Well, It's almost that time again and I'm preparing to order some Blizzak's for the Z. I plan on getting some LM-22's and I can get a heck of a deal on 255/40/17's. So my question is: Will 255/40's fit on the stock 17's in front? I know that smaller widths are better, but the deal I can get is too good to pass up....
Thanks in advance!!

 

yes they'll fit

 

They will fit but if you have VDC, it will not function properly if you change the overall diameter of the wheel/tires. I would imagine that winter is a time when you really want your VDC to be working. Also, you really want good tread contact in winter weather, and putting 255 width tires on your 7.5" width 17" wheels will cause serious bowing of the tread leading to very poor contact. The absolute minimum for a 255 width tire with a 40 aspect ratio is 8", and even that is pushing it. Personally, I think you're asking for seriously compromised winter performance if you do this.

 

Running non stagger tires are fine with the 350Z. I've done it for 2 years with both summer & winter tires up here in Canada. In the winter I even participate in winter Solo2 (best outing was beating all but 1 FWD contestant). VDC runs fine non-stagger. Only when the rear diameter is a smaller diameter than the front will you get issues.

However, you want a narrow tire, not a wide tire for the winter. Narrow will provide more bite on both snow and ice. I run 225/60/16 Blizzak all round.