I've read multiple threads on winter tires and sizing and I'm left with a couple of questions that hopefully can be addressed by the Z brain trust.

I'm ordering a set of Blizzaks WS80's and alloy rims for my 2004 350Z and it's been suggested by multiple users on here to go with the all square setup of 225/55/17's. Obvious advantages re rotation and I like the notion of a slightly higher ride height re ground clearance. I was placing the order yesterday when the guy at the shop warned that the size up front is not OE and he couldn't guarantee fit and any potential rubbing etc. I get that this isn't the OE diameter up front (but a match for the rears). But I guess I want some assurance that these won't rub. He specifically warned that with snow tires and deep grooves you will get snow packed into the rubber which would make the additional height a bigger issue with clearance.

I don't blame the guy at the shop for doing his due diligence. He wasn't warning based on specific experience, just the notion that upsizing tire height *might* have an impact and he wouldn't make any guarantees.

Also, I understand that changing tire height will impact the speedometer, but do we know whether the speedo is measured from the front or the rear? If it's the rears then I'm good but if it's the front it would be nice to know so I can compensate accordingly.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

It will work doubt you will rub if your on stock suspension. I would have gone for 225/50-17 all around for winter , or just the front with the 55 out back.

 

You are good with 225/55-17” all-square. I’ve run this setup on a 2003 Performance model with VDC for many years now and have never experienced a significant issue. I’ve run two different brands of studcless snow tires, and now have Dunlop Graspic DS-2 studless tires on the car.

Here are a couple of pictures ( not exactly "a flush setup"):





Tires:225/55-17” all-square
Wheels: 17x7.5" with 30 mm offset

 

I wouldn't drive my Z in winter but then again I don't have winter in cali

 

You can drive you 350z during the winter in snow and on ice if you mount studless snow tires. Minnesota has a harsh winter with snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures; and I’ve driven my 350z all winter without any issues whatsoever.

I also have a Jeep Commander, but I prefer my 350z… even during the winter.

 

It's the salt. Thas why I wouldn't

 

Thanks for the replies. Does anyone know about the speedo question? Is the speedometer reading taken from the front or rear wheels?

 

Off the rear

 

Take a look at the Yokohama AT/S tires. I have 215 60 17's on my AWD G35. yes, they are quiet and not bad to drive on in nice weather.
You'll need to adjust the tires pressures to suit your driving.
I run the fronts at 42 and the rear 36. 51 psi max for the tire so you have some head room.
Its a great rain for rain or snow. They continue to work even when the temps are above 45*F, the winter tires wear very fast in the warmer temps.

Don't be scared....

 

 

There are random threads out there of people having VDC issues with square setups. Not sure why some have more problems than others, or what's triggering the system, but others with problems are out there.

 

did you get any rubbing up front with the 55s?