Hello everyone I've been out of the Honda scene for almost 3yrs now but I'm glad to say I am the newest owner of a 2003 Z as of yesterday. I never thought Id get the itch to work on cars again but I couldn't help myself when I got in the 350. Ok as far as my question goes I bought a 2003 model with some "baller" style 20 inch rims and first things first those had to go so I located a guy on CL that had a set of the stock 17s with tires for bout 220 with about 80% thread left. The only problem was that all four had the same 225/50/17 tires on them and the guy told me all were 17x7.5 I did some research and found out that rears are 17x8 and had 235/50 out back. I'm gonna buy the set and flip the other rims for cash, but my plan was to keep the 350 fairly stock for bout a year but just do small things like lowering springs with the stockies, I saw some pics with the 17s lowered and I'm liking them but Im guessing the rears have the 235ers. Would my Z look weird with a drop and same size tires all round and should I use wheel spacers to achieve a more staggered look with the stock 17s. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to talking and discussing all things Z with you guys.

 

In a nutshell,the OEM fitment rear tire is slightly taller than the front.
The "staggered" you are referring to is not a look but the difference in the front&rear
wheel&tire set up.Visually,you can't tell the difference.If you get too far out of wack,
you may have a problem with your TCM(if your Z has this feature).
If it were me,I'd not go through the expense of lowering the car with stock 17's.
Spacers are not going to help much.

 

Are you currently experiencing any traction issues?

If not, just leave the wheels/tires as they are and save up for a set of aftermarket wheels instead

 

If you want to keep the stock look, try to find some (rare find) 350z Track or Nismo wheels. The fronts are 18" and the rears are 19" with a much wider width. They look very sexy imo.

 

25 or 30mm spacers on all 4 wheels would give you the flushed look, and make the Z with stock wheels look much, much better overall.

 

^ Concur. I have the stock 17's and went 25mm in the rear and 20mm in the front. Looks Soooooo much better. Could've even went 30 and 25, but was worried about rubbing. Hindsight tells me I probably woulda been ok, but I'm happy with the currrent set up.

 

Stick with OEM wheel and tire sizes. Avoid a big headache.

 

then throw a 25mm spacer on the front, then a 30mm in the rear and call it a day.

 

If any thing i ran 225/45/17 and 245/45/17 on my stockies as a spare set.

 

Always happy to help. If you have other questions please do not hesitate to waste my time.