 42 is a little to much. I think i will lower it a little when it will snow in Brooklyn. Thanks for the info tho.

 

Almost... Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3 I ran these on my Altima, 18". They worked great, purchased them brand new, used them one season, then sold the car.

Currently, I've got Blizzaks on my OEM 19" Rays for the G. Ran great last season. I purchased them used (original owner said he used them one season, and they looked like it). Last season's snow was a record +90" in Baltimore/DC. I took the G out several times and got thru 5-6" of fresh powder. However, the torque of our cars makes it tricky. Any sort of incline, the rear would spin and the traction control goes nuts. Best bet is to keep on rolling and take it real easy on the gas pedal if you're in fresh snow that deep. I also prefer to turn the traction control off. Traction control prevent the wheels from spinning out of control, but this causes snow to pack in the tread making for no traction. As the weather only permits driving 15-20 mph (or less), spinning the back wheels helps keep the car moving so the tires don't settle in the snow. That's just my take and seemed to work for me. Of course, the best advice is to keep the G off the roads in anything more the 3-4" of snow. Or any snow, for that matter.

I personally don't think wheel size factors much. I think, as long as you have good tread, with the sips still viable, you should be in good shape in moderate snow. Once the winter tires get down to 50% or less, time to replace. Just my 2 cents.