Here is an email chain I've been having with Yokohama, it doesn't look very encouraging...I've included the email address of Yokohama (it's just their standard customer service address), maybe additional emails will help...it can't hurt to try

Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2001 4:08 PM
To: info@yokohamatire.com
Subject: Yokohama Tire - E-Mail

Comments: As a loyal Yokohama customer for the past four years (Honda Accord with Avid H4/V4 tires), I was dissapointed to discover that Yokohama doesn't offer anything in the factory size for the Nissan Maxima SE. I would really love to put a set of AVS (db or sport) on my new car, but the only option I have is 235/45r17. However, these are suggested for 7.5"-9" rims. The maxima comes standard with 7". There are many Maxima owners that would like to have additional tire options for their vehicle in the stock size. I'm just wondering if this is something you are considering. Thanks.

Reply:

Thank you for your email. Yokohama is always interested to hear if we are missing a particular popular fitment. You are correct that we do not currently offer a tire that will work on your vehicle in the 17" sizes. I will pass this information along to our product development team. Thank you for contacting Yokohama Tire Corporation.

Sent: Saturday, July 28, 2001 3:36 PM
To: info@yokohamatire.com
Subject: RE: Yokohama Tire - E-Mail

Any information on the issue of 225/50/17 tires? Details below. Thanks.

Reply:

Unfortunately, there are no current plans to introduce any of our models in size 225/50R17. Thank you for contacting Yokohama Tire Corporation.

 

Unfortunate indeed, the best tires I had on any car I owned were Yokos A509 on an '92 Eagle Talon TSI AWD : great grip, dauntless in the rain, reasonably silent. Yokohama replaced them later with the A510, and then with the actual A520 (my girlfriend had these on her '92 Mazda MX-3).

On the other hand, I can't praise the Yokos on my teg : some POS OEM 14" Y376 (squeal easily, spin effortlessly from a dead stop in the wet), but were talking low-level, low-perf tires here. If I had intended to keep the car longer, I would run on 16".

 

Can't you get them in 225/45/17?

 

The AVS Sport come in 225/45, the dbs do not (according to Tire Rack). There is a much larger selection in 225/45 from all the tire companies. When I sent this email, I was thinking one way. If there wasn't a 225/50 then I was going to the 235/45 regardless of the rim size. Because of all the discussion on the board, I am leaning away from doing that and will consider the 225/45 - 235/45 debate only if no quality 225/50 options are available when I buy new tires next spring (there is one quality option in 225/50...the Michelins...but they are expensive and I really prefer Yokos).

I just wish Nissan had used a more common stock size.

 

nitto 450's they come in 225/50/17's i have some 215/45/17 yoko's they are awsome but look a little goofy b/c they are to small. by the way the 450's are only like 125max each if you look around.

 

that's too bad. some yokos woulda been nice.