Hi Guys,

I'm brand new to the forum and need a little advice from someone who's gone through this before. Here's the situation. I have a 2010 G37S with stock size (225/50ZR18 99Y Front and 245/45ZR18 100Y) Michelin Pilot Super Sports, that were on the car when I purchased it. I haven't been impressed with them and it's time for new ones. I have two questions.

1) Can I go 10 mm wider on each corner keeping the stock 18" sport wheels? Would 235 front width and 255 rear fit on the stock wheels? If so, would I have to lower the aspect ratio to keep the same circumference?

2) What tire brand/model is favored? I loved the Falken Ziex 912's that I had on my previous G35 and Falken also has the Ziex 950 and Azenis FK453. I've seen that some people on the forum also like the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo. What would you recommend for a Summer or All Season tire? I'm in southern California, so there is not much water and no snow to deal with.

My daily drive is 20 minutes in street traffic, but I like to have a little fun on the weekends. Think more on ramp/off ramp fun, rather than track fun. I'd appreciate any feedback that you have.

Thank you.

MK

 

You weren't impressed with the pilot super sports (are you sure that's what they were)? LOL, and the fact that you are asking about tires that are definitely a step down in the performance department very much perplexes me.

 

So much searching needs to be done here. I'll give you a few hints. Any replacement tire south of the Pilot Sports in price will be less fun and 10mm's won't increase the fun factor either.

Sway bars would be a different story though...

 

I recently got new tires for my '11 G37X, Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 225x55x17. I like them WAY better then the Goodyear RSA's the car came with.
What sway bars are you referring to please?

 

^ sway bars are referring to replacing your stock sway bars with a stiffer aftermarket sway bar set. The S RWD sedan comes with a decent set of sways, but there is room for improvement. A ton of guys on the forum have had great success with the pilot super sport and eibach/hotchkis combo. Tires and sways are two of the best ways to improve the handling of the S sedan. Both of those sway bars are adjustable so a guy can dial in whatever set up he needs for his purposes.

I have the eibach sways and OE bridgestones and its a great combo.

 

Are you trolling the forum or are you serious? The Falken 912 is a junk all season tire that my mom got for cheap to put on her leased Altima base model so that it would pass the turn in inspection... those tires were god awful... yet you liked them more than pilot super sports? The same basic tire they stick on cars like the Bugatti Veyron and BMW M5? Not sure if serious or trolling....

 

How worn down were the PSS when you got the car?

 

That's it right there. Doesn't matter how awesome a tire is, because when it's to the point of failing an inspection, it's toast. The PSS are top of the line for 3-season performance. To say that you're a little unimpressed is pretty ridiculous. The only reason to downgrade your tires is because of cost and/or a predisposition not to appreciate the handling characteristics available from a high performance tire.

OP, Ferarri 458 owners would have a SMH moment reading your post.

 

BTW, I think going 10mm wider with the same aspect ratio is going to make the handling softer because of the increased tire height.

Going down a series, IE 235/45 and 255/40, doesn't have the right height F/R. If this was an upgrade, I think more people would be doing it. If you want to run wider tires, then you should probably go with 19" wheels.

 

Solid rock wheels would be better than those RS-As. lol

OP. So many options for you, and so many people with different opinions.

I really like the Nitto Motivos I have on my 2010 xS sedan. They are All-Season though.

Get the best you can afford. Higher price doesn't necessarily = better tire either.

 

When I replaced the stock 17" wheels on my 37x with gunmetal powdercoated 19" coupe wheels, I went with Conti Extreme Contact DWS tires and could not have more pleased. I thought that they would make the ride harsher by the mere fact of being a low profile tire, but I was wrong, and have thoroughly enjoyed the last 10,000 miles.

 

I have same set up went from 17 to 19 with conti dws
did you find the steering went softer? this is my first low profile tire
it feels like theres more play on the steering wheel as before

 

No issues with the steering at all, but to be fair the steering rack was replaced under warranty about 2 months prior. Not sure if it makes a difference in this particular situation.

Tony

 

i read up on the dws how the sidewalls are softer than other tires, im assuming why this is why the steering feels kinda softer and now that its a lower profile tire than the previous 17s

 

+1 on going to 19" wheels. I would do 19x8.5 fronts with 245/40 and 19x10 rears with 275/35 Michelins. Handling is orders of magnitude better than the stock size. The car will feel much more planted. I had close to that setup with Michelin Pilot A/S Plus and the setup left nothing to be desired. It was in my opinon, how the car should have some from the factory. Also 370Z sport wheels take that same size tire so dimensions are a perfect +1 fitment over the stock sport 18's.