I'm thinking of picking up a set of rims from another car with the same 114.3 x 5 bolt pattern. They would be 17 x 8 with a 50mm offset. If I understand correctly from the searching I did here, I would need 15mm spacers to push the wheels out correctly?

Also, any input on tire sizes/brands from those of you running 17 x 8's would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your input.

 

Sounds like you're taken them off a Lexus GS400. If so, you're going to have a few problems...the hub-bore needs to be milled, and the lug nuts need to the flat kind with the washers. I actually had a set fitted to my Maxima and they're just laying in my garage. Another issue is that you'll have very slight tire rub when you do a U-turn. It's not bad, but it'll rub about 1mm off the edge of the tire (no big deal...that part of the tire never sees the road). My issue was with the big brake kit...they almost cleared (but almost doesn't count). I used a 7mm spacer and all was good. Then I upgraded to a set of 17X8 32mm offset SSR Integrals. These BARELY clear the Brembo brakes...reason being the spoke design on the GS400's flared out...the SSR's are pretty thick in depth.

 

Speaking from experience here, save yourself some trouble and get the recommended offset for your car, not for another car. Adding 15mm spacer means you will need to extend your wheelstuds b/c your OE wheelstuds will not have enough thread to hold the wheels in place. Once you replace OE studs with extended wheelstuds, you'll have a big problem if you should ever want to throw on stock wheels (longer studs).

Recommended tiresize for 17x8 is 235/45/17. 245/45/17 will work too. Reputable tire manufacturers are (but not limited to) Dunlop, Yokohama, Bridestone, Pirelli, Michelin, Toyo etc. Tire selection all depends on what speed rate you want, budget, summer or all-season tires, treadwear and so on.

Check out www.tirerack.com if you haven't already done so. It's a pretty consumer friendly site to learn about/buy tires and wheels from.

AnGe

 

Thanks for the advice, it seems it would be more trouble than its worth. So I may as well forget about using the 'wrong' rims.

My main goal is to increase lateral grip substansially. And I'm thinking that 17 X 8 with the 235/45 would be a step in the right direction; however, if I take on a 17 x 7 instead, would I feel like I had 'missed out' on the opportunity to go larger?

I'm just absolutely fed up with my stock suspension and gripless tires.

Thanks once again.

-Bernie.

 

234/45/17 tires will work for both 17x8 or 17.5
That's the tiresize I have on both set of rims.