Ok, I've found a tire that I think will work.
Dunlop makes a winter tire that comes in 235/40/18 for the front and 235/50/18 for the rear. That is the closest height match I have found. Would this be better then going 225/45/18 all around?
Thanks.

 

have you considered getting steel rims and puting 17" on? it will save the cost of mounting htem too, which can be $100+ on 18" wheels ($100 x2 for when summer hits, and add another two times for next season).

 

Nope, wont even consider this. I will not comprimise the look of my car for 5 months a year. No way. I'm sure I am not the only one who feels that way. Go to freshalloy.com in the G35 coupe forums and you will see how many people are pissed that there are no winter tire options if you get the sport package (which has the same tire sizes as the 350 18").

 

I would use a 225/45/18 in the front. The smaller tire width would be advisable. The Blizzaks don't come in 235/50/18?

 

Get the steel rims. If you run your alloys over 5 months of Chicago winter, they will look like crap anyway (assuming you don't wreck the car). 4.5 inches of ground clearance, lots of luck. Best option in winter = Garage.

 

Ok, I'm driving the car in the winter...I am using the factory 18" rims...I just want to know what is my best rout given these factors. The car comes with a block heater (in canada). Obviously the car was designed to run in the winter. I'm not treating my Z like I would some Honda by puting steel wheels on it. I see Porsches here in Toronto durring the worst of winter days and yet I have never seen one with steel wheels.

 

I drove a 3000GT in 3 Chicago winters and my rims held up just fine. I never wrecked the car and the car had no more ground clearance. I just took the bus or called a friend for a ride when the snow was real bad. Streets get plowed and they're usually not that bad. I had more problems with ice storms in St. Louis than snow in Chicago. Good snow tires, common sense, and a careful driver should make things just fine.

The Z wheels have a finish on them, I believe, and that finish can be protected with the Zaino stuff or another good quality product.

 

I'm with you BobbyZ,

my car will be running all year long, hopefully Bridgestone will come out with some 18" winter tires for the Z before winter hits. Waiting for my tire guy to call me back on this! Will let you know if I hear any news.

 

Hi guys, expecting delivery of my G35C in a few weeks, just in time for winter. Ordered my winter tires from the Nissan/Infiniti parts dept. Seems the best bet for winter tires would be the Pirelli 240 Winter Snowsports, 235/40/18 in the front and 245/45/18 for the rear. The overall diameter of the front wheel/tire is about 0.4" off, but the parts guy seemed to feel that this was not significant enough to make a difference. We shall see. This is a V rated snow tire and isn't cheap. When all is said and done, cost will be approx. $1500.00 CDN.

 

Thanks man. I guess thats the way to go for now.

 

What size steel wheels do some of you use? I called TireRack and they said there are no steel wheels big enough. I think they said they stop at 16". Finding the right steel wheel/tire package will determine whether or not I am going to get a 350Z at all so thanks for the help. I've searched but came up short on specific information.

 

i got blitzacks for the stock 18's from tire rack for about a grand. drive on them all winter in a few storms and also tried a parking lot that wasn't plowed. in an inch to about 2 you should be ok. anything over 3.5 er so you will have some issues with slipping, but hey what car doesn't have a problem? a good set of winter tires and you will be just fine.

 

That's about what price I got from them too. But i think it was 17" alloys because I am probably going for a base model. I was trying to save some money by going steel plus I don't mind the look for the winter. I've seen a pic of a brickyard colored z on this group with steel wheels on it but would like to know what size I need. The tire stores I checked so far say that's not an option. Obviously I haven't asked the right store. I've had similar experiences with my current vehicle. No snow tire will get you through what your car doesn't have the ground clearance for but that happens like once or twice a year in northern IN. Some years recently there haven't been any heavy storms at all.

 

I got Blizzak's off of tirerack for my stock 17's that fit. I have 18" Volk rims for spring/summer/fall driving but after thanksgiving here in Pittsburgh, stockers w/ blizzaks will be going back on and Volks will take a breather for the winter...

 

Any idea where you can get steel wheels??

 

The best part of southern cali... No need for winter tires...

 

Where can you get steel wheels for this car. I can not find them anywhere!

 

if i were you, i'd get another set of nice lookin rims for the summer...or else take the ttc...