Need some wheel/tire advice - I read the FAQ first, I promise!

[ceningolmo]

Ok... so I read the FAQ, and used the search button... but, I still have a couple of questions. My apologize if this is a repost.

I am in the process of returning the vehicle to its original glory. I still have plenty of mechanical work ahead of me before I really have the time/money to worry about wheels/tires. But, for the purposes of future budgeting, I would like to get an idea of what I am capable of getting, what is probably within my budget, and what I could plausibly afford if I save enough money.

Vehicle:1991 Infiniti Q45aG50 chassisVH45DE engineStock suspension, which was the "active" suspension. Currently it needs repair and is non operational.

Budget:Shoe string.

Conditions of use:Daily driver.I don't drive the car at its limits, but I do like to "have the option" to push the car while on the highway on occassion.I live in Michigan, but only need to worry about Spring/Summer/Fall. I will use the stock wheels and some all season tires for Winter driving.

Goals:I am trying to restore the car, and unfortunately I have taken on the expenses that go with it. My goal is to give myself a really nice, affordable (relative to a new car), and great driving luxury car. I like the look of the VIP style, but have no plans to do any body kits, lowering, or outrageous performance additions. Ideally, I would just like to have a car that looks expensive, rides and drive great, and will get me where I am going as fast as I want to get there.

My questions:So, during my research I haven't found many reccomendations for wheels above an 18" wheel diameter for the Q. A couple of websites list 19" wheels as a possibility, but I don't think any recommended 20" or larger. Original equipment on mine were 15" diameter, 6.5" width, and 45 offset. Most of the 18/19" wheels I have looked at show an ideal width for the Q of 7.5-8". And, most of the reccomendations I have read on NICO about offset seem to show a 35-40 offset as being the ideal.

I used a couple of different Offset calculators to see how different setups wold affect my car relative to the OEM setup. But, I don't have any precise measurements for the room inside my wheel wells. So, the offset calculator might show an additional 9mm of width to the inside of the wheel/tire and an additional 25mm of width on the outside edge. Unfortunately, I don't have any idea how much clearance is allowable within my chassis. And, I don't know how the change in wheel/tire size might affect my setup with the Active Suspension.

So... I am looking for some reccomendations. Give a newbie some help, if you please.

Again, if this is a repost, please accept my apologies and point me in the right direction.

[McRussellPants]

My questions:So, during my research I haven't found many reccomendations for wheels above an 18" wheel diameter for the Q. A couple of websites list 19" wheels as a possibility, but I don't think any recommended 20" or larger. Original equipment on mine were 15" diameter, 6.5" width, and 45 offset. Most of the 18/19" wheels I have looked at show an ideal width for the Q of 7.5-8". And, most of the reccomendations I have read on NICO about offset seem to show a 35-40 offset as being the ideal.

FORGET ALL OF THIS NOW. Q45 needs 10J F and 13J Rear or BUST.

http://www.vipstylecars.com/forum/ - Go here, there is some awesome info on VIP style cars there (duh). Including one guy that found a way to get airbags on JIC coilovers.

[chmercer]

^^^ no joke.



BAM

[McRussellPants]

After some quick glancing on VIPStyle...

You can go 19x10 in the front but with a 9.5 you'll need to worry about more clearances

in the rear 11.5 is doable with a 265 or less tire.

Offset should be in the teens to +20

[Paraphrased OnetonVIP.]

[continental_drift]

with those reccomendations, I think you may need to point this gentlemanin the direction of some over fenders

seriously though...thats VIP, bottom line.anything else "19 or "20 inch is crenshaw blvd. Ice Cube would be feelin itthough.

<3 Q's

[Exar-Kun]

If you want to go with a larger wheels/tire on a Q you need to consider a few things, the alrgest of which being load capacity of your new wheel/tire assembly, and the fitment of it.

The Q is a heavy vehicle, so make sure you meet or exceed the OEM load index for the car (98 I think, but I'm not sure..I don't have my book with me), and make sure the wheels you select are rated for that heavy of a vehicle.

after that, if you get a 19" I'd run at least a 8.5" width, otherwise you'll be stuck with horribly skinny, low load indexed tires for a Q...a 8.5f and 9" or 9.5" rear would probably be nice on the Q.

obviously, if you're looking to do the "VIPstyle" thing, check the links above...but I'm not a big fan of that kind of thing, esspecailly with a daily driver.

You may want to PM wes (elwesso) and see if he has anny reccomendations on Q things, as I'm not particularly good with them (I'm a S-chassis/ Z chassis guy...)

-Chet

[ceningolmo]

Thanks for the help. I guess I should have specified my tastes a little more specifically. I said I like the look of VIP style if only because I like the way Falkdesign has his Y33 Q set up. Not sure if the G50 in the links above are the look I am trying to achieve.

First and foremost, the car will be a daily driver. I will definately make sure that form follows function.

I will talk to Wes (he has already helped me with a bunch of other stuff), and see if he knows which wheel widths are best. I know the rear wheels on his are wide enough that when it hits a good bump you will hear the wheels rub on the inside of the wheel wells. Scared the hell out of me the first time I heard it.

Thanks for the help.

[240sxjeff]

Vipstyle Q45's definately look hot. I was thinking of buying one of those last year for that sole purpose but then remebered that the Q is a v8 and I wasn't having that gas sipper