Ok guys, please excuse the noob question but I'm ready to pull the trigger on a new set of tires for my 05 base model z.

The car is no longer my DD and will be doing some Auto X and HPDE days, nothing serious just a couple of events a year.

Since I'm running stock 17" wheels, I see the recommended largest size I can move to are:

F: 245/45-17
R: 255/45-17

My options look pretty slim on Tire Rack, so was thinking of moving to "40" series tire. Since I do not have VDC or Traction Control, would this be an ok move.

Many thanks,
Neil

 

Why not upgrade to a set of used track wheels if you can find them will have more-better options.. Not to mention they are light weight and look much better...

255s on stock 17s are probably not going to be great.. They will probably be too wide for the 7.5 inch wheel... Even 245 would probably be a stetch...

If you want to run a stagger still I would think 235-40 front 235-45 rear would be a good combo for you..

 

no argument there and I will be going the 18"... one day... Thanks for the input.

 

So I did a little bit more digging and it seems the factory 17s are 7.5 width in front and 8 inch in the back... And the factory tires are 50 series...

I think a square set-up would probably be the best for autocross so if you could find a set of rear wheels and run all rear wheels with a 245-45 you might enjoy that set-up also

 

Yup exactly.

FYI here is an old thread I pulled my info from:
https://my350z.com/forum/wheels-and-...17-rims-2.html

 

i was considering the stock size options for a bit then said to heck with it...

17x10 +38 rpf1's got for less then 900 from oakos and run 275/40 w/ 12mm spacer up front to clear upright by 3mm and 10mm spacer in back. 1lb lighter overall than the stock front. 6.5# lighter then the rears.








^on stock suspension



^lowerd .25" f & .5" R on coils

 

Those look good, I was thinking about getting some 17s... I have stock touring wheels now.. And anniversary wheels... Both sets seem a little bit heavy.

 

If you want to stay 17's and don't have a high budget , get some STR or other cheap wheel in 17x9 to 17x10 all around and run a 275/40-17 front and rear.

The wheels I mentioned can be had for $400 a set. Best available, far from, capable for your needs, yes, plenty better than stock width

 

From someone who has run 17s a lot, they are just fine.

I recommend 255/40/17 square, which will get you a long way before your skills justify the switch to a wider tire.

Obviously if you buy wheels, you may as well get a cheaper set of 18s or wider 17s that can accommodate a wider tire.

 

many thanks guys, some great advise. I'll milk the stock "17's for a little while longer then when my skills have progressed a bit further I'll move on to some wider rubber. FYI, I'll be attending the Buttonwillow Raceway driving clinic next Saturday so we'll see how the car handles.

 

255 is the widest width I can find in sticky 17" tires. (I think toyo makes a 275 but those -R1R's I think- don't like heavy cars)

 

^There are other choices. For instance the R888 and NT01 come in 275/40/17 and 315/35/17

 

Oops, -assumed he was looking for "street" tires since he mentioned autocross, and the race-rubber classes almost require a trailer-queen prep-level to be competitive.

I was thinking of competitive "street" tires. Sure, a couple of the new offerings are probably 100 TW like those, but they have "200" stamped on the side.

The NT01's and 888's are too honest with the TW ratings to be allowed in the street class.

 

Conti DWs and PZeros come in 285/40 as well... i mostly daily mine.. only gets 1 or 2 days on track a year... may try to squeeze a 285 on the front next time. There is also falken 615K in 275

 

i run 255/40/17 on a 17x10 +25. And yes, if you want sticky street tires, 255/40 is probably the widest you can find. NT01 and 888 technically are not street tires...... if you plan to drive to the track without changing tires those might not be the best bang for your buck.

RS3, Star Specs, Rival S, RE-71R, Kumho V720 all come in 255/40 widest.

 

I was thinking 255/40/17 in front and 275/40/17 in rear... Gotta keep the staggered so my car doesn't go wacky... Haven't pulled the trigger but they are in my shopping cart at tire rack.

 

A quick update, I went with 255/45-17 Rear and 245/45-17 Fronts, Sumitomo HRZIII which I got for an amazing deal. I did five 20min sessions at Buttonwillow and they did fine. Note; I am a novice, so my entry and exit speeds would be far less than some of you more experienced guys, but the tires broke away progressively when pushed and turn-in was precise.
In fact the car as whole did amazing; no brake fade, pulled strong and the engine
stayed cool.
Once I’ve burnt through these I’ll move on to 18” and stickier tires but these are fine for now. Thanks again guys.

 

The first time I got on the track I was on those Sumi ZIII as well. Yup, had the same feeling as you about them. Until I really start knowing my car and got some RS3s........ then everything changed lol. Day and night difference. I will tell you that I will never go back to them..........

But you'll have fun with those Sumi ZIII for awhile. Enjoy the ride!