I have the wonderful opportunity to drive my Z through the Chicago winter. Every car I've ever owned has always had all-seasons, so I didn't even think about tires when I stretched my budget for my Touring last week.
In Germany, it's common to see high end cars with cheap rims and winter tires. They don't sell all-seasons there, because they not as good as summers in the summer, or a winters in the winter. Is there anywhere to buy a winter rim and tire combo? I figure a smaller rim with skinnier tires would be as much or less than the 18" Blizzacks on Tire Rack.(@ $230 each). i'm also worried about what the salt will do to my rims. Thanks.

 

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I'm stuck in Illinois as well and it looks like winter tires, from the stories I've read, are going to be necessary. I'd appreciate the info as well..

--Joe

 

The smaller the rim and tire, the better the snow tire will work. I run 17's on my celica in the summer, and 14's in the winter. We already know 17's will fit on a Z, but I'd see if you could jam 16's on there for the winter. If not, get cheap aluminum 17' American Racing or Eagle wheels and cheap snow tires (they work as well as the name brand snow tires, but are much much less expensive).

 

I am going to get new 18s for the summer and I am going to keep my 17 for my Blizzaks.

 

I'm picking up my G35 coupe on Thursday with the 18" wheel package, and I'm in the same boat as I obviously live in Chicago. I'm going to call tirerack.com to order a winter tire and wheel package. I've checked their prices and the tires, at least, sure are cheap compared to retail stores. This is what I will be ordering:
16x7 alloy wheels
tires: f: 215/60-16
r: 225/60-16
I designed my own package for $750 which includes S&H. Pretty good price I think, although I would rather have all-season tires.

 

Same here. What do you think is a better winter tire? Michelin Pilot Alpins or Blizzak? -m

 

What do you think would be the better size for Blizzaks? Should I get 225/50/17 all around, or get 225/50/17 front and 235/50/17 rear? If I get 225 all around, will my spedometer be off much?