I just found out I'm going to have to move for work, so my G35 (2003 18" wheels) will have to be driven in the snow. I'm weighing the options of mounting tires back and forth on the stock rims or downsizing and buying a set of cheap rims. I've decided to go with Michelin X-Ice xi3 for the tires, and I'm going to use Tire Rack, but the winter tire packages still come with decently expensive rims. I just want the cheapest package that will allow me to put those tires on my car, and allow for super cheap swapping and possibly even do it myself. Anyone have any suggestions on sizes/packages?

A friend of mine just got a BRZ and found 16" rims for $58 a piece and got the same tires. I'm just trying to do this on a budget, since unfortunately my job won't pay me in advance

 

2003-2004 will fit 16" wheels. The 2003 bare-bones base model did come with 16" wheels, but it's not common so I doubt you would find a set, but if you could find out the specs of the rims, you could purchase similar wheels.

16" snow tires are cheaper than 17" tires, and a bigger sidewall, and narrower tread is more desirable.

I assume you are wearing the factory 2003 brakes still? No BBK requiring larger wheels to clear?

 

Yeah, all the exterior parts are stock. Only threw in an all new stereo. 16's would be even more ideal honestly, I mean they only have to be on for a few months a year and with all the salt everywhere, it's not like I need nice looking wheels just so they can get filthy. If I knew what combo to look for/order in terms of what would be the best fit on my car, I'd be all over that to save even more $.

I also noticed I didn't mention that I'm talking about an 03 coupe as well. I thought the 03 coupe base was still 17", but if it'd fit 16" wheels that'd be great.

Edit: Looked at the owner's manual. The sedan was 16" but no coupes were less than 17". Didn't see any other recommended sizes lower than 225/50R17 F and 235/50R17 R. So that's pretty much my question. Can I go any smaller/cheaper than that? This is what I'm currently looking at, but hoping there's a better way.

 

can you buy USED OEM 17" wheels for ~$250? might save you some dough..

also, I have Kumho winter tires.. on my 6th season.. it's still going strong.. probably last winter season on them though.. this might save you another $150 or so...

 

I thought of that, but Tire Rack will send the tires already mounted on the rims and everything, so that'll save money. Also, finding cheap used rims quickly might be an issue. I'll probably just end up going with this setup I guess. The only other thing is that for the 17" model, the front wheels are 7.5" and rears are 8", but when you pick your setup as a 17" model, it gives you all 7.5". I assume that wouldn't be an issue, but if anyone could shed some light on that I'd appreciate it.

 

The front vs rear size difference for winter setups on coupes has been discussed many times - you will not have a problem running same size all around. I would encourage you to not go any smaller than 17's for your winter setup. 17's on the G already look somewhat ugly because of how tall the sidewall is. 16's would look completely ridiculous with very chunky tires required to maintain proper outer diameter. That's the nature of things when a car is designed from the factory for a typically optioned 18/19" size. Smaller wheel sizes have to move up in sidewall size and it starts to look funny.

I've been running oe 17's that I swap myself every winter. It completely kills the look of the car but works great. I'm always very anxious to get my oe 19's back on and I think I would drive my car off a bridge if I had 16's for 3 months.

 

Thanks for the info. Looks like I'll just go with that then. I didn't think there'd be an issue, but searching a few pages back I couldn't find anything. Wouldn't want them to show up then get hosed. I know it'll look a lot worse, but the car just looks bad with how beat up the roads are with dirty snow and the salt everywhere. It's a crime they put those stock 17"s on the coupe. Hideous on such a gorgeous car.

 

The sedan had 16", but the coupe and sedan had the same brakes unless you had the brembos on the coupe. If you have the base brakes, you could fit a 16" rim on there.

Would I put 16" rims on? Your call. It is ugly, but 16" tires are cheaper and a tad bit more functional as a winter wheel setup than 17" wheels.

Your call....you gotta look at it.

If you want 17", look on craigslist for some beat to crap curbed stock 17" wheels. I see them pop up all the time. As long as they are round and sound, just plastidip them silver or black or something and slap on winter tires.

I know looks matter....but right now I have so much salt and slush on my car that I could care less what it looks like really.