Hello, I am living in Japan and drive a 2004 350Z Roadster.
I can not find the Hankook tires in the original size ( front 225/50-17 rear 235/50-17)

They are available in front 225/45-17 rear 235/45-17
I can also get the tires in size front 225/50-17 rear 245/50-17

Here are my questions. Will the ride become a lot harder than the original tires (Potenza front 225/50-17 rear 235/50-17) if I change to front 225/45-17 rear 235/45-17 ?
I also worry about ground clearance since these tires will drop the car about 11 millimeters.

If I would go with the bigger rear wheel size will it affect the handling a lot ? Since the rear tires is a bit wider and the height is also 50% will this change the handling of the car substantially putting more weight on the front ? (I already feel that the Z350 has some understeer problems caused by the weight distribution)
Also how much will the front fender drop with the higher rear tire ?

Or do you think I am over analyzing everything and the car will be fine with either choice.

best regards

 

If you can get the Hankooks in the proper diameter not to screw up your TCS,
your ride quality will improve over the OEM Potenzas.
I'd think sizes in a 235/45 front,245/45 rear would be a better choice if those sizes are
available.

 

Hello,

any reason why you recommend going one size bigger from the standard size ?
front 225/50-17 to front 235/45-17 ?
rear 235/50-17 to rear 245/45-17 ?

the hankook tires are available in the three sizes.
I have the standard wheels (front 17inch 225 and rear 17inch 235)
won't going one size bigger make the steering more heavy ? I am not really concerned about having more grip since driving in Japan is a slow endeavor anyway.

 

Why do you want Hankooks any ways? If you're in Japan get some Yokohama or Bridgestones. Those S1 wont even provide the amount of grip you can get from a summer tire set up.