lilaclucymaxima

iTrader: (16)

I posted this in the rims/tires forum, but I doubt I will get any response there. I had two questions reguarding the 2000-2001 Maxima SE rims. First, how wide is the widest tire you can fit on those? Also, how much do they weigh? Right now I have the 4th gen 15" "honeycomb" rims, so I would like to know if putting those 17" rims on would slow me down in any way. Thanks

sloppymax

iTrader: (8)

alot of people run 235/45/17 which will give you more selection and better value than the 225/50/17 that comes stock. 235/45 is the widest i would go on a 7" wheel which the SE wheels is. my ae wheel which is the same besides a different finish was 25-26lbs. adding that weight will affect your accleration negatively because you are having more and taller inertia to move. general rule is 1lbs of unsprung weight equals 8lbs of spurng weight. check the homepage of the org for a great explanation concerning this.

lilaclucymaxima

iTrader: (16)

Thanks a lot man, you gave me all the answers I was looking for. I would rather have 235's than 225's because I think they would look waaaay better sitting on wider tires. Thanks again!

irish44j

iTrader: (38)

I'm going to give you the straight-up gouge here:

The rim is 17x7
Widest tire is 235/45/17 BUT only in SOME tires (not all) - I personally have run this size and feel it HURTS handling since the sidewall is far from vertical (vertical is best for handling). The stock 225/50/17 is much better handling in the same tire (any tire). Another option is 215/50/17 or 215/55/17, which would handle the best, even though you get less tread. That's how it is on a 7" wide rim. So...235 is technically in spec, but not good for handling. I would NOT suggest this size, and this coming from someone who actually has used this size on the 00-01 SE 17's.

A good rule is for handling, go towards the MINIMUM tire width for a rim (which, in your case is a 215) if you can't use the middle range (225)

For example, I run 235's on my 18x8 rims, which is the perfect in-spec width. but not on a 7" wide rim...

Now, as to weight. The 00-01 17's weigh 24.5 lbs., and yes, it will adversely affect your acceleration quite a bit coming from 15s especially. These are extremely heavy wheels.

so, coming from someone who has used quite a few different tires and rim sizes on both the maxima and other cars, I strongly suggest you NOT go with 235's on a 7" wide rim, unless you like sloppy handling and poor ride quality.

The ONLY thing the 235/45 will improve is your grip for drag racing...but how often are you drag racing vs. regular driving????

EDIT: addition - by the way, I do a bit of autocross with the maxima, so I have some experience on track handling of tires, as well as the street handling - plus I've done many many hours of research on this subject - so I'm not trying to BS you or anything!

lilaclucymaxima

iTrader: (16)

I have never been to the track, and don't really plan on it any time soon. I just wanted something that looks good. I love the way wider tires look. I am going to look into 18" rims that aren't that heavy if I can find a good deal. If not, I will purchase the SE rims and put 225's like you suggest on them. I do not want sloppy handling or poor ride quality. Thank you for your input, I will definitely take all of what you said into consideration.

sloppymax

iTrader: (8)

as a side not, i was not endorsing the size, just answering your questions. i have only run 225/50 and 235/50 on the stock wheels. then 235/45 on 17X7.5 konig wheels then finally 245/45 on 17X8 kosei wheels which i have know. i have not experienced negative side effects to handling in any of these of choices and it has only gotten better. i know a local member that has run 245/45 on stock wheels which he felt did negatively affect handling but only while he was pushing the limit of the car. he also ran 235/45 and noted more control while pushing it. he stated 245/45 was too much and that 235/45 matched his aggressive driving style much better than the stock 225/50.