MyBigNut

Hey guys, I'm almost due to change out the rear tires on my 2003 350z Track model. I wanted to find out if there is a way to go up in width size from the stock 245's. Is it possible to run bigger sizes.. 255 or 265, safely?

Just wanted to know so I know what my tire options are.

If I have to stay stock, I'll probably go with the Potenza SO3's. But maybe with the bigger sizes, I can get something along the lines of the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's.

Thanks for the help.

Kevin Doe

I'm curious about this as well. I have a 05 Track model, which I think comes wiht the same wheels

They're 8" front, 8.5" rears. Stock sizes are 225/45/18 and 245/45/18. I'm thinking about going with two different options.

1. 235/40/18 and 255/40/18 (which are 0.6" smaller diameter than stock). I know the this set will fit, but the diameter is a bit small.

2. 245/40/18 and 265/40/18 (which are about the same size as stock). I'm not sure if this set will fit w/o looking super bulgy. Any experience here?

Thanks for the help!

DavesZ#3

iTrader: (26)

8" max recommended is 255
8½" max recommended is 265

neither will look super bulgy

scotts300

iTrader: (46)

255/40/18 and 265/40/18 is what I would run.

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

245/ and 255/40 is what i would run

Tackett

I have a 255/45 on my rears...I think it looks like there is room for more. However, it all depends on the tire though when you start splitting hairs like this. A 265 falken may actually be a tad more narrow than, say, a 265 pirelli. But AFAIK there is very little difference in the width from a 255 to a 265. 4/10 of an inch I believe.

DavesZ#3

iTrader: (26)

It's not a question of "looks like there is room for more". It's all about the tire. The recommended max size is published by tire manufacturers and they have no idea what car they are going on. It's based on engineering, design and safety.

I've seen 285 tires squeezed on 8" wheels used by autocrossers. The trick is that they don't drive thousands of miles on them or at highway speeds for long periods of time or hit pothole or anything else a daily driver encounters.

Yes, different brands are physically different in size for the same specification, that's why some fit on your car and others may rub.

The difference between 255 and 265 is 10mm or a little over 3/8" - that's a significant amount when dealing with fit and every little bit helps with respect to traction.

Tackett

I know that the 10mm makes a difference when it comes to fitment, but honestly, I meant that unless you have some sort of technical reason to mill over the question of 255 safely or 265 "just because I want a 265." erring in the side of safety is the best thing, because in the end, unless you have some technical reason for it. 3/8" won't make any noticeable difference.

DavesZ#3

iTrader: (26)

^^^ I see ^^^ Totally agree.

Tackett

Didn't want anyone to think I was telling someone to do something unsafe.