I just picked up a 04 Roadster MT with 24k miles on it yesterday. I have the Enthusiast version with the optional 18" factory wheel option. I had brain surgery 3 weeks ago. While I am recovering I need to cruise nice and easy for at least a year until all the pain goes away and all the muscles come back. I have nothing against the original wheels/tires as they are in great shape and work great. I was hoping to reduce the tendency of the car to follow grooves and imperfections so I have an easier time driving and a smoother ride would reduce the pain as well. I have 2 options, I can either use the 18" stock wheels and get an all season lower traction tire or buy a set of 17" factory wheels which would give me more sidewall and a narrower rear tire (225 vs 245). Which do you guys think would be better for me until I return to my old self? I appreciate all info as the snow will be gone soon. BTW I bought the Z instead of a 911 because it fit me way better and I did take 2 test drives so I know what I got myself into. Thank you.

 

Check your stock tire sizes on the 17,s. 245 rears to 225 fronts. I run these in the winter time. The ride does'nt become soft but eas'nt bad.

 

The Enthusiast should have 17" from the factory. I suspect you might have bought a car that someone has switched the wheels. As to what you should do regarding tire size..............I have a Base that had 17" wheels originally. I now have 19" wheels and can really tell no difference in the ride quality of the car. It seems to ride the same with either set of wheels.

 

The ride is not going to be that much different. It's more a factor of the suspension, i.e. shocks and springs. I don't think you could buy tires that are soft enough to give you the level of comfort you seek.

 

Hi, I read your post and would like to provide some comments. Just for “credentialing” purposes, I’ll mention I’ve driven on 17”, 18”, and 19” wheels; and I’ve run various types of tires (summer performance, all-season, and studless winter tires).

Here is my recommendation: Go with 17” wheels and an all-square (225/55-17”) setup using winter tires.

Why? Because this setup is easy to drive, provides a very quiet and comfortable ride, is soft and very forgiving, and being all-square allows for rotating your tires at all corners. Another bonus is that you can keep this “dedicated winter setup” for driving during the cold and snowy months in Chicago after you recover fully and get more appropriate tires for summer driving.

My most sincere wishes for a full recovery that I hope happens sooner than later for you,

--Spike

 

If you need an easy ride for serious medical reasons, I don't think a little taller sidewall is going to make a huge difference. You're probably better off buying a smooth daily driver.

 

^^ But my 17" wheels with snow tires are sooo much more quiet with a much softer ride than my 18" wheels with A/S tires. The difference is huge.

I suppose it's a combination of sidewall height and the type of tire.

--Spike

 

Forgot to mention-my daily driver is a 09 Mazda5 with a manual trans.
I can drive the 350z as-is but I can drive it longer if I smooth it out a bit.
A Nissan parts guy ran my VIN and it showed that my car came with the 18inch wheel option from the factory (and side airbags). The tire pressure sticker by the door only lists 18 inch as well. My wife drives easy so I figured this would make the car a little nicer for the next year or so for not a lot of cash.

 

Yeah... money would be better spent on another car I think.

Or you could buy a set of used shocks that have been beat on for 75K miles and lots of track time... They are nice and soft, lol.

Really though the Z's suspension is setup pretty firm from the factory so it's not a good choice at all if you want a smooth ride. Tires can only do so much... the suspension is the primary factor here.

BTW I hope you have a smooth recovery. Take it easy, don't attend any rock concerts.

 

Brain surgery! One hell of an introduction.

You are not going to turn a 350Z into a Buick with wheels and tires. Get yourself a 4,000 pound 10-year old Buick for a couple thousand dollars.

 

Why not just drive the Mazda 5? Save the Z for a weekend when your feeling good?

 

get a camry

 

Thank you for this amazingly helpfull tip. Unfortunately I am not looking for a 3rd car to replace my 1st car (Mazda5), I am looking to improve my 2nd car (350z) for my needs . Isn't there a lounge or off topic section for hilarious jokesters like yourself with time to waste? Thank you to everyone who actually read my posts and tried to help. I figured every site has at least 1 of "those guys" who has to speak even when they have nothing to say. I guess we all have some kind of hobby.

 

Depends on your budget, you might want to consider getting air suspension for the Z. I remember a company called Universal Air made a kit for the Z. WIth air suspension, you can soften the suspension much more than with thicker sidewall tires.

 

Well i have both sets of wheels, my 05 is bone stock with 17's and my 03 touring originally came with 18's. Just throw some all season OEM size tires on your 18's and you will be good. Not to mention a nice set of all season will probably be very nice in the area you live.

 

theres no reason to downgrade to 17s.. it will make a very minimal difference.. what i would recommend is getting different suspension and put it on the softest settings possible

 

It was a brilliant suggestion. Certainly one i would take into consideration if i was in your current fragile/sensitive condition.

why would you even drive the Z if you cant enjoy what it has to offer you? putting all season tires on it? reducing its contact patch with the road? i'm guessing sprited driving probably would put you in pain too right?

If you insist on driving the Z here is my next advice. I had 17" wheels then upgraded to 18" wheels. There is no noticeable difference in ride comfort to me, but then again, i didn't have healing wound in my head. You could just take some pain killers ahead of time before you go out for a drive.

 

You'll find him in the Ebonics section with his spelling. This site has many of those guys.

I agree that a tire with a tall and soft sidewall will be a lot more comfortable. I like the 225 or 245 all-around suggestion on 17" wheels as well. Any performance tire will be stiffer than a similarly-sized A/S or winter tire. Good luck, and all the best during your recovery.

 

if you go with 17s id look into the taller sidewall like scotts300 said.. check the bridgestone re760 out.. it is a performance tire but suppposedly with a better ride quality then most.

 

Thanks everybody. I have a line on some OEM 17" wheels nearby and since I dont have TPMS on this car a swap will be quick and low hassle. It will be interesting to feel the difference.