What size wheels and snow tires for Infiniti G35 MT Coupe with 19" wheels?

[Parky]

My 2005 Infiniti G35 MT Coupe with 6-spd. has the performance package with 19" wheels and P225/40/R19 tires on front and P245/40/R19 tires on the rear. I live just outside Boston, MA and want to put on four snow tires for the winter.

Question: Since smaller snowtires give better traction in the snow, can I put 17" wheels with P225/40/R17 snow tires on the front and P245/40/R17 snow tires on the rear to achieve better traction without causing a problem with the normal driving of the car? The Owners Manual says I should use the same size winter tires as the original equipment (19") to avoid handling problems. The dealer's parts dept. said the same thing.

Has anyone done what I am suggesting? Using 17" wheels/snow tires instead of 19" wheels/snow tires with the performance package suspension?

Parky

[SeVa-S13]

It'd be a good idea to get a higher profile (sidewall) tire so you can try to maintain as close to your original diameter as possible. If you went with those sizes on 17's your car would be a bit lower, which is really not what you want for snow.

[BadMojo]

It'd be a good idea to get a higher profile (sidewall) tire so you can try to maintain as close to your original diameter as possible. If you went with those sizes on 17's your car would be a bit lower, which is really not what you want for snow.

Tirerack seems to be recommending 225/50-17 fronts and 235/50-17 for rears with the proper "minus sizing".

Some new Blizzak Revo1's or some Nokian Hakkepelitas (sp?) would be groovy.

[Exar-Kun]

the 225-50 and 235-50-17's will keep your OD correct, if you ahve brembo's they may not clear though :/

if that's the case, you gotta run the 225-45-18 and 245-45-18

-Chet