G35 Wheel Size question

[n00b240]

Sup all, its been a VERY long time since I've posted 'round these parts. I used to have a 240sx that I autocrossed quite a bit and then sold it. Ive also had this G35 since 2003, it was pretty much a weekend car. Since selling the 240 and getting out of the autocross scene 3 years ago the G has become the daily.

Fast forward to today, in the past Ive always been wrapped with Dunlop DIrezzas, before that was yoko, but I went dunlop because they were cheaper. However this year I have had 3 blowouts. The last one being today. Ive dealt with the uneven tire wear on the fronts, not a big deal. What has become annoying are the random blowouts. It was the drivers side rear tire that had the blowout this time , it had around 3k miles on it. Needless to say, Im done with dunlop

My question is, Im thinking about getting rid of the aftermarket wheels I have on currently (traded my stocks for these when I took delivery in 2k3) And now I'd like to get something different. The stock wheel size sticker says 18x8 and 18.8.5.

My question is, Would I be good to run a square setup of 18x8.5 or 18x8.0? Would I be able to drop down to say 17x8.5 (more styles available in that size, coupled with cheaper tires). I plan on seeing autocrosses only to test out new tires since the dunlops have proven to be crap. One day I'll get back into autrocrossing but not with the G (its got 60k miles on it)

Thanks for the help in advance!

POST EDIT: ah reading through the posts in my sig. Good memories

[joe603]

Not a suspension guy...but RED Det would probably know.

[audtatious]

Non-staggered with asymmetrical tires of the same size allows for easy rotation and longer life. Running 17" v 18" rims will simply give you a softer ride while losing some cornering performance.

[n00b240]

Running 17" v 18" rims will simply give you a softer ride while losing some cornering performance.

Thanks!