yoga42

need to buy new tires for 08 350z, current tires size 245/45ZR18 96Y, looking for affordable replacements: can I use 245/45 R18 96Y or am I stuck with ZR only,also can I change out the "Y" for a "W". I have not found too many exact tire replicas so was looking for alternatives. thank you for any info....from anyone...

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Z or Y are speed ratings, and you won't need to worry about them as the range is well within your Z33's capability. A W rating is for a winter tire, and you're probably not shopping for THAT as summer starts...

iideadeyeii

iTrader: (6)

uHH "w" is 168mph
Y is 186mph
Z can't go past 155 without bypassing stock limiter

MicVelo

^^ This.

Speed ratings explained (easier than my typing it):

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=35

OP, try to stick with good tires for your Z. And, do it as a set of 4. Mismatching tire sizes (other than the appropriate stagger), brands, compounds can lead to squirrly and unpredictable handling. Sure, we've all done the mis-match thing but it's not recommended albeit not being entirely unsafe.

Recommendation for "summer" tires on a budget: Sumitomo HTR Z3 (not the previous HTR Z2) if you don't have snow or severe weather where you are.

Recommendation for "all-season" performance tire: Continental DWS

I usually encourage Tire Rack or Discount Tire but check around locally. Factoring shipping and local mount & balance, sometimes you can find a better (or about the same) deal as from TR or DT.

Spike100

Mic’s recommendation for an all-season tire is right on. I’m on my second set of Continental DWS all-season tires and really like these. They are quiet, ride comfortably, and provide decent handling for an A/S tire.

My only criticism is the softer feeling sidewall that makes the tire seem a little wiggly in hard turns. Actually it performs better than it feels, and the comfortable ride is related to the softer sidewall.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

I stand corrected. But whether it's a Z, Y or W speed rating, the Z33 will still not exceed those ratings in stock trim. And while I respect the all-season tire, I think they're limited in terms of temperature and performance range. I'd rather have an all-out summer performance tire and swap over to a dedicated snow tire for part of the year.

yoga42

Thank you for the info folks..that helps me out big time cause I was having trouble finding affordable 96 Y's. Does anyone know if it matters if I put the 245/45 "ZR"18 or the 245/45 "R"18 on the car(08 350z),I have not found what the "Z" refers to, I know "R" is radial. I have been cautioned to not put any old tires on and want to be sure. thanks for reference to where I can get some and the type recommended, knew there would be someone out there who has their finger on the pulse.!!

MicVelo

Next time, no spoon...

However.... "Z" was, at one time the "top" speed rating. It was open ended and essentially meant, "good up to speeds above 149mph". But how much above? When cars' top speed started to exceed that, further definition was required. Thus, the W and Y designators were hatched to further define the spec. The original specification for Z33 original tires was 225/45 and 245/45 WR-18 on models above the Enthusiast.

So, the ZR rating, while outdated is perfectly fine but if you want to split hairs, get WR rated tires.

Clear enough? Maybe next time you will read the PREVIOUSLY linked info.

yoga42

Thank you for your informed reply, yet you made me feel as though you were writing this with a huge sigh and shake of the head...clueless was the title I gave myself...I DID read the link you kindly gave me,and,wait for it...I do understand it,i just need a short answer, can I use the 245/45*R* instead of the *z* ones I have,i don't care about how fast it can go,i just need to replace tires affordably without messing up whatever gets messed up when you put the wrong tires on the car...I cant even find a WR..apologies for making a simple subject convoluted,not only do I still need the spoon but it better be a big one.!!! thank you to any info.

MicVelo

All radial tires have the "R" in them. The speed rating will either precede the R as in "ZR" OR be part of the service description.... 245/45-18 88Y

"Going fast" is relative. NEVER put a tire on that is BELOW the factory rating, in this case don't go below "Z". If you buy a tire with NO speed rating, caveat emptor. Speed ratings do not just define how fast they can be driven... along with the higher speed comes commensurate increase in sidewall stability, resistance to tread squirm and, can be run at higher operating temperatures for sustained periods.

A full set of new W rated tires from TR is about $400. Seriously, if that's a stretch, you might consider a more economical car. Z's are not cheap to maintain. (Not expensive either, compared to say, BMWs but not cheap.)

bith8791

Bridgestone Potenza RE760's are a good tire, after I replaced the RE040's that came on my z in '04 I ran these exclusively, I once put 40k+ on a set, they will set you back about $600, I'm trying out a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports now, I'll probably go back to the RE760 though.

neal@tirerack

Great article on speed ratings and what the letters mean on our site Speed Ratings and Load Index