anatak

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

JCITY

iTrader: (2)

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.

anatak

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.

Itzcashew

iTrader: (13)

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.