Ok, I was talked out of getting the 18in rims because of how much the tire price jumps up for that size. So he shows me a set in 17in. My car is a GLE maxima with the 16in alloy 215/55. I'm looking for something that will look good on a non-lowered car but give better handling without loosing too much to road noise and bumps. He said the 18in would be pretty bad.
Shall I put on a set of 235/45(or was it 50) 16 tires or 225/50? Please help I pick up the new rims tomorrow.
I loved the 18in.. 17 seems so close to the 16in I have but it has one less spoke so its easier to clean.
Shall I put on a set of 235/45(or was it 50) 16 tires or 225/50? Please help I pick up the new rims tomorrow.
I loved the 18in.. 17 seems so close to the 16in I have but it has one less spoke so its easier to clean.

Senior Member
So you're getting the 17s? or are you looking for tires for the 16s? I have 235/40/18 Bridgestone Pole Position SO-3s and the road noise is minimal, the handling is way better and the grip during both wet and dry is a day and night difference over stock. I really like them!
BTW, you should really make it out to one of the MaxImage meets as you can get a load of ideas and see the examples first hand.
BTW, you should really make it out to one of the MaxImage meets as you can get a load of ideas and see the examples first hand.
Going with the 17in. I hope that's not a bad choice. I was hoping to be different, but the 18in with the larger tires would bump me to high. I don't race, but I do want better handling.
Meetings: yeah one of these day I have to go. WHen are they normally held?
Meetings: yeah one of these day I have to go. WHen are they normally held?
Quote:
BTW, you should really make it out to one of the MaxImage meets as you can get a load of ideas and see the examples first hand.
Originally Posted by Maximum Velocity
So you're getting the 17s? or are you looking for tires for the 16s? I have 235/40/18 Bridgestone Pole Position SO-3s and the road noise is minimal, the handling is way better and the grip during both wet and dry is a day and night difference over stock. I really like them!BTW, you should really make it out to one of the MaxImage meets as you can get a load of ideas and see the examples first hand.
Senior Member
What kind of wheels are you getting...if you don't mind me asking? Also, what is the width of the wheels? 8 inches?
I don't race either, but I figured if I was spending all of that money on larger tires and wheels, I might as well go a couple of sizes bigger. If you get wider wheels, it'll contribute to better handling, so the overall diameter will only contribute to a harsher ride.
Our MaxImage meets are held every so often. Lately they've been once a week. Check www.maximage.org for more info about upcoming events. Also, we just had a big All Nissan Cruise yesterday where about 20 of our members showed up. No shame, just come on out. We're all family.
I don't race either, but I figured if I was spending all of that money on larger tires and wheels, I might as well go a couple of sizes bigger. If you get wider wheels, it'll contribute to better handling, so the overall diameter will only contribute to a harsher ride.
Our MaxImage meets are held every so often. Lately they've been once a week. Check www.maximage.org for more info about upcoming events. Also, we just had a big All Nissan Cruise yesterday where about 20 of our members showed up. No shame, just come on out. We're all family.
Strange I did a quick reply to tell you the wheel like 10min ago but it didn't post. I'm gonna get the 17x7(maybe 7.5 I forget) Enkei RS6 with either 225/50 or 235 45 but can't deside what to get.
Quote:
I don't race either, but I figured if I was spending all of that money on larger tires and wheels, I might as well go a couple of sizes bigger. If you get wider wheels, it'll contribute to better handling, so the overall diameter will only contribute to a harsher ride.
Originally Posted by Maximum Velocity
What kind of wheels are you getting...if you don't mind me asking? Also, what is the width of the wheels? 8 inches? I don't race either, but I figured if I was spending all of that money on larger tires and wheels, I might as well go a couple of sizes bigger. If you get wider wheels, it'll contribute to better handling, so the overall diameter will only contribute to a harsher ride.
looks like this:
http://maxima.cardomain.com/id/shugarhi
http://maxima.cardomain.com/id/shugarhi
Senior Member
Those look good! The Enkei website only lists them in 17x7, so go with 225/50/17. Bring your car out one day, I'd like to see them in person.
why 225/50 and not the 235/45? Both SHOULD fit and he's nice enought to mount the rim with both tires and show me on my car to make sure I can still turn. Will "only" 10mm make a difference? I have 215 now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximum Velocity
Those look good! The Enkei website only lists them in 17x7, so go with 225/50/17. Bring your car out one day, I'd like to see them in person.
Senior Member
I have 235/40 on my 18x8, and they fit really good. You won't have any problems turning with a 235 tire. If he's willing to mount both sizes for you to try out, then go with what feels best, or looks best to you. And as measly as 10mm sounds, yes it does make a difference. I have 20mm (0.78 inch) difference over stock and it's a world of improvement in handling.
oh hey, you don't think that by going with the 235/45 I'll have more wheel well space do you? I can't lower the car(family car) so I'm hoping it won't look ugly.
Senior Member
You may have a larger wheel gap since it's a larger overall diameter in comparison to the stock 16s overall diameter. I know I ended up with a slightly larger wheel gap when I put on my 18s. If you wanna lower some to lose the wheel gap but retain a good majority of the smooth stock ride, get some H&R springs...it won't really appear lowered and the family will probably never notice...hehe. I've ridden in a car with MaxSpeed springs and stock struts and although it's noticeably lower, the ride quality wasn't too bad. I'm pretty picky about my ride quality too, I like the finesse of the ride, so hopefully that'll give some indication of what my tolerances are.
Posted pics!
http://maxima.cardomain.com/id/starstreak
http://maxima.cardomain.com/id/starstreak
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximum Velocity
You may have a larger wheel gap since it's a larger overall diameter in comparison to the stock 16s overall diameter. I know I ended up with a slightly larger wheel gap when I put on my 18s. If you wanna lower some to lose the wheel gap but retain a good majority of the smooth stock ride, get some H&R springs...it won't really appear lowered and the family will probably never notice...hehe. I've ridden in a car with MaxSpeed springs and stock struts and although it's noticeably lower, the ride quality wasn't too bad. I'm pretty picky about my ride quality too, I like the finesse of the ride, so hopefully that'll give some indication of what my tolerances are.
ops 17in. handles a bit better. no squeels.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximum Velocity
Looks good! BTW, are those 17s or 16s? Cause your Cardomain site says 235/45 16in. How do you like the handling?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximum Velocity
Good....all you need is an FSTB now! It made cornering a lot easier and made it tighter.