I have an '03 performance model currently with the stock 18" six-spokes. I'm buying winter wheels and just want to make sure that these will fit...

stock 17" seven-spokes ('03 base/enthusiast models came with them)
Front - Size: 17x7.5 Offset: +30mm
Rear - Size: 17x8.0 Offset: +33mm

The tires I am picking up are Blizzaks
Front - Size: 225/50/17
Rear - Size: 235/50/17

Do you guys think this combo will work on my car? Thanks.

 

perfect

 

o boy!

 

I know that some people get 225/45/17 and 235/45/17 instead

Does the taller sidewall (45 vs. 50) rub at all, because it seems like there is plenty of clearance? The way I see it, more sidewall is better because it offers more tread depth.

 

The 50's are OEM fitment for a stock z that came with those wheels, not a chance in hell they will rub.

 

For snow tires thin is in. You might consider 215-225 mm tires.

 

Just curious but why is thin in? I did not know that this followed the modeling world so closely

 

Good to go! Looks perfectly fine and a great tire to use.

 

225/50-17” Front with 235/50-17” Rear is stock sizing. That will work perfectly.

Like your car, I also have a 2003 Performance model (and thus VDC equipped). For my winter wheel/tire setup, I am running 225/55-17” all square on 17x7.5” wheels with a 35 offset.

Here are a couple of pics:




I went all-square so that I could rotate the tires. I was concerned about my VDC not liking this setup, but after three driving seasons, I have not experienced any problems with 225/55-17” all-square and VDC.

(Note: I should mention that I did try 225/50-17” all square with my VDC-equipped car for winter, and that didn’t work well.)

People mention that “thin” is better, and I agree if you are in a climate that gets significant snow. In this case, thin tires dig-down instead of floating on the snow, and provide better traction. 225mm front and 235mm rear is fine.

Winter is close, and we’ll see more interest in winter wheels and tires posted here. I must say I’ve been very impressed with how well my VDC-equipped Z handles winter driving with studless snow tires.

--Spike

 

To Neal at Tirerack: I am currently using Z33 17" wheels with the above sizes in the Blizzak LM-22. Since those tires are now discontinued I am having trouble finding those winter tire sizes on your website. I will probably need new tires next winter!

I have done a couple random searches and came up with 225/50/17 front and 225/55/17 rear for people selling Z33 G35 rims on ebay. Will that work or should I do a square size?

 

A 225/50 and 225/55 combo will work great. Keeps the car happy and lots of tires to choose from.

 

I was initially helping a friend search for tires for his MS3, but now that I think of it what would you prefer to have for a winter tire? I'm thinking WS-60 (extreme snow duty) all the way despite all the nice rebates other tire companies are giving right now.

I do have the performance oriented LM-22 and did fine with them so far, so maybe all those tires will be just fine for NJ/PA driving right?

Lastly, what is your thought on the lowest ranked winterforce tires on a RWD vehicle such as the Z and G? Yes, I saw the youtube vid comparing them to the Bridgestones on the icerink lol.

 

Our top performer now is the WS60. Same tire I use on my car and love it. Haven't found snow yet I couldn't get through. Personally I'd rather trade some handling for better snow/ice traction when I need it. On a rwd I'd really have nothing else. The Winterforce is sort of a starter snow tire. Better than an a/s tire but bottom of the snow tire food chain.

 

I'm looking more into it and I see that your Continental Extreme Winter Contact recently outperformed the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 and the Bridgestone WS-60 in an arctic circle test! And it's cheaper than both models in general...hmm.

 

Honestly do not think the Conti will be a better long term tire compared to the other two. Good tire so far but hasn't had a full season of use by anyone yet so long term results aren't there.

 

I have searched all over and came out with nothing, could anyone tell me if i could fit 17" rims on an 07 base? consider that 06+ have bigger non brembo brakes then the 03-05. Any advice is appreciated. Need to give an anwser to the seller asap, thanks all!

 

yes they can but it depends on the offsets

 

Offsets are fine, but for comparison I have 18s in the front and I can barely put a finger between Thr inner rim and the brake, can anyone else throw some input on this topic? Thanks!

 

I put 17" ASA AR1's on my '07 in the winter. I bought them from the Tire Rack for my '05 originally. The spokes are very close to the front calipers (~1/4") but they fit.

 

Use a offset calculator to compare your current wheels to the new wheels. With the new dimensions, check the car with a tape. Do you clear the suspension, brakes calipers and fenders? Reference: http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp

Keep in mind that 17-inch OEM wheels are TWO sizes:

350Z Wheels
Standard 17":
Alum Alloy
F-17x7.5
23.259lbs
R-17x8
24.140lbs
F-.30
R-.33